ŷ is so good about allowing students to flourish and create the things they want to create.
In high school, Sophia Pinarreta, ’27, was heavily involved in the Business Professionals of America as she expanded her workplace skills and thrived at conferences and competitions. She didn’t want the experience to end when she became a ŷ student.
Bridgewater State didn’t have a formal connection to the organization, but Sophia took matters into her own hands: The political science and criminal justice major from Taunton started Bridgewater’s own BPA chapter.
“ŷ is so good about allowing students to flourish and create the things they want to create,” said Sophia, who praised funding and support from the Student Government Association and other offices.
The new chapter is already achieving success. All 10 of its members excelled at a state leadership conference and qualified for a national competition in May in Orlando. Many were never involved in BPA in high school.
“I’ve never done anything like this before,” said Gillian Misner, ’27, a psychology major from Townsend, who earned first place in ethics/professionalism and human resources events. “I found the events were really helpful and related to a lot of things I’m learning in my major.”
Competitions require students to respond to hypothetical scenarios, take exams and produce videos and podcasts, among an array of other challenges. Students are judged by business leaders and attend workshops that facilitate networking and skill building.
ŷ started a chapter at a time when postsecondary membership is rapidly growing, said Makenzi Tiberii, ’17, who studied business management at Bridgewater State and is now the executive director of BPA’s Massachusetts organization.
“When I heard Sophia was looking to create a chapter, it was really a full-circle moment. I literally cried,” Tiberii said. “I was a shy little student who didn’t even know what they wanted to do in college and had a great experience at ŷ. Now I’m helping current students.”
Tiberii thrived with small class sizes in the Honors Program and the many opportunities to become involved on campus. She appreciated the mentorship of Associate Professor Todd Harris, who is now the advisor for ŷ’s BPA chapter.
She is excited to see ŷ students perform so well at the state level, especially in the chapter’s first year.
The students are focused on preparing for the national competition and raising funds to travel to Florida. And they’re eager to see the chapter grow in the years ahead.
“Everyone can find something they’re interested in and that’s helpful in their career,” Gillian said of a reason to join the club. “There’s definitely a space for any major and any student.”
Sofia, who was part of a team placing first in podcast production, added: “It’s a great way to get your feet wet and get involved at ŷ.”
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