As I reflect on this past year, I think back to all of the great things I was able to experience because of CEO. I gained new knowledge and connections while putting my foot in the door of the business world through the local businesses my class met with. CEO allowed me to view my town in a different light—one where I saw how enriching the small businesses are and just how beneficial they are to our community. Some of the business owners I had the opportunity to meet instilled in me a newfound inspiration for business. Through their words of wisdom and encouragement, I truly believe they played a pivotal role in our success during our time in CEO. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals from different schools changed the way I tackle certain issues. Through teamwork and problem-solving, my classmates and I accomplished many great things. And perhaps the best thing was our class business—something we spent many weeks putting all our effort into, only for it to pay off on opening night, finally. Although our actual event was fun, I found myself enjoying the aftermath the most, when we all regrouped and shared our pride while congratulating each other on our hard work. Serving as Chief Operating Officer was stressful at times, but in moments like that, I see the beauty in collaboration. Although I held an elected position, I did not feel as though our democracy, which we initially established at the beginning of the year, ever faltered, because we were all dedicated to the same goal. We could not have done it without each of us putting our ideas into action. CEO is truly one of those classes in which the lessons you learn follow you throughout your life. It is not just spreadsheets and event planning; it is lifelong skills you learn that help shape you and lead you down the right path towards adulthood—a path this class of 2026 is about to embark on. CEO will forever be something I am lucky to have experienced, and I look forward to seeing how it impacts incoming classes.
