2019.
I joined FBLA my freshman year because the senior class said it was a good way to get out of school. They were right. I stayed in FBLA for quite a different reason. I fell in love with the comradery and competition of conventions. I enjoyed meeting new people from other schools across the area/state. This was where the concept of networking was first introduced to me. I still keep in touch with many of the people I met with at these conventions.
4.
I held the position of Social Media Manager for 1 year. I wish I would’ve held more.
My future plans in high school were to attend college and pursue a degree in business entrepreneurship. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do past that, but I knew I wanted to be my own boss.
In a broad sense, my future plans didn’t change that much. I still want to be my own boss and I’m still very entrepreneurial. However, since high school, my plan to pursue a college degree has changed. I went away from school in February of 2021 and began pursuing a career in real estate.
I currently work full time as a civilian contractor with the Missouri Army National Guard. I am also a licensed realtor and real estate investor. This is what I am passionate about.
FBLA taught me one of the greatest lessons life has to offer. FBLA taught me how to “fake it till you make it”. The majority of projects that I would go on to present at District and State level competitions were created entirely the night before. My presentations were thrown together and majority improvised on the spot. I didn’t know what I was talking about, so to say, but I carried myself with confidence and spoke with a clear and convincing tone. This inspired my teammates, who fed off my energy, and it was the reason why we were so successful. While I ensure nowadays that I am much more prepared, I still find myself in situations where it is necessary to “fake it till I make”. I am thankful for FBLA for teaching me this quality.
My advice to current members would be to take advantage of every opportunity presented to you by FBLA and any club, really. District, State and even National level conventions are an incredible opportunity to grow as an individual. Not only are they a great way to get out of the classroom and experience a nice change of pace, they are also a great networking opportunity and all around a great way to learn more about yourself and those you’re around. Be involved! You’ll wish you were later.
I had an absolute blast in high school, so picking just one favorite memory is a task. Some of my favorite memories were definitely attending conventions with FBLA. Attending state my junior year was probably my favorite. This is when I fell in love with FBLA. A week full of bonding and competing. What more could you ask for?