The CEO program has helped me more than I ever thought it would. As a junior looking to take this class, I wanted to learn more about the business world and how they operate. I did learn what I wanted to, but I also walked out with a new perspective on my future along with many new skills that I acquired through the program. Having and holding conversations with strangers has always been something I have struggled with, but CEO pushed my limits and helped me break that barrier. I now have no problems with talking with strangers and being confident with what I am presenting them. It is such an important class to consider as many people will meet future partners, friendships, and jobs from business visits or guest speakers. Another important part of this program was learning how to take initiative and be responsible for my own success. Unlike other classes, CEO required me to focus on myself, because if I didn’t then it was on me and nobody else. Whether it was working on our class business or thinking of my own personal business idea, I had to stay organized and focused. This experience taught me time management and accountability in a way that a regular classroom never could. The relationships I built throughout this program I will remember as I leave the class. From my facilitator to the guest speakers and businessmen and women, there were always people there rooting for us and wanting to provide all the help they could. Being able to have direct contact with these people helped me learn better than I could from any textbook. Their help and advice will stay with me and guide me as I move forward into college and as I hope to start my own practice afterwards. Overall, CEO has been one of the most valuable experiences of my high school career. It has helped me grow not only as a student, but also as a person. The experiences are once in a lifetime and without them I would not be as confident or willing to take on new challenges. I feel more prepared heading into my future, and I would strongly recommend this program to anyone looking for an insight into the business world.
