The big event at the Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, MA on March 3, was a Business Professionals of America (BPA) conference. Being a part of BPA means you are involved in creating business related projects that you present to show your knowledge and skills.
For freshman Alexa Duplisea and Ryan Leahy they were expecting to see a lot more students participating that were their age.
Alexa reflected about feeling slightly pressured competing with older kids and presenting in front of the judges.
“It was really uncomfortable; we didn’t know as much as all others did,” Alexa said. “It was very nervewracking. I was nervous being younger, and it got even worse knowing I had to present.”
Being a part of BPA is a commitment just like any other afterschool activity.
“It adds to your workload, but it also adds new experiences to your life,” Ryan said.
Alexa joined BPA to help her gain skills that will benefit her in the future.
“I did it because I thought it’d be a good experience. I wanted colleges to see what I had been involved in,” Alexa said.
The thought of meeting new people and the opportunity of being able to travel really helped Alexa with wanting to join. It was something new for her; she had never taken a business class before.
“I met new people when I was working with my group. I was proud of what we accomplished because we didn’t have as many students as other groups did.”
For these two their BPA experience has just begun, and they will learn more and have more opportunities as they get older.