The new officers of the Future Business Leaders of America at St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center believe membership in the organization will help lead to success in their chosen fields.
The officers of Local Chapter 12781 recently sat down with the Source and talked about why they joined FBLA and what they see as the benefits membership. Some of them have been in FBLA since they were in seventh grade.
These seven students are already ahead of the game. They have learned to be on time and how to dress in appropriate business attire. A couple of the girls ran up the stairs and hustled to get to the interview on time. The boys and girls were dressed like adult business men and women in navy suits with gold accents and gold or yellow shirts and blouses. The boys wore ties and dress shoes. Everyone looked neat as a pin and very professional.
President Peter Clifford, a sophomore at Complex, said he became a member of FBLA e3arly in his school career to gain business experiences and learn about business. He said membership in FBLA advances his plan to one day manage his parents’ business, PC Landscaping.
“And by joining FBLA we can give back to the community,” Clifford added. Members do beach clean-ups and conduct food and clothing drives for the less fortunate on St. Croix. Bake sales and car washes raise funds for travel and incidentals. He hopes to attend the FBLA National Leadership Conference in June in Atlanta and bring home trophies for St. Croix.
Sophomore Lance Frank, vice president of the group, said he wants to start his own computer engineering business. He believes the experience he has already gained as a member will help him when he gets into his trade.
Coraliz Rivera, freshman and the club historian, said she joined to learn more about business and see if business is the career path she wants to take. As a member she also hopes to improve her leadership skills.
Freshman Nayeli O’Shaughnessy, treasurer, said if she pursues a career in business she will be ahead of the game and at least know what to do and where to start in the business world.
“Being in FBLA will help me decide if I even want a career in business,” O’Shaughnessy said.
Parliamentarian Akyem Prince, a sophomore, said he chose to be in FBLA to further his business skills.
“I want to own my own business someday and FBLA will put me on the right track early,” Prince said.
Freshman Mojania Denis, chapter reporter, said everything he is experiencing as a FBLA member is preparing him for his future. He said he has been in it three years and he loves the organization.
Another freshman, secretary Demi Trimm, said the organization opens up new professional-type experiences that will benefit to her in the future.
Ronda Campbell, co-advisor, said these students and about 20 others involved in FBLA are a serious and eager group ready to learn and looking forward to a productive year.
Members meet once a week for about 45 minutes. Campbell said they follow national guidelines and protocol. They focus on three main aspects, which are professional, social, and community relations.
The students learn how to prepare, dress for, and take part in interviews. They practice leadership and communication skills, polish their organizational skills, and experience on the job training.
Campbell said a big part of the program is job shadowing with local business leaders. The group is always looking for people the students can shadow. Parents are encouraged to be involved by allowing their children to spend a day at their workplace.
Cheryl Jeremiah-Ambrose, assistant principal, said she noticed the new officers are ready for the tasks they claimed when they took office.
“I’ve noticed the officers are very mature,” Jeremiah-Ambrose said. “The students are getting ready and preparing to be leaders.”
She added as members of FBLA, they are also getting ready for careers and college. She said it is great to see boys involved in the organization.
Campbell and Colleen Clarke, co-advisor, said they were local FBLA members years ago when they were in high school and it benefited them. They encourage all students to get involved in FBLA even if they don’t plan on a career in business.
According to the FBLA website, the mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship. The organization’s goals are to develop competent, aggressive business leadership; strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work; create more interest in and understanding of American business enterprise; encourage members in the development of individual projects that contribute to the improvement of home, business, and community; develop character; prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism; encourage and practice efficient money management; encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty; assist students in the establishment of occupational goals; and facilitate the transition from school to work.
