For many students, a career path is something that gradually comes into focus, but for me, Junior Achievement (JA) played a pivotal role in sharpening that vision. My journey with JA began in my sophomore year at Rock Canyon High School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Between 2017 and 2019, I was enrolled in business courses that connected our class with JA programs, sparking an early interest in the financial services industry and giving me hands-on experiences I never expected to have in high school.
Through JA, I had the opportunity to explore real-world business scenarios and build skills that went beyond textbooks. We learned resume building, practiced for interviews, and even took on Stock Market challenges that introduced us to investing. I also had the unique chance to teach financial basics to elementary students, which reinforced my understanding of core concepts and taught me the value of financial literacy at all ages. And with some of our classes held at incredible venues, like the Charles Schwab campus in Lone Tree, we experienced what it’s like to step into a professional world early on.
Looking back, I realize just how essential JA is for students today. Business isn’t usually part of a K-12 curriculum, but JA bridges that gap, helping students like me become well-rounded and business-savvy. By introducing concepts like entrepreneurship and professionalism early, JA gives young people an edge—whether they’re aiming for higher education or preparing to enter the workforce directly. Personally, JA inspired me to pursue a business degree in college, which led me down a rewarding path in financial services.
One of my JA mentors offered simple yet powerful advice that has stayed with me: “Be your own biggest advocate in business, and avoid every type of debt you can.” That guidance has helped me in more ways than I can count, reminding me of the importance of making smart financial choices and betting on myself.
If I could give my high school self one piece of advice, it would be to start saving early. The impact of saving and investing, thanks to the power of compounding, is incredible and can make a huge difference over time. Thanks to JA, I learned these lessons early on, and I’ll carry them forward for the rest of my life.
