What BPA Means To Me

Garrett Walt, Ohio Association Treasurer

When I first heard about Business Professionals of America from my high school business teacher in the late fall of last year, I was a little apprehensive about taking part. I knew that my senior year was an important time for me, and I wanted to choose carefully what I would devote myself to as I prepared for college and tried to decide upon my future. The first event I attended with BPA was a local election…and I decided to take a risk and run for an office. To my surprise, I was elected as the treasurer for my school’s BPA chapter. I knew from that moment on that BPA would play a huge role in my future as a business student.

Business Professionals of America has been nothing if not a fantastic place to find new opportunities and to further my education. As both a first year member and a state officer I can safely say that BPA is an organization where a dedicated individual can excel and reach their potential as a leader and as a student. Our officer team is fantastic, and I cannot wait to see what great things can be accomplished this year through Ohio BPA’s Special Olympics Chain of Love as well as through our torch awards program and even the Ohio Association website.

By far the most memorable and appealing part of Business Professionals of America is the people. Whether they be fellow business students, instructors, judges, coordinators or officer, everyone is open, inviting, and passionate about business or information technology. Even if business wasn’t the course I wanted for my life, I would be glad for the time I’ve spent in BPA and the amazing friends I’ve made. The rich tapestry of people that comprises Business Professionals of America are just another amazing part of the opportunities and experiences that BPA offers to its members.

It’s only been a few months since that first local election, but it feels like it’s been years. BPA has already shown itself to be one of the most significant influences in my life inside and outside the classroom, and I couldn’t have chosen a better way to spend a good deal of my senior year. I want to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who may be reading this and trying to decide if they might have a place in Business Professionals of America to take the leap of faith it may require, because this is one particular organization that you wont regret becoming a part of.