As a NFTE student in high school, I was taught the entrepreneurial mindset that provided me with the ability and skills to recognize opportunity, take initiative, and innovate in the face of challenges. I learned very quickly how a hobby could evolve into a business from the first time my neighbor let me borrow his camera to take pictures. I was at my sister’s high school graduation and she wanted me to catch a shot of her walking across the stage and that day was the first time I actually held a DSLR camera. Fortunately for me, two years later I had an internship with WHYY, a local news station, and I began creating documentaries. Later on that year I launched Where’s Perry’s Productions as a multiservice videography and photography business. But one thing I never forgot about is who helped me get to where I am today.
From there on and after, I competed in many business competitions and attended many conferences on behalf of NFTE. Soon my hard work paid off because in 2016, I was named NFTE’s Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year representing Philadelphia. It was such an honor and I had the opportunity to travel to New York City for NFTE’s Global Showcase where students and educators from around the world were recognized for their accomplishments. The people I met and the things I learned in the few short days I was there continue to excite and encourage me. Not only with my business, but in the way I think about myself and where I am going. It made me more ambitious about where I might seek the next chapter of my education and my future. I have just finished my first year at LaSalle University and am majoring in Business Administration. But NFTE isn’t just there to teach you about entrepreneurship; NFTE has guided me to explore more opportunities like the possibility of working for SAP, a longstanding partner and supporter of NFTE’s program.
I arrived in Florida on the 15th of May for SAPPHIRE — my first time in Florida and my first flight! This has been an opportunity of a lifetime for me, especially being a 19-year-old boy from Philadelphia. As soon as I walked into the convention center, it was as if I entered a whole new world. SAP really went all out and didn’t take any shortcuts when setting up their event, with nearly 30,000 attendees from around the world. SAP deserves a standing ovation for bringing all of these companies together around the power of technology and partnership. Additionally being at SAPPHIRE, the beauty of the event wasn’t the only thing that caught my attention. I am amazed by how nice and engaging every single employee, partner and customer I have interacted with has been along with their encouraging advice. One key take away I have from my experience is that you are never too young to start your own business, and you are never too young to motivate others.Thank you SAP!
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