Student Testimonials

Kevin Nguyen

Hi, my name is Kevin Nguyen and I’m a 6th grader at Morrill Middle School. When I found out that we were going to have Junior Achievement in Ms. Ilyko’s class, I was very excited because I have had Junior Achievement since I was in kindergarten.

Our class volunteer told us that she was going to teach us about being an entrepreneur. But first I needed to know what they were. An entrepreneur is a person starts his or her own business.

The first thing I needed to learn about starting my own business is what do people want? A good entrepreneur knows the words “customer” and “product” are the two most important words in a business. Entrepreneurs know that to be successful you must “Fill a Need”.

I would like to an entrepreneur because the need I could fill would be to design a product to help disabled people. I would like my company to design a contact lens that would have a special chemical would help blind people see.

I’m glad Junior Achievement came to my class. The games we played were fun and I also learned many lessons from them.

Ryan Miyahara

Hi, my name is Ryan Miyahara and I am a sixth grader from Morrill Middle School. I didn’t know what to expect when I found out we were going to have Junior Achievement in our class. I wondered if it would be boring or exciting. When our class volunteer came and began teaching, I smiled inside because I knew she was going to teach us tons of stuff and I could learn how to start my own business.

My favorite game we played was the company auction game. We bid on different companies. My group bought Kellogg’s for $8,000. We could have bought it for $7,000 but Kevin got excited and raised the bid to an unnecessary amount of $8,000.

I was inspired by the story of Meg Whitman, the President of eBay because she made such a big company from scratch and I bet she was just a regular person before that all happened.

To start my own business I need to be creative and believe in myself. When I grow up, I want to be an author and write fictional stories. I would like to sell my books to the public. My books should be interesting and exciting.

Overall Junior Achievement taught me a great life skill, the skill to become an entrepreneur.

Speech Given by Linda Wong, a Senior at Piedmont Hills High School at the 2002 September Volunteer Thank You Event

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I would like to start out by saying how pleased I am to be here today, to be able to reflect and give thanks to the JA program.

By being a Junior Achievement student, I have not only learned, but also experienced part of the business world. I did this first through my weekly Junior Achievement sessions where my mentor would instruct the class about the business world. From that point on, I always anticipated the next Junior Achievement session, and even more so, the Groundhog Job Shadow Day. Every session was packed with insightful discussions, exciting activities, and informative lectures. And it seemed to me that with each session, the next one got even better! Through these enriching ten sessions, I had learned about the consumer market, competition, entrepreneurship, business plans, and so many more topics essential to business matters.

So, when Groundhog Job Shadow Day approached, I was more excited than ever! I had already thought that Junior Achievement was great, but afterwards, I found it even better. Partnered up with hosts from 3Com, I was able to take a walk through the business workplace. There, I discovered how a business operates and how important it is to have good communication and computer skills. I found out that presentations and conferences are plentiful and that in order to be a good employee, you must always be reliable. My enlightening hosts seemed to love their jobs in the workplace where everyone was treated respectfully, equally.

Talking with my hosts brought me to a better understanding on the topics I had learned in my earlier sessions, reinforcing all the information I had learned. Before I knew it , it was time to leave. I found it hard to separate from this experience because it seemed all too good, all too real. I realized then, that this world could be mine, I could work in a business, I could be a success; and someday I will. I learned from both these experiences that the world is overflowing with opportunities, and that it is just up to me to grab one.

As you can see, I absolutely love Junior Achievement, and I admire those gracious mentors and teachers who help students pave a path of success. Thanks to you, my eyes are now opened to a much larger, a much greater view of the future. Thank you."

Thanks for inviting me to the JA celebration. I had a great time. Keep in touch!

Sean Bae, Student at Santa Teresa H.S.
Disney World in Orlando, FL for the individual finals June 28 – 30, 2004,
Sean Bae came in 3rd in U.S. among 64 students

“JA Titan has been the most valuable experience. I learned many things that I wouldn’t learn anywhere else.”

William Jacob Buffington, Student at Foothill High School, San Jose, CA

I would like to thank you for everything you and Junior Achievement have done for me. JA has been incredibly important in my development into a better, more well rounded person. Without Our Turf, Economic Teaching and many other JA Sponsored activities, I wouldn't have been able to learn and grow as much as I had in these past few years. I am currently enrolled at CSUMB. I am a Telecommunications, Multimedia, and Applied Computing major, which is a long and extravagant way of saying Computer Science and Technology Major. I am focusing on design, and hope to pursue a career in computer-generated animation.

