Nancy Te’s Testimonial
The Rock Paper Scissors Champion
If I were to sum up the best part of 2009, I would only need two words: Junior Achievement. The best part is–no, not the part where I got to learn the ropes of business or even the exquisite, fun-filled events I was lucky enough to attend…it was the tingly good feeling I got inside each moment I stepped on the second floor to the JA Centre. I can’t explain this feeling, however. But I can certainly tell you why it’s here.
Business. It’s what drew me to Junior Achievement in the first place. I’ve always had the ability to persuade and a great knack for selling. Junior Achievement presented me with the perfect opportunity to develop my skills. A week before I started, I had no idea there were five crucial areas to a business or what “break even” meant and little did I know that the choice I made to join Junior Achievement would be the best decision I could ever make for myself. It was my first year in the Company Program and I became Vice President of Marketing and Sales to a company now dear to my heart: Charming. Due to the nature of my role, I knew I had to bring my A game. I had exciting plans and worked closely with my company members strategizing and constantly getting the word out about our product. I learned to exercise leadership, manage my time, and went beyond the hours of 6-9 every Thursday recognizing that being the VP of Marketing and Sales was a 24 hour responsibility. After a vigorous, rewarding three months, I was awarded Top Salesperson of the Year and along with the company: Social Entrepreneurship, Teamwork and Company of the Year. I couldn’t believe the immensity of my success and it was then that I realized this experience was just the beginning.
Along with the exceptional awards I previously mentioned, I received a scholarship to attend JaXchange in the summer of 2009. The words “amazing” and “phenomenal” come up short when compared to the once in a lifetime opportunity I had the privilege to live. On August 8, I arrived in Hamilton, Ontario and was immediately embraced by the warmth and excitement of other fellow achievers and volunteers. On the second day, I was proclaimed the Rock Paper Scissors Champion after winning every game I was challenged. As ridiculous as it may sound, this is a memory I will hold with me forever.
On the third day, I was on a team with three other achievers on a quest to become the next “JA Titan”, a realistic online simulation that challenges achievers to pursue a business in our technology-driven society. It was exhilarating as we all worked together and held our breaths each time we had to wait for the results! And guess what? We did it! We were named the JA Titans! I met great people during the conference, people who I still keep in touch with and people I will never forget. It was interesting to learn about different cultures and how alike we all are on so many different levels. An unforgettable bonus of attending JaX was the ability to visit Niagara Falls on our last day and ever since I witnessed its beauty, I’ve become more sensitive and respectful of nature.
If I had not decided to walk into the JA Centre that first Thursday night, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I have grown so much because of this experience and am more than ready to continue my journey to a well-lit future. The Company Program of 2009 has long passed but I am still actively involved. Now a JA Ambassador, I have promoted the program to friends, family and strangers knowing how much Junior Achievement can open doors and inspire the hearts and minds of many. I am extremely grateful for what JA has done for me and it’s not just because of the ample acknowledgements I have received but it is what JA has done for me personally. Remember that tingly good feeling I can’t explain? Well it’s still here and it won’t be leaving anytime soon.
