Wauconda FBLA Enriches Leadership Skills at National Fall Leadership Conference

From November 9-12, 48 members of the Wauconda High School Future Business Leaders of America organization participated in the National Fall Leadership Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. At the Conference, seminars on topics ranging from entrepreneurship to bullying prevention were offered, allowing students to further their professional knowledge. Students also networked with fellow FBLA members, college students, and professionals. In addition, the students visited the St. Louis Zoo and watched the New York Islanders play the St. Louis Blues at a hockey game during the conference.

Louie Sharp, owner of Sharp Auto in Island Lake, presented two workshops at the Conference, one specializing in communications and the other offering insight into leadership. Sharp decided to focus on communication "because it is so important to every relationship, personal and professional." He also noted that "leading yourself is the hardest thing to do. If you can learn to lead yourself you can lead others."

State officers and Chapter Co-Presidents Shawna Weber and Tommy O'Brien attended the "State Officer Track" programs available at the conference. Weber found it was "really nice to meet the other [state] officers… and I thought was fun and educational to see how the states work… as well as meet new people". Likewise, O'Brien added "it was great to network with the officers from other states and I can't wait to implement the skills we learned in leading our state and local chapters!"

Overall, the students had a fantastic time and Wauconda FBLA is looking forward to hosting the Northern Area Conference and seeing everyone in January!