My first experience with TBC was actually before I became an officer; it was in my freshman
year, at the Niles Festival of Lights parade. Just through that one parade, I got the chance to
meet several other musicians from different cities and schools. At the same time, I could brush
up on my marching skills and musicality. Since then, I’ve gotten the chance to broaden my
horizons as a musician by playing a variety of songs. As I went to different parades and played
different repertoire, I learned with peers who are also passionate about music. Participating in
TBC’s seasonal parades over the past several years, both as a casual member and a more
dedicated officer, has been enjoyable and rewarding in several ways.
I’ve also grown a lot through my position as a Finance Officer. The finance department at TBC
is heavily involved when it comes to fundraising events such as our Pasta Feeds, our first Crab
Feed, and smaller events at local restaurants and stores. Through working on these events, I’ve
learned firsthand how they come together and the different aspects of organizing and running
them. From estimating all the items we need for food-based fundraisers to the requirements for
renting out centers, I have gotten an idea of the process of fundraising. I’ve also learned how to
effectively communicate with professionals and a community audience. This includes in the
context of fundraisers and in a broader sense as well. Additionally, all officers gain experience in
using organizational tools such as Trello, which provides for better scheduling and ease of
communicating about certain tasks and objectives. TBC has put an emphasis on communication
in a timely manner, something I feel has been an important skill applicable to many situations.
Outside the organization itself, TBC gave me a lot of chances to learn. One such instance was
the Southern California college tour, which gave me a chance to tour popular colleges and learn
where my interest may lie. During my time here, I’ve grown a lot both through internal and
external opportunities provided at TBC.
TBC gave me the chance to learn a lot of important skills and information that will be applicable
in college and beyond. I’m grateful to have been introduced to them in an environment and with
people familiar to me. Thank you to TBC for the past few years; all of the experiences I’ve had
and the connections I’ve made are ones I won’t easily forget.