Rigo Chacon, South Bay Bureau Chief, retired
ABC7 KGO-TV & JA Alumnus

My JA experience is a vivid memory. It taught me about high intensity brainstorming and ways to approach projects. It also gave me tremendous appreciation for the volunteers and their commitment.

Cindy Chavez, Council Member
City of San Jose
JA Alumna

Congratulations to Junior Achievement of Silicon Valley and Monterey Bay on fifty years of exemplary work in teaching children the importance of entrepreneurship. My own experiences in Junior Achievement helped me to become the person I am today. Through JA, I was able to develop responsibility, leadership, and confidence in my ability to succeed. For that, I am grateful.”

Mike Hackworth, JA Advisory Board Chair and Chairman of Cirrus Logic

I had no concept of commerce, business and industry when I was growing up. Junior Achievement demystified that for me.

Mike Hackworth, JA Advisory Board Chair and Chairman of Cirrus Logic

I would have to say that some part of my success, perhaps even a crucial turning point in one of the crossroads in my life, was my two years of extracurricular involvement with JA. It made me aware of choices I had not imagined before and it gave me the confidence and the will to make the necessary sacrifices to pursue those choices.

Mike Hackworth, JA Advisory Board Chair and Chairman of Cirrus Logic
March 2004, San Jose Magazine

And at virtually every level Hackworth fits the profile of the innovator he so wants to inspire. A native son of Silicon Valley and a current resident of Saratoga, he has served as preioident and CEO of Cirrus Logic, Inc. since January 1985. "I grew up in a neighborhood of cops and accountants," he says. "There was a sense of professionalism but not necessarily a sense of entrepreneurship, of technology or science, those worlds. Through my own activities with Junior Achievement, I learned what the free market of ideas could bring," he says. "We had to study every aspect of how to develop a new idea to the final statement a stockholder would see. And given the opportunities we're seeing, even now, there's no excuse for not challenging every child, every person, who might be able to benefit from that market, and make a benefit to it. I just feel fortunate to have been as much a part of everything as I have." he says. He’s parlayed those innate abilities into a more worldly, behind-the scenes role at the helm of Junior Achievement.

Through Junior Achievement, he modeled a company, wrote a businesslike business statement, and was off on his own to solicit supporters and investors, all by himself. “One year, I produced a belt rack. It was a block of wood that was varnished and had five hooks on it. The production line was pretty simple…. These were not exactly high-tech products. But you could actually understand the problems of manufacturing. All of a sudden, whoops, we don’t have a saw. Or, how do we organize the work? I understood something about what a company was and how it created value. And I understood what it was to sell stock, raise money, to run a company, and then to be held accountable to shareholders in the end.

That experience with Junior Achievement – an experience he now tries to recreate for every valley kid coming up after him…is an important part of how he sees the world, the entrepreneur says. “I was working for someone whose dad was in the Varian family of companies, in the 1950’s. It was the first time I was aware that there was such a thing as electronics, and even though I was sweeping the floors and doing a lot of low kevel stuff, I had this sense of there being an incredible future, a world of technology,” he says.

David Huynh, Student at Yerba Buena High School, San Jose, CA

The working force has sought for ways they could contribute in order to get better equipped employees. Junior Achievement is the missing piece in the puzzle which links these groups of different people together. The organization not only make learning a more pleasurable experience, the skills they teach are unique in the sense that individuals may only gain them, hands on, through their participation. I have been greatly affected by their sponsored programs and I believe that Junior Achievement is indeed the solution that these teachers, students, and professional workforce has been looking for.

Sean Ivers, Student at Mount Pleasant High School - Job Shadow participant

It's pretty cool. I've been on field trips before, but this one actually explains what's going on in this place."

Alberto Marquez, Student (2004 A.S.B. pres. Yerba Buena High School)

The skills I gained through the student co. were very useful now that I am a senior in high school. Prior to entering Mr. Foehr's economics course, I had not seriously considered looking into any form of business or marketing field as a career choice, but since then, I have left all my "doors" open and allowed myself to venture into the business world to seek more information to assist me in making any future plans. Thanks to all the JA staff and associates for the memorable experience.

