Throughout this year, I’ve grown in many ways—as a person, a student, and an aspiring entrepreneur. Personally, I’ve improved my social skills and teamwork. As a student, I’ve learned how to manage my time better by being on time and getting my work done consistently. As an entrepreneur, I’ve grown by learning how to balance multiple responsibilities at once.

One thing I now believe about myself that I didn’t at the beginning of the program is that I can confidently go out and talk to people. A big challenge I faced was figuring out what business I wanted to start. Eventually, I decided to create a dessert using my grandma’s recipe, and it turned out to be the right choice.

This program has done so much for me by encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and build strong connections with people I’ve met along the way. The business visits were especially impactful. It was amazing that so many owners and presidents took time out of their day to talk to us about how their businesses started. Those conversations helped us build valuable connections.

I’m most proud of creating a business and being able to confidently talk about it. I’ve also made a lot of great connections through CEO. The program helped me train my mindset to be “five minutes early,” which I know will benefit me in college and beyond.

Something that made a big difference for me was being required to start my business. I was nervous at first, but I’m so glad I pushed through. For future CEO students: talk to the people in your session, keep an open mind, and don’t take the experience for granted—it goes by fast.

CEO has helped me put myself out there, make new friends, and strengthen my social skills in ways I never expected.