This year has been transformational for me—as a person, student, and aspiring entrepreneur. From leading through moments of crisis (like the Trivia Night chaos) to learning emotional control during tough conversations, I’ve grown in ways I never expected. I’ve learned to build meaningful connections and navigate setbacks, especially when teamwork fell short. These moments pushed me to grow personally and professionally.

At the start of this program, I doubted my ability to start a business. The stress, the unknown—it felt overwhelming. But now, I believe in myself. I’ve learned that with focus and determination, I can turn challenges into stepping stones. That simple mindset shift changed everything.

This program sharpened my skills in leadership, collaboration, and pitching. One of my proudest achievements was mastering the art of compromise—bringing different personalities together for a shared goal. As COO of our class business, I embraced teamwork, adaptability, and thrived while managing Eventbrite and emceeing our event.

The CEO program taught me resilience and resourcefulness. It introduced me to different leadership styles and meaningful relationships with leaders like Mark Kern, Mayor Patty Gregory, and my mentor, Anne Koleson. These connections reminded me that real success comes from working as a team.

Raising $12,000 for our business and the program was a huge milestone. We exceeded expectations and met every challenge head-on. This journey gave me the confidence to lead, even when it's uncomfortable or met with resistance.

To anyone starting the program next year: everything has value. Take every opportunity seriously and don’t let anyone—or any moment—diminish your experience. This program changed my life, and I’m forever grateful for every moment and everyone involved.