After attending the annual JA Inspiration Scholarship Student Event this past week I was asked to reflect on my experience with JA.  It all started when I attended JA Business Week in 2006 where I had the opportunity to create a new custard flavor for Goodtimes.  Although our idea was not selected, the opportunity to interact with successful people in industry helped in my decision to pursue a degree in accounting.  This experience enabled me to apply and be one of the first recipients of the JA Inspiration Scholarship.  This financial security enabled me to earn a degree from the University of Northern Colorado in accounting and finance and continue my studies at the University of Denver where I earned my Master of Taxation.

With JA’s financial support, my families emotional support, and God’s grace I went onto earn my CPA license and landed a job with EKS&H where I am currently a staff accountant in the natural resource department.  While at EKS&H I have been given the chance twice to volunteer for JA in a Day.  This past May I had the privilege instructing a class of fifth graders at Dalton Elementary School through Our Nation curriculum.  Additionally, in 2012 I was asked to share my experience with JA at the annual Colorado Business Hall of Fame.    As Jenn Venerable at JA put it, “I have come full circle.”  I want to thank JA and all its volunteers and benefactors for all they have done for me.

-Mick Mrozek