I was first exposed to Junior Achievement in 9th grade. Our focus was on picking stocks, and it opened my eyes to some of the basic principles of business. While living in Central Florida, I had the opportunity to volunteer with JA in the classroom, and return the favor done for me many years prior. My class was filled with juniors and seniors, many of who had no idea which direction they wanted to take after high school. While a few were interested in college, most would be heading to the working world soon after graduation. My focus soon centered on imparting to them a clearer understanding of what the business world expected. Regardless of whether they wanted to go to college, work at a restaurant, or join the armed services, there were basic business lessons that could be applied to all which would set them on a more certain path to success.
We worked hard on understanding the importance of engagement, of looking at problems through other people’s eyes, and of pro-actively developing solutions to basic and complex issues. Initially, we did it in a way that spoke to them, but over time, we worked using challenges that were outside their comfort zone. Many went through the motions, some went to sleep (literally) but a few took the opportunity to expand their perspective of the world. A few of them grasped the importance of the lessons that business teaches us. And while it was only a few, it made it worthwhile to get up early, drive to the other side of town, go through police security, and spend fifty minutes in a windowless classroom discussing a better future with these students.
Upon moving to Denver, I wanted to learn more about my new community, and begin contributing to it in a meaningful way. While opportunities abounded, I wanted to continue to working in some educational format if possible, and based on prior board involvement experience, I knew that a well run organization was critical. Having had the JA experience, it made sense to contact Junior Achievement to see how the organization took form here in Colorado. Upon meeting Robin Wise, it soon became clear that the not only were the goals of JA aligned with my wants, but the organization was run, well, like a business!
Having a measurable goal as simple as improving high school graduation rates is a testament to the Junior Achievement organization. Everyone benefits, from the student to society. Joining the JA Board provided me with the opportunity to positively impact that kind of goal, and contribute to a community that prides itself on balancing the needs of community and individuals; of businesses and public institutions, all with the common good of all as its goal.
Mike Driscoll
VP of Sales & Account Management, Key Accounts
UnitedHealthcare