My first year of BPA, Business Professionals of America, was a wonderful experience. BPA, Business Professionals of America, is a program for young adults to share their Business talents. I had taken this step during my senior year as I was approaching my college future. The event I chose at the beginning of the year was Entrepreneurship. I had a small dream of opening a business, a bakery to be specific, considering I had always enjoyed baking and giving people tasty sweets. In the 8th grade, before COVID-19 had happened, I was selling boxes of cookies for only $2 as a way to get my baking around easily. It was popular then and I still think about it. Joining BPA helped me look at what steps needed to be taken to open a business. I wrote an 8-page paper expressing what my business will contain and what I will need. I’ve looked into details I’ve never considered looking into. I procrastinated during this time and felt like quitting instantly. I felt like I couldn’t write pages about opening a business. With the amount of research I had, I was able to put the pieces together.
Regionals took a turn for me. The first Regional competition was held at Davenport University. Before the day came, I had been thinking about stepping down and not showing up. I didn’t feel like I was ready even though my presentation was all set. I also didn’t feel like I would fit in. I knew people but I felt like I would feel alone the entire time. I partially felt alone but most of the time I at least was glad I had some people that would ask me questions about my event. The day came and I had decided to bring myself to go to Regionals, I had told myself that even if I didn’t place, I at least did something for my Senior Year. Excitement grew in me rather than fear when it came time to share. My presentation was around 11:30 am with only 2 judges. I felt even more excited when the judges claimed they liked my business plan as well as my business name, “Sweet Puff Bake”. I stuttered a few times during the presentation but I saw how engaged the judges were which made me feel more confident. I felt a big relief when I finally finished. I’ve waited hours which turned into the weekend to see what I’ve placed in my event. I was told I placed 3rd which meant I was going to State!
The food at Davenport was okay. I liked their Nashville chicken sandwiches.
State conference came around and again, I was procrastinating. I felt the same emotions as Regionals. I wanted to step down, I felt like I wouldn’t fit in again. The State Conference was held in the Amway Hotel in Downtown Grand Rapids where everyone from Wyoming High School who placed in Regionals, stayed for 3 days. There were thousands of students from different schools competing for their events. The place was amazing. I was able to meet lovely people. I still remember the girl from the elevator who asked about my event and we were happy for each other. I felt excitement before my presentation but a bit of a dry mouth which led me to stuttering much more than in my Regionals presentation. I’ve told myself that even if I did not place, I still would be glad I tried something new in my life. After presenting, I was invited to try Indian food for the first time by some friends. I was happy to feel included and the food tasted amazing. I’ve tried Indian Curry and some rice. The food had a bit of spice put into it but It was the right amount of seasonings. It wasn’t until after I received a call from my BPA President that I made it to finals to present again. I felt a bit of a rush. Part of me didn’t want to believe I made it to finals to see if I could make it to Nationals.
The conference dinner was something new. It was filled with thousands of students in one room. I had never been to a dinner where I had different courses with different sets of silverware. The first course was a salad, I didn’t like it. The spinach didn’t taste as fresh. The second was the main which contained a skinned steamed carrot, steamed broccoli, and a chicken leg. It tasted how normally it would be expected, nothing too exciting. The dessert was different for everyone. I received a cheesecake with strawberry jam, as others received a peach dessert glazed in sugar. After the dinner, a dance was held for the students to be in one place as the chaperones were given the night off to relax. The dance was okay but it was amazing seeing the beautiful dresses and how everyone was excited to be there.
The final day was the day for the finalist to announce what they had placed for each of their events. I felt nervous the entire time but mostly felt like it wasn’t real. I still felt like everything didn’t happen and I was only imagining it. Entrepreneurship was one of the last ones to be announced. There were many events to be announced. Having my name called up and having to walk upstage was nerve-wracking. I was overthinking that I could fall or I was walking into the wrong place. Being up on stage with other people and watching everyone ready, I was ready to accept that I might’ve placed 5th or 7th place. Seeing 4th-7th place being taken by others, surprised me. I had placed 3rd! (Again) A few other students from our Wyoming Chapter had also placed.