One thing many learn after spending a significant amount of time with me is I am a competitor…in just about everything! The past five weeks I’ve had the opportunity to work and mentor YE alum Danielle Stegall (2011 Schlagle High School), to help prepare her for the 2011 Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. Anytime one of our students earn an opportunity to compete at any level I want it so bad for them (sometimes more than they do) due to my competitive nature. It has been such a joy to work with a young lady who I know wants it more than me! I’ve learned from Danielle’s previous competitions that she is a natural public speaker. What I’ve seen from this experience is she has the true drive and motivation of an entrepreneur. I have never in my years as an educator had a student say, “I’m available from after school until whenever” or ask, “Can we get together and work for a few hours on Sunday afternoon?” This is what I believe will allow Ms. Stegall the opportunity to travel to New York and represent YE at the highest level. If I even mention the phrase, “If you make it to the next round” she quickly says, “When I make it to the next round”. The confidence is there! The work ethic is there! The plan is there! I watched her present this evening to the Board of Education and she owned the room. I’ve watched this young lady grow from a student with a good idea to a future business woman! For that reason alone this experience has been well worth the time and efforts! When she travels to New York next month, we have high expectations. If she doesn’t place, yes we will be disappointed but you can’t put a prize on the transformation! I’m proud of Danielle and have been privileged to work with her! Now…regardless of how proud I am of her, let’s go bring this top prize home!
Vernon Birmingham
P.S. Be sure to check out her on-line elevator pitch and vote! http://www.elevatorpitch2011.com/nominees/entry/danielle-s
Photo by: Premier Studios
