The Junior Executive Institute at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business was chance for iTeen Brittany Jackson (right) to make new friends, learn and set new marks for laughter. (Courtesy photo)

There is a first time for everything and already I have experienced many firsts. For example, first job, first cell phone and first boyfriend. Last week, I spent time in Indiana for a Junior Executive Institute at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business.

It was the first time I rode an airplane by myself. I almost missed my flight back to Memphis; my first visit to Indiana and the first time I created a business plan.

Indiana was fun; I met some of the most amazing people from across the United States. While there, we attended workshops on international business, marketing, finance, proper ways to conduct a presentation, financial aid and scholarships and more.

On the last day, each group had to present its business plan to real business leaders.  My team finished second, out of the five groups. I dislike the thought of public speaking, but felt comfortable giving my part of the presentation, which consisted of talking about the advertising strategy.

Since it was my first time visiting Indiana, I wanted to make the most of my experience. A few of the girls decided to sing in the talent show taking place at another university camp and I joined them. We had a lot of fun and it was spontaneous, no planning or anything.

I have never laughed as much as I did that week. Just about every time somebody saw me, I was laughing. While we had a lot of fun, we also worked. We were pulling a few all nighters, not going to bed until 2 or 3 a.m. We had a week to select a product to create, market, price and sell.

Shout outs to Deion, Jade, Conrad, Denzel, Elayna, Christina, Matthew, Iman, Vince, Ash, Phillip, Antonia, Andrena, Brandon, Joseph, Alex, Basia, Mariah, Arnold, Danny, Jason, Kiara, Danyelle, and C.U.

You guys are awesome. We have so many memories that we will forever treasure! At the end of the program, none of us wanted to leave each other. Everyone was saying, if only the program could have lasted longer!

This is a first time that I’ll never forget.

View more articles by iTeen reporter Brittany Jackson