It has been over three weeks since our 2011 EBV Program has ended. Time sure does fly when you’re having fun, huh? I have decided to begin this blog by letting my readers in on what exactly happened during the week of EBV. Weeks of hard work all came together when the first few veterans got off that plane from Atlanta into the Tallahassee Regional Airport. I think all of them had an idea of what was going to be happening during the week, but one doesn’t really know what they’re getting into till it’s too late.
Once they arrived, they were immediately taken to Hotel Duval, where they would be staying for the length of the program. Of course, they weren’t able to come straight to the hotel without some sort of media interviewing them. Thankfully, they were all prepared to share the limelight. Once at the hotel, they were set up for Orientation and everything was off and running. That evening included the Opening Ceremony which entailed words from Dr. Tim Holcomb, Dean Caryn L. Beck-Dudley, and Dr. Randy Blass. The musical entertainment for the night was Mr. Michael Peterson who is a fantastic Nashville recording artist who truly tugs at the heartstrings with his compositions. The Opening Ceremony was a way to get all the veterans acquainted and make them feel welcome to their home away from home for the next nine days.
The next day it was full steam ahead with classes which lasted from about 8:30 AM to 5:30 that night. The work didn’t stop there, however. After eating dinner, they had even more work to do with creating and writing a business plan which they would present to a board of judges’ just days later during Venture Pitches. I believe it was during these long days of working they began to realize that we weren’t kidding when we said they were coming to bootcamp.
It wasn’t just all work and no play though. On Monday night, the veterans were treated to a Tailgate where they had the opportunity to go to Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium. At this event, they had the opportunity to meet some football players and eat dinner in the President’s Box. It was a real treat for all of them, especially Chad Shadle, who happened to be an avid Seminole fan. This night was a fun-filled event where everyone got the chance to relax and enjoy some time off of their days of hard work.
It was back to work the next day. The veterans sat in classes and worked on their Venture Pitches until Thursday, June 16. On this day, it was time, the judges were ready and so were the veterans. For about five hours, each veteran went into a room and explained their business idea to the panel. Each veteran was given twenty minutes to pitch their idea. In the end, each one finished and the stress that had built up was finally released.
That night we had our Graduation/Closing Ceremony. This was a bittersweet evening because of the fact that the week had come to an end. The veterans were not just acquaintances anymore; they had become friends. They all shared this special evening by receiving certificates upon their successful completion of Florida State University’s Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities Program.
I know this program was hard work for each and every one of them, but I have to say if someone were to ask any one of our vets if it was worth it…I think they would say YES in a heartbeat. The knowledge and friendships that they have gained was a truly exceptional experience and I bet any of them would do it all again in an instant. So, all I have to say is keep up the good work, Noles! Congratulations, once again, on completing this Program. You should be proud…I know we sure are!
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