"The growth I have seen in many students is exponential. I always tell them to apply YOGO WYPI to their company program experience—You Only Get Out, What You Put In. Therefore, go outside your comfort zone, so that you will grow, enhance existing skillsets, and acquire and develop new skillsets to benefit your future.
I have enjoyed my 25 companies, and it is so gratifying when I hear a student say, I didn’t know what I wanted to do after Grade 12, and thanks to my JA experience, I am now headed for post-secondary to obtain my Commerce degree. Many students stay connected and that is also further heart-warming, as I learn about where their future has taken them applying what they learned from their JA experience. I believe this is the best real-life, relevant class for students in high school (next to Financial Literacy) to benefit their future endeavors."
-Margot Arnold
Learn More About Margot Arnold Through This Interview
How long have you been incorporating JA Company Program into your classroom?
I have been teaching for 23 years at the end of June 2024. I have taught Entrepreneurship since 2002 and incorporated the Junior Achievement Program into my Ent. 30 class since 2014.
A former Entrepreneurship teacher then working for the Ministry of Education, arranged a meeting with me to discuss this option.
I have never gone back to textbook and assignment/project base. The hands-on, real-life experience provides an invaluable experience for the students.
How may JA Company Program teams have you supported/mentored over the years?
I have supported/mentored 25 Junior Achievement companies--this semester is my last and 25th company.
What types of businesses have your students developed? Do you have any highlights that you can share?
Students often ask me, which was your favorite? I reply all of them! The ideas for JA products have varied over the years and many were unique. JA SK has annual Business Hall of Fame Awards. Several of the JA companies listed below have won numerous awards including Product Design.
What skills have you seen your students develop or further enhance by participating in JA Company Program?
The skills the students have developed, enhanced, and acquired are dependent on what they put into the company. It is so rewarding to see the growth from the beginning of the semester until the end.
What do you feel is the biggest takeaway students gain from the program?
I believe one of the biggest takeaways for students is learning how to work respectively with everyone. The companies are comprised of such varying personalities, which may clash sometimes, and you have to learn to make it work. Also, students can easily see this program as one which so many life skills occur. Teamwork, Communication, Organization, Leadership are all areas where I have observed students grow from the beginning to the end of the semester.
Do you have any students quotes you can share?
“Thanks to Junior Achievement, I am currently planning to pursue a career in business after high school.”
“The Junior Achievement Program has taught me hands-on what running a business is all about. It is a unique program that lets young adults experience more than just questions out of a textbook.”
“The Junior Achievement Program was an incredible experience, and I learned more than I ever imagined about business and how to apply it to real-life.”
“Junior Achievement gave me a real sense of business and responsibility.”
“Junior Achievement gave me the confidence that I can be a business leader of tomorrow.”
Do you have any words of wisdom to share with those who may be thinking of supporting JA Company Program in their classroom?
I believe the Junior Achievement program is invaluable. It is a “real life” hands-on class where students repeatedly say it was their best class in high school. I encourage my students to not only make a PROFIT, but to make a DIFFERENCE! Ten percent of their company profits must be donated to a charity/non-profit of the company’s choice. To date, without the 25th company’s donation, the WCS Junior Achievement program has donated $17,625.47 back to charities and non-profits.
A huge thank you to Margot for her time and dedication to the JA Company Program!
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