STUDENT LEADERSHIP and the
BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS OF AMERICA

Futures Start Here
By Evie Einstein2002

National Leadership Conference
The 2001-2002 theme of the Business Professionals of America (www.bpa.org) is "Futures Start Here." BPA is a student organization that contributes to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic, and technological skills for students at the Secondary and the Postsecondary level.

I had the pleasure of attending the 2002 National Leadership Conference (NLC) in Chicago, Illinois, May 8-12, 2002, where BPA members compete in demonstrations of their business technology skills at the national level, attend workshops, make professional contacts, and renew old friendships, among a multitude of activities and adventures.

I spent much of my time wandering the hallways of the Hyatt Hotel just chatting with the students once they finished their tests and presentations. Across the board, they all agreed that being active in BPA was an integral part of developing their business skills, and more importantly, shaping their confidence. “BPA has exposed me to ideas and opened doors . . .”

I never got an official count of how many students and advisors were at the conference. I heard two numbers, however, 6500 and 7000. The conference activities were centered at the Hyatt Hotel although to get everyone in the same space, the opening session was at the Arie Theater.
The keynote speaker delivered one of the most fabulous presentations I have ever had the honor of being a part of. And yes, you are a part of it. Eddie Slowikowski began by having his audience dance. He could have stopped there for he had the audience in belly-aching laughter with the message of “Get Into It.”

Eddie then moved into his own story of motivation, determination and inspiration. He shared some of his amazing highs and lows as an athlete. He had us visualize . . . “Close your eyes, pick one goal, one dream, one vision. See it. Now see it happening. How does it make you feel? What you visualize, you already believe can be done. This is the kick off for your dream coming true.”

If ever you need a keynote speaker or a fantastic team-building workshop (I attended the two that Eddie gave during the conference), consider Eddie (www.slowcow.com).

To get your college involved BPA, contact the National Center at 800-334-2007.

BPA Provides Industry Updates -
High Technology Workers Abound in the United States
The high-technology industry in the United States employs five million workers, or 5% of the private sector, according to a survey by the American Electronics Association and NASDAQ. Average pay is $57,700 a year, or 82% higher than the average across the private sector. Microsoft staffers are the best paid at more than $100,000 a year.
The number of U.S. high-technology companies is expected to increase by more than 40% by 2008, according to government projections.

(Source: www.BPA.org)

BPA Promotes Community Involvement -
Together We Can Make a Difference
The American Red Cross, one of the nation’s largest humanitarian organizations, provides relief to disaster victims and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross provides more than half of the nation’s blood supply and is the largest provider of blood, plasma, and tissue products in the United States.

Through developing life-saving and life-enhancing skills, young people volunteer with the American Red Cross in disaster relief and prevention activities for their communities; health and safety instruction for their peers and other community groups; leadership and governance roles at the local level, state, and national levels; fund-raising efforts; blood drives; service on military installations; special youth programs, and community service. In 2000, more than 430,000 young people volunteered and 686,864 donated blood.

The American Red Cross has an opportunity for you and you college! Volunteer, education, and training opportunities are available in Health, Safety & Community Services, Disaster Services, International Services, Biomedical Services, and Armed Forces Emergency Services. To find out about youth programs in your area, contact your local chapter or visit the American Red Cross Web site at www.redcross.org/youth.

(Source: www.BPA.org)

So Where, Exactly, is a Superhero When You Need One?

Attending the 2002 National Leadership Conference made me think about my own leadership development and who has influenced me along the way. The most influential people certainly have been my parents, teaches, and coaches . . . and I always have a hero to look up to.

The world has experienced superheroes, tragic heroes, modern day heroes and everyday heroes. I would like to introduce you to my new-found hero and give you a little background on how I came to know him.

“See, you have to understand that the true heroes have the need to push themselves one inch farther than everyone else,” said one local reporter when describing the stunning competitive comeback of a high school swimmer.

Under this definition, my chosen one would not make the hero list.

But let me proceed.

John “the Penguin” Bingham is a celebrated runner, a columnist for Runner’s World Magazine and the author of the best selling book “THE COURAGE TO START: A Guide to Running for Your Life” (Simon and Schuster [Fireside] April, 1999). Bingham’s new book, “NO NEED FOR SPEED: A Beginner’s Guide to the Joy of Running” (Rodale) will be released in April, 2002).

He has been called the Pied Piper of the second running boom -- and for good reason. Through his popular monthly column in Runner's World Magazine, John has inspired hundreds of thousands of men and women to run for fun, fitness, and self-affirmation. What inspires tentative runners most is Bingham's personal track record.

Once an overweight couch potato with a glut of bad habits, including smoking and drinking, at the age of 43 Bingham looked mid-life in the face--and started running -- with a whole lot of walking that went on for years . . . (And yes, I must note that since then, he has completed twenty-five marathons and hundreds of 5k and 10k races.)

The following are of few of John’s mottos for his new found life:

• It's OK to go SLOW . . . as long as you keep going!
• It's OK to WALK . . . let the others run.
• FIND JOY in the journey.

I used to read Runner’s World when I actually did run, but I remember then not feeling like an athlete next to those highlighted on the covers and between the pages. I have recently embarked on a regular hill-climbing venture. I am determined to be in some form of “shape” (and better than the shape I have now) when I turn forty this December. John, the Penguin, has reminded me to celebrate putting on my running shoes, if only for my walk, every day . . . to celebrate the initiative. And the fact that I actually make it to the top of the hill is then a bonus!

John’s mottos are working for me in all aspects of my life.

Celebrate your hero, and if you don’t have one you are welcome to borrow mine!