Paulo Pereiro, Student at Yerba Buena High School, San Jose, CA

I learned many things through Junior Achievement. I learned how a business ran, I learned how to make a balance sheet. But, the most valuable experience I got out of JA, was realizing that everything doesn't always go according to what was planned. You have to be flexible, not only in business but in life. You have to be able to adapt to your environment and make the most out of the situations you are put in.

Katee Shean, Student at Schallenberger Elementary School, San Jose

Hi! My name is Katee Shean and I'm in the 5th grade at Schallenberger School in San Jose. I'm 10 years old and have been in JA since 2nd grade. Please support JA because it's fun! I like learning about our city, community, and business world. I've alwasy wanted to be the owner of my own dance studio, andJA taught me that there was a lot more to it than I thought. I would have to make a lot of decisions and hire various people to work for me. All of the different kidns of workers are important in a business. Each one has a special skill that they would be providing for me. Everyone has to work together in order for any business to run smoothly and be successful. I'm looking forward to our 5th grade lessons and I know that they will be exciting and interesting. Please support JA because without your generous contributions, kids like me wouldn't be able to have fun and at the same time learn so much about our business world. Sincerely, Katee Shean

Sandy To, Student at Yerba Buena High School, San Jose, CA
a memeber of the 2003 Student Competition winning team

"Through Junior Achievement, I was able to learn the essential functions of a business and the importance of cooperation from your associates. After my whole experience from JA, I realized I had completely underestimated the difficulties of starting a business and I feel the most valuable lesson I learned is always be prepared for any obstacle you might come across, in business, school, and life. My experience from our student company has made me confirm by plan of business as a future career. Participating in the establishment of a company and working with fellow students to accomplish company goal made me realize I would enjoy partaking in business as my potential occupation. To attain my vision of success in the future, I know by taking the opportunity of education that school gives us and using that opportunity to my fullest advantage, it will bring me many steps closer to achieving my future goals."

Linda Tran, Student at Yerba Buena High School, San Jose, CA

Upon receiving notification of [the] Economics Program Scholarship, I was ecstatic. I've never won anything and this news was like winning the lottery! I want to begin by saying what an impact Junior Achievement has had on me. I love all the activites and opportunities offered through your organization. Job shadowing on Groundhog Day, teaching economics to elementary school kids, and learning throught the JA Economics workbooks have all been rewarding and eye-opening. I even had the fortunate opportunity ov volunteering for the JA Business Hall of Fame dinner. That experience alone has inspired me to be productive, be an active citizen in my community and be open to all the possibilities that can and will arise in the future. I gained a lot from the many and varied conversations I had with the dinner guests. I got to listen to their experiences and most importantly, took home a lot of personal advice from business leaders involved in the community.

email from Scott Vertullo, Student at Santa Teresa High School, San Jose
Re: long-time volunteer & JA Board Member, Steve Troy's teaching

I just received the email below from one of the students I have taught in the past. I thought you might want to read it. This is why I go into the class an teach for Junior achievement. "Hello, My name is Scott Vertullo I am 17 years old and attend Santa Teresa High School, I saw your company president Steve Troy. You see he came to my class through the Junior Achievement Program and he really fascinated me with his stories. I was wondering if you knew a way I could get in contact with him to hear more of his stories. -Scott Vertullo

Monica Vu, Student

Through Junior Achievement, I learned many things that will be part of the world I will enter into after 4 years of college, which is the "business world". I appreciate what people do and the skills they use in a business to keep the business going.

Lindsay Wong, Student at Piedmont High School - Job Shadow participant

I realized that this world could be mine, I could work in a business, I could be a success; and someday I will. I learned from both these experiences that the world is overflowing with opportunities, and that it is just up to me to grab one.

Mark Yanke, Financial Services - Household International
JA Alumni

My introduction to JA came as a high school student. It really drew me to business.

Sam Ziadeh, Student at Yerba Buena High School, San Jose
President of winning team at our 2003 Student Competition

JA sparked me to strive for a successful career in business. My most valuable JA learning experience was as an entrepreneur. I quickly learned about the risks in starting a company. I learned that, especially in the business world, things do not always occur how you planned. When things go wrong, quickly assess and find an alternative. From that I learned the valuable lesson of preparedness and flexibility—keys to being a strong leader.

