Reflecting back on this weekend I think of a few words: "YOUTH CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE." This weekend I attended the Georgia FBLA State Conference. This conference which took place in Atlanta, Georgia brought back so many wonderful memories for me. FBLA stands for Future Business Leaders of America. When I was a sophomore in high school I was introduced to this organization. During high school, I competed in numerous competitive events, was the GA State Reporter, completed my America Level award, and concluded my FBLA experience by winning first in state in third in the nation for Future Business Leader. (Which, at the conference I had the opportunity along with other state officers to dedicate this award to Monty Christopher Rhodes who is the State Director for FBLA.)
I hold this organization so close to my heart, because the skills that I learned the three years I was member, instilled values in me that has molded me in the woman I am today.
This was also the organization that introduced me to my passion for the March of Dimes. FBLA's national service partner is the March of Dimes and year after year Georgia FBLA is one of the top states that raises the most money for this incredible organization.
This year, I returned to this conference not as a member of FBLA, but as the March of Dimes spokesperson to thousands of students and advisers. I remembered when I was the student sitting in the audience listening to the March of Dimes spokesperson tell their story on why it is important for students to spread the mission of this organization. It was a very humbling experience to represent March of Dimes at this conference. After two workshops, which both of them were a packed house of eager students, I feel that the students walked away with a better understanding on how they can make a difference.
The biggest thing that I want to show youth is that I was in their shoes. But when you find your passion, use that as motivation to serve others to make a difference.
The mission of the organization hit home, when a mission family came and told their story on how the March of Dimes saved their babies. I had the privileged of meeting two adorable 16 month old twin boys: Thomas and Dylan. Each boy weighed under two pounds when they were born. Because, of the mission both of these happy boys are living their lives.
During this conference, $12,000 was recorded as the amount raise so far for the March of Dimes. Students got to enjoy an awesome mini walk too.
I am so glad that conferences like the FBLA conference shows me the impact that youth volunteers can make. I am so glad that my mom got to come to this conference with me too and enjoy this action packed weekend with me.
I hold this organization so close to my heart, because the skills that I learned the three years I was member, instilled values in me that has molded me in the woman I am today.
This was also the organization that introduced me to my passion for the March of Dimes. FBLA's national service partner is the March of Dimes and year after year Georgia FBLA is one of the top states that raises the most money for this incredible organization.
This year, I returned to this conference not as a member of FBLA, but as the March of Dimes spokesperson to thousands of students and advisers. I remembered when I was the student sitting in the audience listening to the March of Dimes spokesperson tell their story on why it is important for students to spread the mission of this organization. It was a very humbling experience to represent March of Dimes at this conference. After two workshops, which both of them were a packed house of eager students, I feel that the students walked away with a better understanding on how they can make a difference.
The biggest thing that I want to show youth is that I was in their shoes. But when you find your passion, use that as motivation to serve others to make a difference.
The mission of the organization hit home, when a mission family came and told their story on how the March of Dimes saved their babies. I had the privileged of meeting two adorable 16 month old twin boys: Thomas and Dylan. Each boy weighed under two pounds when they were born. Because, of the mission both of these happy boys are living their lives.
During this conference, $12,000 was recorded as the amount raise so far for the March of Dimes. Students got to enjoy an awesome mini walk too.
I am so glad that conferences like the FBLA conference shows me the impact that youth volunteers can make. I am so glad that my mom got to come to this conference with me too and enjoy this action packed weekend with me.