Isabella Geissler, a high school senior from Greenville, South Carolina, reflects on her experience attending the Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE) program this past summer.
Spending a week at the Economics for Leaders program at The Ohio State University was an unforgettable experience. When I first arrived, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I was nervous about meeting new people, unsure of how I’d fit in, and a little intimidated about spending a whole week so far from home. But by the time I left, I had not only learned so much but also gained friendships, confidence and memories that will stick with me forever.
One of the best parts of the program was the teachers. Our economics professor, Dr. Ninos Malek, who teaches in California, had an amazing way of making every lecture fun. Economics isn’t always the most exciting subject, but he kept us laughing and engaged the whole time. Our economics instructor, Amanda Stiglbauer, who is from South Carolina, like me, always had these creative activities that pushed us out of our comfort zones in the best way. It wasn’t just about sitting in a classroom — it was about practicing leadership, teamwork and problem-solving in real situations.
The economics lectures weren’t the only thing that had an impact on me; the people I met and the connections I made with the other classmates were unforgettable. From the very first day, we started bonding over icebreakers, late-night talks in the dorms and group activities. At first, everyone was a little shy and guarded, but as the week went on, those walls started coming down as we bonded through leadership activities, learning economic concepts and building friendships in and out of the classroom. By the end, it felt like we had built our own little family. We laughed together, encouraged each other and created this environment where everyone felt comfortable being themselves.
One person who really made a difference was Jeff McMartin, our student administrator at Ohio State. He was welcoming from the very beginning and made sure no one felt left out. He had a way of remembering everyone’s name and making sure we were all included in conversations and activities. Because of him, we all got to know each other on a deeper level, and that sense of community carried us through the week.
The biggest lesson I walked away with is that everyone is going through something, even if they don’t show it. I came in nervous, worried about making friends and about what people might think of me. But I realized that so many others were feeling the exact same way. Once we all let go of those fears, we were able to connect in ways that felt genuine and lasting.
Looking back, my time at Ohio State with FTE wasn’t just about learning economics or leadership. It was about growth — both personal and social. I left with new knowledge, stronger leadership skills and a new sense of confidence in myself. But more than that, I left with a group of friends who made the experience unforgettable.