FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) is a club for students that are interested in business. Anyone, from freshmen to seniors can join. FBLA allows you to choose specific business area such as spreadsheets or communication, to participate in competitions.

Meetings are held in room 5104, every other Monday, from 2:30 pm to 3 pm. Ms. Benavides, FBLA advisor, says, “If a student has an interest in business, FBLA is a great venue to further develop and learn more of the various areas under the business umbrella!”

The FBLA officers have different reasons why they joined the club in the first place. President Gina Martinez, a senior, joined during her freshmen year because Ms. Benavides encouraged her.

Junior Merlin Paz, secretary of the FBLA, states, “I thought it could be something that I could do outside of school and home. I always had nothing to do, and I wanted to be active. It’s also good for college applications.”

Sophomore Kevin Escoto, treasurer, joined because he had an interest in becoming an entrepreneur. “The club does help me gain more knowledge about business,” he said.

Even future members have their own reasons to join the club. Freshman Wendy Benavidez, joined in middle school because she wants business engineering as her career.

There are many business areas in the FBLA competitions. Gina Martinez believes that all are equally significant in their own ways. Kevin Escoto says, “Accounting is the class I’m taking right now, and it’s the most popular for competitions!

Some Miami High FBLA students did make it to the States in last year’s competitions. Gina Martinez competed in Accounting 2. She studied and had fun after the competition. “We got to go to Orlando for three days and went to Sea World!”

Merlin and Kevin, who also competed in Accounting 2, both said that they enjoyed the event regardless, even if they didn’t win.

All members highly recommend that you join the club and have a phenomenal time! Not only is it beneficial in general, but it’s helpful for your personal being. There are many areas to choose from and to test your skills on. Invite your friends to the club as well. The more the merrier! You won’t regret the chance.