When I was recruited to join FBLA, I knew I'd like it. What I didn't know was the incredible, life-changing impact that this organization was about to have on me.

As a member of FBLA, I've had the incredible opportunities to speak in front of thousands of people, travel to new and exciting cities, network with individuals across the country, meet some of my best friends and become a better leader and person.

FBLA has enhanced my speaking ability. As someone who's always enjoyed public speaking, it was so rewarding to have the opportunity to participate in competitive speaking events. Competing in Public Speaking I & II pushed me to become a better speaker and presenter and even allowed me to compete and speak in three cities away from home!

FBLA gave me the opportunity to travel to so many new places and network with individuals across the country. I attended three National Leadership Conferences, which were held in Nashville, Chicago and Atlanta. I "lived" in Opryland for a week, I ate Chicago-style deep dish pizza for almost every meal and I tried soda from around the world at the World of Coca-Cola, among so many other unique and exciting excursions. If it weren't for FBLA, I never would have had access to these opportunities!

I've met some of my truest and best friends through FBLA. Being surrounded by so many like-minded young individuals made it easy to make new friends and made it so difficult to say our goodbyes. Although we're spread out across the state and will soon be traveling to different parts of the country for college, I know we'll always stay in touch and that I'll have a friend in every place that I visit.

FBLA has made me a better leader and a better person. Serving as an officer at the chapter, regional and state levels helped me learn how to effectively lead a group, whether it be of 20 people or 14,000 people. I became confident in my ability to make decisions, work toward a goal, serve as a member of a team and oversee the progress of an organization. Acting as an officer allowed me to become a mentor and motivator for others, which was such a rewarding experience.

FBLA gave me the opportunity to make a difference. I helped choose an organization, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pennsylvania, that PA FBLA raised over $60,000 for. I encouraged other members to branch out and try new things. Most importantly, though, I recruited members and introduced them to the same opportunities that changed my life forever.

I might not run my own business someday, but I will surely use everything that FBLA has taught me in some way. FBLA is, and always will be, my favorite high school experience. I already miss it more than I can express, and I am so grateful for each and every experience, opportunity and lesson that I have gained from my membership in this incredible student organization.