Participating in the CEO program has been one of the most valuable experiences of my high school career. I developed skills that helped me grow personally and professionally—especially leadership. Working with classmates on the badges business and our class business taught me to communicate effectively, take initiative, support others, and encourage teamwork. I learned leadership isn’t just being in charge but listening, collaborating, and helping others succeed.
My confidence improved greatly. Presentations, networking, and collaborating pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me more comfortable speaking in professional settings. These hands-on projects also strengthened my problem-solving, adaptability, and organization under pressure.
Collaborating with my classmates led to real accomplishments: we created, marketed, and managed successful businesses, which showed me the value of dedication, communication, and persistence. The program connected me with local entrepreneurs and community members, giving a realistic view of running a business.
Those lessons directly improved my personal business—I became better at promoting products, talking with customers, and managing responsibilities independently. The program taught me creative thinking, motivation, and professional problem-solving, shaping me into a more responsible and determined person.
Looking ahead, I’ll continue growing my small business while studying speech pathology at the University of Missouri. I’m grateful for the experiences, connections, and growth the CEO Program provided; it’s prepared me for college, business, and beyond.
