A JA Reflection

Author: Mark Muthurania
Entrepreneurship
Published: Friday, 12 Jul 2024

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Mark at the National Student Leadership Summit with his JA Company.

Image caption: The year I competed for Youthful Thinkers marked another significant chapter.

My journey with Junior Achievement began in November 2020, during a time when virtual meetings were the norm due to COVID-19. I remember the first meeting vividly, not knowing then how transformative this experience would become. In my final year in the program, I decided to run for a leadership position. The reactions of my mentors, their faces lighting up with pride, were unforgettable. Although I didn’t secure a leadership title, I learned a valuable lesson: leadership isn’t about titles. I seized many opportunities to take charge, demonstrating my capabilities beyond any designation.

The year I competed for Youthful Thinkers marked another significant chapter. I decided to join the competition team, thinking it would be a fitting conclusion to my time in the program. To my surprise, I was voted in by my peers. Initially, I doubted myself, questioning if I was truly the right choice. However, I embraced the role wholeheartedly. Our late-night meetings, often stretching until midnight, were intense but rewarding. I especially enjoyed working on the company report and presentation. My contributions, though sometimes prolonged, were driven by my enthusiasm and commitment.

In late April 2023, our team participated in the regional competition. We were thrilled to win 1st and 2nd place in all individual and company categories, including the prestigious 1st place best company award! This victory was a testament to our hard work and collaboration. The journey continued to Nationals, an experience that was nothing short of amazing. It was an incredible opportunity to expand my network and receive invaluable advice from prominent figures like Michael Crome, CFO of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Christina Houlahan, my district representative. The expo booth was a highlight for me, where I shared our company’s journey and learned about other impressive student companies. Despite my nerves and the fear of returning empty-handed, the experience of being among the top 15 student companies in the country was rewarding in itself. To top it off, Youthful Thinkers won the Company of the Year award, a dream come true.

My involvement with Junior Achievement extended beyond the company program. That summer, I was a guest speaker for a JA Launch Lesson program in my local JA chapter, JA of Southeastern PA. Nearly a year after Nationals, I had the privilege to return as a Student Ambassador. This role allowed me to experience the competition from a different perspective, assisting staff, organizing a student social event, and managing social media for the event. Working alongside another ambassador, we had an incredible time and felt the same excitement as the previous year.

Junior Achievement has profoundly impacted my academic, professional, personal, and social development. Through this journey, I discovered strengths and insights about myself that I might not have realized otherwise. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities Junior Achievement has provided and look forward to remaining involved with the organization for as long as possible.