Meet Erika, a Teen Making a Difference in the World

Continuing our discussion about teaching business and mentoring high school students in business, I have found this very rewarding and exciting. In the past year I’ve had a couple of memorable experiences, one in particular was at the Utah HOBY conference recently where I met Erika. I took a moment to interview this lovely inspiring young woman recently. You’ll have hope in our future after hearing what Erika has to say:

What difference do you want to make in the world?
There are so many things I want to accomplish and improve in my life. I can’t pin-point ONE difference that I want to make in the world. I think it’s the little things we do in our daily lives that help us make a difference in society. At the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference, each of us were challenged to complete 100 hours of service by next year.

Although it has only been a few weeks since the conference, I have already started logging hours of service. With my church youth group, we are frequently serving others. I am tutoring elementary school students and visiting elderly people at the Murray Care Center. I try to get involved with as much service as I can! These small and seemingly insignificant acts of service are my way of giving back to the community. Although these things may not be affecting everyone in the world, like I said, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. If everyone in this world
would take the time each day to do some act of service, our world would be a much better place. In my leadership positions at school, I try to encourage other students to reach out and serve! If enough people are striving to do good things, together…we can change the world.

What are you learning that will help you make that difference?
Attending the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference has really motivated me to become my personal best. I would highly recommend that all sophomore students try to get in. There is a great quote by Mahatma Gandi that reads,“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” The most important thing that I’ve learned so far in my life is in order to make a difference, you have to decide to make a change within yourself. Everyone can make a
difference, and everyone has something to give…it is our responsibility to use our abilities to accomplish this task. If we lead by example, others will follow. I have also learned that you can’t be afraid or embarrassed to
stand up and change things. Another quote I love is by Eleanor Roosevelt, she says, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” I think a lot of teenagers today believe that they can’t make a difference, so they don’t even try. As a result, many do not reach their full potential. None of us should ever have that attitude. If we put forth the effort, we can accomplish anything.

Do you want to be an entrepreneur? Why?
I would love to be an entrepreneur…I would love to do a lot of things. I haven’t quite decided what I want to be. I don’t think you can just “want to be an entrepreneur.” At HOBY, I learned that before you can become an
entrepreneur, you must have a good idea that will be supported. Something that will improve society or something that others will want. As I understand, entrepreneurship is risky! I hope I can learn more about business in the next couple of years so that if the opportunity presents itself, I would be prepared to become an entrepreneur. Until then, I plan to continue working hard in school and participating in my extra-curricular activities. Regardless of the profession I choose, I believe it’s very important that I’m involved in my community and always trying to improve it. After all, that is what entrepreneurship is all about…making a difference in the world.