Milton High Senior Handles His Business at Summer Institute

Networking is a key skill to master when it comes to education and the professional world. Building confidence is ones abilities is also valuable.

Those two realizations were key pieces of knowledge Skyler Abrams, an incoming senior at Milton High School, picked up at the Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Summer Business Institute at Dartmouth College's Tuck School of Business this summer.  The three-week institute, which started June 27, welcomed 26 students from across the nation for lectures and activities from some of the top business schools in the country. Participants were exposed to all facets of business as they learned about finance, marketing, entrepreneurship and more.

Abrams, 17, was selected from a pool of over 3,000 students vying for 300 spots at various locations.  He made the cut after he submitted two letters of recommendation, penned a pair of essays, one on leadership and the other on business ethics, and had a competitive GPA.

Being one of only 26 students, some from as far away as Arizona and Texas, is an impressive feat, one Abrams wasn't sure he'd pull off.

"I was shocked, actually," said Abrams of his acceptance. "I didn't think I was going to get in."

Abrams heard about the program from his God brother, Cameron Mitchell, who participated in LEAD 11 years ago. The program opened Mitchell, who went on to graduate from Brown University, up to new experiences.

"He just told me it was a good opportunity to try something totally different," Abrams said.  "It opened his eyes to what else was out there."

Abrams had a similar experience, taking away skills and concepts that will help him in academics and throughout his career.

The participants at LEAD heard three to four lectures per day on various topics. "There were some (lectures) that were particularly engaging and hands-on," Abrams said.

One that stuck out to Abrams was about networking that taught the value of making contacts. Abrams learned that the program itself is high on staying in touch with alumni.

"It opens so many doors for your future," said Abrams.

Abrams also enjoyed a presentation from a Tuck School graduate that started his own business and a session on finance that incorporated a game into the lesson.

Abrams also gained confidence from LEAD, as he prepares to go to college next year. The program helped him realize big name universities with impressive reputations are possible landing pads for him.

"It really gave me perspective on how valuable I am when it comes to the schools I can look at," Abrams said.

 Abrams also gathered that declaring a major isn't the most important detail to iron out. He even mentioned pursuing a Master's degree in a different area after his undergraduate studies.

For now Abrams will go back to Milton High and continue to stay involved. The soccer and basketball player is also involved in Life Smarts and the Athletic Advisory Council.