Lessons Learned From Being A Future Business Leader

Throughout our lives we are shaped by the people we are around and the things we are involved in. These have a permanent impact on the rest of our lives and they work to make us into the people we are today. Over the past year, I served as the State President for FBLA Arizona, and it has been the most rewarding, enriching experience of my life. Beyond the fun I have had, the lifelong friends I have made, and the perspective shifting experiences that I have had, the most important thing this past year has allowed me to do is learn. It has forced me to adapt and develop skills that I otherwise may not have paid attention to. It has allowed me to gain a semblance of direction and taught me to step up to any challenge, no matter how impossible it has seemed. Due to this I credit a large part of my personality and leadership ability to this organization and I thank it for the opportunities it has allowed me to have. Here are some of the specific things FBLA has allowed me to do:

F: Found My Path

When I came into High School, I was a generally shy kid that wasn't really sure of what he wanted to do with his life, and had no semblance of a life plan, but after joining and getting involved in FBLA, I discovered a whole new side to myself. I discovered an inner me that loved to network, lead, speak and inspire. An inner me that soon became an outer me, and due to this organization the once shy kid who wanted nothing more than to be left alone and do nothing all day became a kid who craved human interaction, who craved friendship and helping out in the lives of others. Through this transformation I saw my desired career path take form. After being able to lead an officer team at both the local and state level I realized that leading is something I love and desire to do for the rest of my life. My career aspirations of wanting to become a CEO and entrepreneur took form and the realization of this passion became a driving force in many of my high school decisions, and I have FBLA to thank for that.

B: Built Connections

Through FBLA I have learned the importance of building connections with others. Through connections I have made I have been able to get five different clients for my pet sitting and landscaping businesses as well as countless recommendations for other jobs. When I was in sixth grade I remember going to my local community college to take video game design classes (which was an interest at the time) and after communicating with my college adviser about some college goals I had, I can still remember him telling me, "it's never really about what you know, it is about who you know." After that meeting I disregarded that statement until about four years later, after a year of being in FBLA when I realized the importance of those connections and how far they can take you. through FBLA I have learned how to network and make those connections and have had to opportunity to meet countless like-minded students from across the nation. FBLA has allowed me to meet alumni from my dream colleges, life-long friends, future employers, and an array of unique and talented individuals from across the nation.

L: Learned To Lead

Leadership is one of the most desired skills by employers, yet when I was younger I had no idea how to be a true leader, but after the multitude of opportunities FBLA has given me to lead a team, I have been able to decipher the meaning of being a true leader and begin to apply that definition to my own ability. A true leader is someone who allows others to flourish, someone that puts aside credit for the greater good of a group, and someone who is willing to make sacrifices for those they lead. A true leader is caring, thoughtful, and selfless, and I have been able to learn this by watching past leaders of FBLA exhibit these desired qualities. By being a part of this organization I have had the chance to view real leaders in action, and then use these lessons to enhance my own leadership.

A: Aimed To Aid Others

The final large component of what I have learned this year is the importance of helping others. This past year has been the most community involved year of my life. I have had the chance to participate in charity walks, help out at career and college preparation events for those less fortunate, and assist in the distribution of food to less fortunate families. these volunteer opportunities have given me perspective on life and allowed me to see what others live through and go through. This perspective has taught me to be thankful for all I have, and to do whatever I can to give others a bit of hope, joy and assistance. This switch to being more involved in my community has allowed me to wake up feeling better about myself with a purpose and desire to assist in making the qualities of life for other individuals as high as they possibly could be. FBLA has given me the opportunity to discover this side of me, and I could not be more grateful.

Thank you FBLA, for teaching me so much and allowing me the opportunity to improve myself. I encourage all high school students to get involved, for the change it will make on your life is immeasurable.