LETTERS: FBLA TEACHES VALUES

To the editor:

This is to the person who commented April 28 in Speak Out. The comment was in reference to suggested savings by the Future Business Leaders of America. In case you are not familiar with the comment made, I will sum it up for you. It was said that many people who went to the state competition in Columbia did not earn their way, and it was a waste of the taxpayers' money to send the extra people for jobs such as voting delegates or campaign boosters.

I was a dedicated member of FBLA through all of high school. I was a committee chairperson and an officer in the club. I worked hard, along with other members and the advisers. My junior year, I was one of the people you commented on in your letter. I was asked to attend the state competition as a voting delegate. As you said, I did not earn my way to the state competition.

I completely disagree with the comment. I was excited to have the opportunity to attend after a disappointing second at district. The sponsor do not just pick anyone who wants to go. They pick people who have worked hard and have fallen short. The experience gained at the state conference was the most motivating and uplifting of my life. If you do not think the money spent by the taxpayers was worth it, then you need to experience it for yourself. The state competition motivated me to work hard my senior year for a chance to make it to state. My hard work paid off, and I was able to compete at nationals in Washington, D.C., last summer.

Even though I am in college, FBLA is still a big part of my life. The leadership and hard work I have learned is a part of my everyday life. Standing up for what you believe in is something that was also learned. That is why you will see my name printed at the bottom of this letter. I noticed that the comment was anonymous. Does the caller not believe in what he says?

I strongly believe that you can find no better club that the Future Business Leaders of America.

TORI ALLEN

Jackson