Mayra, Student at Andrew Hills High School
Job Shadow participant

I learned that there is much more to being a scientist than looking under a microscope.

Sandy, Student

My experience from our student company has made me confirm my plan of business as a future career. Participating in the establishment of a company and working with fellow students to accomplish company goals, made me realize I would enjoy partaking in business as my potential occupation. To attain my vision of success in the future, I know by tasking the opportunity of education that school gives us and using that opportunity to my fullest advantage, it will bring me many steps closer to achieving my future goals.

Student comment about JA program Go Figure

I liked the time we learned about stocks and bonds. Before, I didn't care much about stocks but realized that they will come up sometime in my life. I loved the stock game!

Student
Nortel JA in a Day

We are very thankful that you came today. You taught us things that we will need when we grow up and if we get our own company. I really liked it when we had to draw a little picture and when we played the pizza game.

Student at Abraham Lincoln High School
JA Economics program

I now know more about running a business. As a result, I am able to plan for my future in a better way.

Student at Harden Middle School
Go Figure program

Um, I think that the first lesson made me think about my future more

Student at Harden Middle School
Go Figure program

That school is important to have better jobs and money in future

Student at Harden Middle School
Go Figure program

To stay in school and try to get a career

Student at Leigh High School
JA Economics program

About what education I have to take to reach the goal I want

Student at Leigh High School
JA Economics program

That you really need education to get somewhere in life

Student at Main Street Middle School
Go Figure program

The Junior Achievement book. Because it was a constant reminder of how important it is to stay in school

Student at Morrill Middle School
Go Figure program

I learned the most from the business card activity as it gave me a view of how my future might be like

Student at Mountain View High School
JA Economics program

I now know how to balance and budget my money wisely

Student at Mountain View High School
JA Economics program

I think more about how economics is relevant to our real lives

Student at Mountain View High School
JA Economics program

I think more about how my own economics contributes to the world. I also will be careful about what I spend and how I handle bills, etc.

Student at Mountain View High School
JA Economics program

I pay more attention to the things I do now will affect my future

Student at Mountain View High School
JA Economics program

I've thought more about where my career might take me. I've also have been thinking about starting my own business eventually

Student at Mountain View High School
JA Economics program

I learned a lot about how stock works and will choose to use it in my future as a way to help finance my future home and family

Student at Mountain View High School
JA Economics program

The way our economy works. It got me to think about my role in society

Student at Mountain View High School
JA Economics program

All the things I learned would affect me in the future and it taught me about all the risks I may be taking

Student at Mountain View High School
JA Economics program

I learned that education is the most important thing to have a career

Student at Orchard School Middle School, 7th Grade

I've learned how to budget our bills. And what my parents go through when bills come in the mail. Now I know I'm ready for the future when I grow up.

Student at Orchard School Middle School, 6th Grade

I've learned how to manage my expenses. That tells me later in life I'm going to be able to go on trips because I can manage my money well.

Student at Peterson Middle School
Go Figure program

I learned from the bridge project because there are many different styles of bridges and making your own design is fun and difficult

Student at Peterson Middle School
Go Figure program

The activity that I learned from the most is the activity where someone was choosing the job and I learned how much math goes into a business.

Student in volunteer Pam Schramm's Class, 6th Grade
Personal Economics program

Thank you for everything that you've taught us. You've taught me a lot about work and about growing up. But the important thing is we had fun while we were learning.

Student in volunteer Pam Schramm's Class, 6th Grade
Personal Economics program

I learned a lot from you about my future and how to live it. A long time ago, I didn't know much about who I'm going to be in the future. Because of you, I learned more about jobs, paydays and how to take care of money.

Student in volunteer Pam Schramm's Class, 6th Grade
Personal Economics program

Thank you very much for using your time here. I'll do the same thing you do if I can. You've shown me how to present in front of people.

Student in volunteer Pam Schramm's Class, 6th Grade
Personal Economics program

Thank you for helping us figuring out what we would want to become. Also, thank you for encouraging us.

Student in volunteer Pam Schramm's Class, 6th Grade
Personal Economics program

I thank you for showing how I can make a better future. The things you taught us will be priceless.

Student Testimonials