Student Reflections

 

Meagan Voulo, Class of 2010

My name is Meagan Voulo and I was a student ambassador of the IAB throughout high school.  My experiences with the IAB have prepared me tremendously for my current experiences at college.  For example, I am now comfortable speaking to alumni and established workers in the business field, which allows me to form relationships with different companies.  I have also learned a lot about dressing professionally as well as presenting myself in a business-like manner; meaning, I do not feel out of place when I am in a professional setting.  I would highly encourage more students to become involved with the IAB because it teaches lessons that are nearly impossible to learn just sitting in a classroom.  The IAB gives students a taste of what the business field is really like.

 

Chris Giamanco, Class of 2009

As a student at Smithtown East I acquired many valuable skills during my time spent as a Student Ambassador in the Smithtown Industry Advisory Board.  Students in Smithtown are blessed to receive a high-level of education in all academic disciplines, but I personally feel that the most important knowledge I learned in high school came from the Smithtown Business Department and the Industry Advisory Board.  I can honestly say, that a lot of the decisions I am making today are because of what I learned from the Business Department and Industry Advisory Board here in Smithtown.  As I continue my education, pursuing a dual-degree in both economics and management with the intention of going for my MBA once finished with my undergraduate work, I know that without learning about the world of business in high school through the Industry Advisory Board and School of Business, I would most likely not have the motivation to follow this career path.  Without the help of the many mentors, I do not believe students here in Smithtown would be as successful as they are.  The mentors always provide such incredible feedback, feedback that we as students utilize to better ourselves.  The mentors also provide invaluable networking opportunities for students to get internships or shadowing experience.  My experiences with the School of Business and Industry Advisor Board have not only provided some of my life’s best memories, but also some of my life’s most valuable skills. 

 

Caitlyn Zeigler, Class of 2009

As a student ambassador to the IAB for three years, I had the opportunity to network with many members from our community.  Since networking is such a huge part of the business world, it was a great experience for me to learn how to communicate with business people, as well as establish connections for future references.  As a student ambassador I was able to meet IAB members from all different businesses which exposed me to the variety of career paths that I can take. I also had the privilege of knowing what was going on in our communities.  Being a student ambassador to the IAB was a tremendous learning experience that I was very appreciative to be a part of and will look to continue a similar relationship throughout my college years.

 

Alyssa Balkam, SHS East Class of 2010

The Smithtown Industry Advisory Board offers a great opportunity for high school students to gain first hand knowledge about the business world.  It wasn't until my senior year of high school that I became a student ambassador for the Smithtown Industry Advisory Board.  I found it to be both helpful and beneficial to listen to what business men and women had to say about their occupations and experiences. Through being an active member of DECA and part of the Smithtown Industry Advisory Board as a student ambassador, I was able to decide what path I wanted to take with my life.  I am currently a sophomore at Quinnipiac University majoring in both Management and Marketing, and a sister of Alpha Chi Omega.  Not only have I taken what I've learned from DECA and the Industry Advisory Board and applied my knowledge to my educational career, but I've also taken on a leadership role within my sorority.  It was because of my experiences throughout high school, and within the Smithtown School of Business that these things became possible.  I hope to someday be in the same seats as the many business men and women were for me and pass down my advice and share my own experiences with the future students of Smithtown High School East and West.

 

Taylor Hoffmann, SHS East Class of 2010

IAB and DECA gave me everything. Being a student ambassador opened me to the world of fashion by introducing me to my first icon, Allie Cresswell. This former model and now owner of Hampton Models modeling agency, showed me the business side of fashion and how dynamic an individual needs to be in order to make it big in this industry. IAB also taught me how to speak publicly, put together events, and network. Networking is key within my industry, and I am already a step ahead of all my peers. DECA and the IABreally got me into the industry by encouragingme to take business classes, which now makes my life easier in college, and competing. By doing my DECA manual, with the help of IAB members, I learned that I do have the skills needed to be successful within the fashion industry, and it showed me how passionate I was towards the business aspect. Through IAB and DECA I learned all of my talents, acquired new ones and followed my dream and thanks to them, was already half way there thanks to what those organizations gave me.

 

Dan Maitles, Smithtown East Class of 2010 Graduate

 

The Smithtown IAB was one of the best influences on my life for the several years that i was involved. All of the wonderful teachers and active business owners in the community truly helped me in some of the greatest ways. I can now say that I am more comfortable in business-type settings, speaking professionally, and fostering close relationships. Within the first few weeks of my college experience at the University of Buffalo, I have already used some of these important skills. In my opinion, the two best events were the Business Olympics and the Etiquette Dinner. For future and current student ambassadors, I highly recommend participating in them. It was my success and valuable tips learned that make these events so incredibly important. I will never forget them. I truly thank everyone who continues to help make this organization such as success, most specifically Mrs. Mary Pat Grafstein and Susan Gubing. It is people like them that provide the motivation to want to be successful. For students, I highly recommend staying involved in this organization. Smithtown is truly lucky to have something so amazing. You won't regret it. As for the rest of the IAB, I would really like to thank you all for your outstanding commitment because your dedication is truly the reason for our outstanding success.