On Wednesday, Aug 20, Southwest’s FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) chapter had their first meeting to kick off the school year. FBLA is a national organization for students that are preparing to pursue careers in business, as well as a way to earn community service hours.

“I would tell somebody new to FBLA to come to a meeting and meet the members,” chapter adviser Mr. Josh Hinrichs said. “It’s not a club that’s run by me. It’s a club that’s run by the students, so you (the members) get a lot of say, and I think that will help students.”

The first meeting kicked off with 51 newcomers looking intently at the presenters, who shared a presentation about the key aspects of the organization as well as introducing a business game. The activity included emojis that are used to make your own business, which subtly weaved the overall theme of FBLA into a competiton of sorts. 

“There were a different combination of emojis on the board, and we put people in groups of three to four, and they had to create a business based on those three emojis.” Sophomore Harnoor Sidhu, the Chief Involvement Officer of the chapter said. “They had to create a business name, a logo, target audience and a location. A lot of people really enjoyed it.”

For some people, this was their first time ever stepping foot in an FBLA meeting, and maybe their first time being part of a club ever. Some may feel nervous or uncomfortable when doing something new, especially for someone adapting to high school for the first time.  For freshman Mayuha Kadiri, it was the complete opposite.

“I was just excited to go there and learn.” Kadiri said. “When I was there I knew this is something that I’m really interested in.”

Whether new or old, the FBLA chapter meets every Wednesday at 7:15 A.M in room B200. There is breakfast provided and individuals are able to learn more about various business topics.

“I think (from FBLA) you can take away the importance of networking,” Mr. Hinrichs said. “As well as being more involved with the community around you.”