| My Experience at NFTE |
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| Written by Chanee Redd | |
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My NFTE Experience It was October 2006 and I was beginning a new life in a new school, Largo High School. To me it was the end of the world to leave the school I admired and the friends I loved so much, all because my family moved. Once I started at the school, I was placed into an entrepreneurship class, not knowing the blessings that were coming to me. The class itself was appealing and my classmates seemed so dedicated and hard working. I was the youngest, and only, sophomore in a swarm of juniors and seniors. That fact alone gave me motivation to work harder and excel in the class. As much as I was enjoying the class and learning the art of business and entrepreneurship, I found out I had to create a business plan in the near future. My excitement had died. I can remember my first thoughts being, “I don’t feel like running a business!” The second, “What kind of business could I possibly attempt to start?” As luck should have it, I was also taking fashion design, where we had just learned to make ribbon pillows. It was fun and something I felt I could practice, perfect, and sell. Once I had my product I began working on the business plan, but I began to have second thoughts. My idea began to seem stupid and silly. Who would buy ribbon pillows? The more I thought, the more I realized it was something different from baby sitting, grocery shopping, or selling baked goods. I had found a competitive edge. Still not aware of the possibilities of completing my business plan, I worked on it in small portions, day by day, simply for the enjoyment and grade. May eventually came around and it was time to participate in the Largo High School trade show/ business plan competition. I was nervous and unsure of what to do, but I evidentially knew something because I was awarded 2nd place. It advanced me to the regional competition and I was beyond surprised. My plan was good enough to be entered to a competition? From that point I vowed to try my absolute hardest to fully dedicate my time and myself. That was exactly what I did. The day had come and the thought of speaking in front of people absolutely terrified me, but I practiced. I practiced until I knew every aspect of my business inside and out with the help of my mom, teacher, and mentor. I presented and once again advanced to the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan finals. Then once again the pressure was on, and once again the competition day came. This time when I presented, I felt as if I had failed. I was so nervous and intimidated by how powerful the judges were and the fact of going against all the other serious competitors. It was completely mind blowing. That day I came in 4th place, with my head hung low. I had worked so hard. I felt cheated and jealous. It came to a point I had to step back and take a good look at myself. Fourth out of hundreds, possibly thousands, of other students is good. I had a successful business. How many other high school students could call themselves entrepreneurs? I was blessed, truly blessed, to become a part of NFTE. It’s an absolutely remarkable experience I can never forget. I saw how NFTE gave people like myself an opportunity they might have never gotten otherwise. It brought out the inner strength, talent, and confidence I didn’t even know I had. To be around other positive, encouraging individuals is so motivating, which is why I feel NFTE should be offered to as many people as possible. My goal is to have NFTE brought to those schools that do not have it yet. |
