Fbla Reflection
A week after my junior year of high school concluded I found myself giving a speech before 12,000 of my high school peers as I ran for national office at the Future Business Leaders of America’s National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA. Exactly two years ago I was at the same conference, but visibly shaking as I presented my case study to just three judges. Giving that campaign speech was a risk. Public speaking was my nemesis, just two years ago, I couldn’t speak to three people. Now, I stood in front of 12,000. It pushed me in ways in could have never imagine, and it transformed me in ways I could never have imagine.
In my sophomore year, our FBLA chapter advisor moved to another school, and the new business teacher opted to not continue …show more content…
I prepared myself to face my worst fear, public speaking. A speech alone was a daunting prospect. A speech alone in front of 12,000 people without a podium was seemingly impossible. This speech, however, represented my development throughout high school. The content reflected my experience and accomplishments as an FBLA member and an officer. My hand gestures, tone, even smile, were choreographed to the syllable, a tribute to my growth in planning and the hours spent practicing speaking for case studies and events.
The final seconds before I took the stage gave me the clearest insight into FBLA’s impact on me. Usually the moment before walking on stage was like when I would look down from the top of the water slide with my friends at the bottom goaded me to go; pure fear. Yet, this moment was different. I was calm, composed, at an equilibrium. When I walked on stage and bellowed “Good evening FBLA!”, the smile was sincere, not forced through a fright-stricken face as I had done two years ago. My trials and success in FBLA had prepared me for this moment.
It is the challenges that shape you and define who you are. I have had the privilege of serving FBLA members in my chapter, state, and now throughout our entire association as the FBLA National Treasurer. Each moment shaped me into a leader, defining who I am today. As I enter the next stage in my life, I will take on each challenge as a continuation of my legacy of
In my sophomore year, our FBLA chapter advisor moved to another school, and the new business teacher opted to not continue …show more content…
I prepared myself to face my worst fear, public speaking. A speech alone was a daunting prospect. A speech alone in front of 12,000 people without a podium was seemingly impossible. This speech, however, represented my development throughout high school. The content reflected my experience and accomplishments as an FBLA member and an officer. My hand gestures, tone, even smile, were choreographed to the syllable, a tribute to my growth in planning and the hours spent practicing speaking for case studies and events.
The final seconds before I took the stage gave me the clearest insight into FBLA’s impact on me. Usually the moment before walking on stage was like when I would look down from the top of the water slide with my friends at the bottom goaded me to go; pure fear. Yet, this moment was different. I was calm, composed, at an equilibrium. When I walked on stage and bellowed “Good evening FBLA!”, the smile was sincere, not forced through a fright-stricken face as I had done two years ago. My trials and success in FBLA had prepared me for this moment.
It is the challenges that shape you and define who you are. I have had the privilege of serving FBLA members in my chapter, state, and now throughout our entire association as the FBLA National Treasurer. Each moment shaped me into a leader, defining who I am today. As I enter the next stage in my life, I will take on each challenge as a continuation of my legacy of