I joined BPA in 2022, not voluntarily. It had been required for a class at Central Tech- Drumright; to be frank, I didn’t care. Suddenly, a few months into the school year I decided to make a big leap for myself and run for chapter office, which isn’t really a big leap, I am just fuelled with a sense of foreboding. I received the Secretary position, which was split between Maggie and I. After serving for a few months my advisor called everyone over to a meeting, I didn’t know what for because I wasn’t paying attention, I just saw everyone start sitting around the table at the front of the classroom. It was a meeting about who would want to run for state office; which at the time I presented an interest in. By doing so, my advisor was under the impression that I wanted to run for the Parliamentarian position, she urged me to attend screening and take the test, in which I am glad I did. If I had let myself be scared; let myself cower at any mention of a social event, I never would have experienced the glorious and expansive opportunities BPA has given me. I would be lying if I said I grew to my full potential, I’m not even a fourth into my presumed lifespan, but I would also be lying if I said BPA hasn’t given me a little step stool to prepare myself for the world and it’s vast qualities.

This past year in office will reign true in my memory for a long, long time. The responsibilities that I have undertook in this position have composed my work ethic and made me appreciate the opportunities to learn. It pains me that this will be the last time I will ever experience something like this again. A big part of my grief is the loss of the people I have had the pleasure to share this council with. They are fantastic individuals, and I am excited to watch them lead their lives to greatness. They are intelligent, kind and inspiring humans who would make anyone proud. To whoever is reading this, if you are socially awkward and meddled with anxiety like me, don’t be afraid to take even the smallest step at the smallest opportunity, because it could be one of the best choices you could make, and  lead you to make the best memories of your life.

-Aspen