Spencer Hovervorst types quickly on his Chromebook in the hall before first period, his fingers grazing the keyboard and his eyes focused on each individual word he types. When he is done typing, he stops and looks back over every word again. He runs a hand through his well-brushed, brown hair as he rereads his work. He looks tired but it is clear

he is dedicated to his assignment, one for Business Professionals of America (BPA).

Hovervorst said he hopes to be in the business field one day, and the perfect way to get closer to his goals is through joining BPA. 

BPA incorporates elements of business and makes them into a competitive experience for students. Students have access

to mentors and teachers who can help them achieve their goals. This club also provides members with opportunities to learn about possible careers and fields of business for these academic students to possibly pursue one day.

Hovervorst has very big dreams that include one day going into investment banking. He said he hopes to follow in

his dad’s footsteps in the business field. He respects his dad’s career, which moved his family from England to the US a few years ago. This ambition was a major factor for sparking Hovervorst’s interest in BPA this year.

To help Hovervorst prepare for the possible investment banking career, he takes some finance courses at school and keeps up with the stock market in his spare time. To add to his load as a sophomore, BPA seemed like the perfect extracurricular for him. However, BPA is more than just a resume builder for him; he said he truly enjoys the club.

 

“The experience has allowed me to meet great new people, many helpful resources, explore types of possible careers in business and improve my ability to be more punctual while working with others,” Hovervorst said.

However, BPA does take up a lot of free time. He said that BPA tasks take about an hour and a half a week, but another BPA member, Maddie Chang, says that some tasks are even longer if they are preparing for a competition.

“If someone wishes to improve in their event or if they have an event where they have to prepare in advance those tasks can take up to five hours probably,” Chang said.

Chang also joined BPA this year after doing Forensics her freshman year and enjoying the competitive speech aspect of Forensics and BPA. 

“It is nerve wracking because you know you must go compete against some of the best academics in our demographic, and it’s claustrophobic but it’s a cool and special experience for sure,” Hovervorst said.