Comments from Students & Their Parents

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We are happy to share with you the profiles of some former MBA students who have become successful in both their chosen business careers and in life.  They  have credited their success to the tools and skills learned in the business courses they took while in high school. 

Also included here are some comments from students and their parents who were in a Business/English team-taught class which emphasized "Real World" skills and interdisciplinary instruction. This particular class was part of the English curriculum, the course was team-taught as an interdisciplinary class by two teachers (English and Business), and students initially received English elective credit for the course. As a result of high demand for this challenging course from students and parents, the class soon became one of three options from which students could choose for their required senior English credit.

Profiles of Success -  Students of the MBA:  GET REAL!!! Program

Comments: "In High School I dreamed of running my own business from home and being able to raise my kids at the same time. When I met my husband, Cassidy, I was ecstatic to learn he had the same dream of business ownership. I am so thankful for the EDUCATION: GET REAL!!!courses for giving me a taste of what business ownership was all about. Through these courses, a passion was ignited in me, and I am so thankful to Gloria and Karen for teaching me the foundations of entrepreneurship. The business classes I took have helped my dreams of business ownership come true."

Name: Katrina
Age: 30
High School:
  • MBA Position: President/CEO
  • Awards: Ernst & Young, Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, 1999
  • President of DECA
  • President of FBLA and competed in Nationals in Florida

College: Grand Canyon University Class of 2002

  • Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design
  • Awards: Suma Cum Laude

Current Job Position: Business Owner

  • Has owned a graphic print design and web design firm in Denver, CO, since 2002
  • Works from home full-time with her husband, while raising their three children

Comments:  "The MBA class was a starting point in cultivating my interest in business. I was not only exposed to "real world business" in the classroom, but I also had the opportunity to practice its principles in another country. Because of the valuable classroom experience I had, I was able to discover my passion for business as well as realize the potential I have to be successful."

Name: Karrie
Age: 27

High School:

  • Position: Production Manager
  • Awards: "Outstanding Business Student of the Year," on Honor Roll, and Vice President of FBLA

College: Johnson & Wales University Denver-Graduated 2005

  • Associates Degree in Business Administration
  • Bachelors Degree Financial Services Management
  • Awards: Suma Cum Laude
  • Member of DECA and competed in Utah

Current Job Position: Financial Advisor

Comments:  "The experiences I encountered, while in the MBA program, have given me confidence that I can be fully successful in my current position of laboratory management

Name: Jason
Age: 26

High School:

  • Desktop publisher for Spotlight Publishing, my MBA team business.
  • Section leader and band council president for my high school instrumental department.
  • FBLA finalist for the regional entrepreneurship examination.
  • Executive Internship Program participant

College: Colorado State University, Class of 2007

Current Position: Research technician for an USDA laboratory in West Lafayette, IN

  • Lab manager and student worker supervisor for an USDA research laboratory.
  • Desktop publisher for an expanding family entertainment facility.
  • Inaugural president for Bridges Honor Society at Colorado State University.

Comments:  "MBA and TCC (English class) prepared me to be successful in college and in the business world. Without the help of my teachers, I would have never been prepared for the "real world".  I have used my experience in both classes during my studies, and I wouldn't have been able to do it without preparation. These classes helped me tremendously with my public speaking skills, teamwork skills, technology skills, and communication skills -- skills everyone uses in everyday life. I think it is important to continue to offer these classes to future students

Name: Syndi
Age: 25

High School:

  • MBA Positions: CEO, Finance VP, and Production VP
  • Eagle Scholar and National Honor Roll Award Recipient for 4 years
  • National Honor Society Member and Historian
  • Key Club Senior Class Representative and Link Crew Leader
  • FBLA President and Treasurer (1st place division winner in Job Interview)
  • Executive Internship in Psychology and Athletic Trainer
  • Legacy of Excellence Awards for Business, English, & Outstanding Junior
  • Awards: Most Valuable Attitude Award for Business
  • Who's Who Among American High School Students Award
  • Volleyball Captain, Track and Field Manager, and Cross Country Trainer

College: University of Colorado at Denver (currently a student) and Chapman University and Colorado Christian University

Major(s): Psychology and Elementary Education

  • Alpha Gamma Delta, Panhellenic member, Executive Board officer
  • Student LEAD Center Administrative Coordinator and Activities Coordinator
  • Vice President of Campus Relations
  • Panhellenic member
  • FBLA President and Treasurer (1st place division winner in Job Interview)
  • Psychology Club Member
  • Golden Key International Honour Society
  • PSI (Psychology) Chi National Honor Society Member

Comments: "There is absolutely no doubt that MBA was the class that drove me to attend (and soon graduate from) the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado, a business school that is viewed as one of the best in the nation. MBA provided me with the opportunity to experience real life business practices, and in turn gave me the education needed in order to succeed in the business world. MBA has been the most influential class that I have ever experienced, including both high school and college. Before I took the class I didn't have any clue as to what I wanted to do with my life. While I still don't know exactly the path that I want to take, Mrs. Stark helped me tremendously with narrowing it down. I thank her so much for everything that she taught me and helped me out with in the past. I thank her so much for the letter of recommendation that allowed me to receive the Junior Achievement scholarship."

Name: Jake
Age: 24

High School:

  • MBA Position: Team Business President
  • Honor Roll Recipient
  • Junior Achievement Scholarship Recipient

College: University of Colorado Leeds School of Business

  • Major: Marketing

Comments from Business/English Course Students and their Parents

Students . . .

  • I wanted a practical English class - one that is useful and would prepare me for the real world. I loved this class.
  • This class not only prepared me for the real world, but it prepared me for business and for the demands of college.
  • It put me ahead of my competition. It was a real challenge!
  • I learned about teamwork and the importance of effective communication; not always will I be working with those who agree with me.
  • A course like this is essential - seniors need to be prepared for life.
  • Hard and demanding class - but well worth it!
  • This class was a practical class that helped me develop many skills that I will need in the very near future.  You have no idea how much this class has already helped me!

Parents . . .

  • This is the most practical English course my son has ever taken - it should be mandatory.
  • I believe all students should be required to take interview & resume prep classes from someone trained in that area.
  • This course is very relevant to today's needs for students bound for college and business. Great exposure!
  • So often we parents hear "when will I ever use this". I didn't hear any of that this year.
  • This course has far exceeded our expectations. Thank you for creating such a relevant and practical English class.
  • Prepared my son for real world activities such as speaking in front of a large group, technology skills, and business attire.
  • My son would have graduated as a "faceless" student had it not been for his accounting and MBA Enterprises classes with Mrs. Henderson. He plans to pursue accounting in college - our thanks to you for turning our son on to business!
  • I am very happy with the knowledge my daughter has gotten from this class. She was a very shy person, and now she is not as intimidated to speak to new people.
  • There are very few high school courses that prepare the kids for life. I think it's very necessary, and judging by how seriously most of the kids took it, I think they want to take classes that have some life preparation skills.