I looked down the row, watching my team put on brave faces as they nervously sat, waiting to hear if they would be the final wild card team and have the chance to present on stage. The tension was thick, and you could feel the uncertainty in the air. They hustled the tradeshow floor to get votes, they ran through the latest version of their presentation in the Green Room several times throughout Pitch Night so they would be their best if they were called.
"The final Wild Card goes to a team south of the river..."
We knew our journey was cut short as a team from the other high school in our district was announced.
It’s been a wild journey, and reflecting on my time as a mentor with the INCubatoredu team, I’m reminded of the lessons learned along the way.
The nerves were real. My team didn’t know what the outcome would be, but they sat there, focused, hopeful, and ready to take on whatever came next. Entrepreneurship is filled with moments of uncertainty, and I watched them face it head-on with bravery and determination.
When it wasn’t their time, the disappointment was clear. But what impressed me most was how they handled it. Instead of letting it define them, they processed the emotions, leaned on each other, and chose to move forward. This resilience is what will propel them to success in whatever they pursue.
Throughout this journey, I watched them collaborate, give feedback, and support each other unconditionally. Even when things didn’t go as planned, they stuck together, showing empathy and accountability. This team spirit is invaluable. It was also incredible to see the support of their loved ones as they came by to check in on the team.
Entrepreneurship is a constant cycle of discovering, testing, learning, and improving. The willingness to accept feedback and make adjustments was a strength my team displayed time and again, refining their ideas and evolving their approach with each step.
Between AP courses, sports, clubs, jobs, and personal lives, these young entrepreneurs have shown me the power of time management and commitment. They demonstrated that when you believe in something, you make room for it, no matter how busy life gets.
There’s no magic moment that guarantees success, but the consistent effort over time is what creates momentum. The lessons they’ve learned this year are building blocks for future ventures, and I’m excited to see where they go.
I am so proud of each of you. You’ve learned more than just business strategy this year; you’ve learned how to navigate uncertainty, face disappointment, and bounce back stronger. Keep these lessons close, and know that your journey is just beginning. I’m honored to have been a part of it, and I look forward to seeing where life takes you next.