Kiersten Schmidt
When Kiersten Schmidt was a freshman, she wanted a way to get involved with the Canfield BHP community outside of the classroom. She, therefore, joined the Texas Honors Business Association (HBA), which is Canfield BHP’s official student organization. While serving as a HBA committee member, Kiersten has had the opportunity to become closer with her Canfield BHP peers, connect with alumni, and give back to the community. Now, as a junior, Kiersten serves as HBA President, and we asked her to reflect on her time in HBA.
Read on to learn more about Kiersten’s experience with HBA and her advice for underclassmen and prospective Canfield BHP students!
1.) How would you describe the mission of HBA?
HBA’s mission is to provide academic, professional, social, and philanthropic opportunities for its members. We strive to build up a strong sense of community within the Canfield Business Honors Program and to enhance the college experience for all Canfield BHP students. Ultimately, we’d like to offer a home away from home to our members and offer support in any way that we can.
2.) Why did you choose to get involved with HBA?
I chose to become involved in HBA my freshman year so that I could get to know and connect with my fellow Canfield BHP classmates on a more intimate level through its volunteer and social events. I was originally on the external affairs committee and really enjoyed organizing HBA’s philanthropic efforts and giving back to Austin’s community. After working on and later leading the external affairs committee, I transitioned over to HBA’s internal affairs committee and now have the opportunity to act as president of the organization. Beyond why I choose to get involved within HBA, I’ve chosen to stay involved these past three years because I have seen firsthand the difference that HBA makes in the lives of its members and within the Canfield Business Honors Program.
3.) What have you learned while serving as a member and as president of HBA?
Through serving as a member and president of HBA, I’ve learned a lot about the importance of leadership and giving back to Canfield BHP. It has really been an honor to work with my current executive team and provide a welcoming environment for Canfield BHP students to grow closer with one another, learn from several recruiting companies, and connect with our alumni.
4.) What has been your favorite memory as a member/lead of HBA?
While it’s hard to compete with my memories of HBA’s amazing mental health and corporate events, I would have to say my favorite memory from serving as HBA President has been hosting our committee interviews this past fall semester. It was really wonderful spending the day with the executive board and getting to meet the faces of so many new Canfield BHP students. The highlight was definitely welcoming so many of our interviewees to join HBA’s committee teams at the end of the day and spreading the excitement for the start of the year together.
5.) Do you have any general advice for Canfield BHP students on how they can make the most of their CBHP experience?
My general advice for Canfield BHP students to make the most of their college experience is to get involved in anything and everything that interests you. College is an amazing time to figure out what you’re passionate about and pursue it, and there’s no other time that you’ll be exposed to such a plethora of unique individuals and ideas. Beyond that, I would definitely suggest remembering to stop and appreciate where you are in life at the moment! College passes you by fast.