Ava Meinders – New Experiences

Ava Meinders from Woodbury attended Minnesota Business Venture (MBV) after hearing about it from a friend.  She knew walking in that she’d gain a better understanding about business, but little did she know that she’d walk away feeling inspired to pursue business at Marquette University, where she currently majors in both marketing and human resources.

MBV made such an impact on Ava that she knew she had to come back in a leadership position. Two years after her first camp experience, Ava returned as a student leader for two consecutive years and has served on the MBV Ambassadors Committee, helping improve MBV for future students.

“Every time I work with MBV, I walk away with a valuable lesson that I can bring into my future,” Ava shared.

[Ava Meinders with her student campers before their mock interviews.]

She expressed her joy in being able to grow her leadership and professional skills, as well as make an impact on other campers and the community.

“Working with BestPrep has shown me the importance of community service,” she said, while also reflecting on the MBV volunteers that helped shape her, “[My Resident Business Leader’s] support, as well as the support from all who work the MBV program have truly helped me feel confident about my decision for the future and feel comfortable in going into new professional environments to make the most of every experience.”

To prospective students, Ava vocalized, “I would advise students to take advantage of every opportunity that arises. I would tell people not to be scared and to push through any anxieties because you never know what you will gain from a new experience.”