Students show business savvy

Thomas Garcia

QCS Senior Writer.

Four area middle school students participated in a week long summer course that helped them to develop their innovation and entrepreneurship skills.

The course “Innoventure” was developed by New Mexico State University’ School of Business and offered through a partnership with Mesalands Community College, said Isabel Herrera, a 2016 Mesalands graduate.

Herrera said she was contacted by Donna M. Garcia, Mesalands director of academic affairs, to teach the course.

“Isabel came recommended by the college to instruct the course being a former education student of Mesalands,” Garcia said.

Herrera graduated from Mesalands in May with her Associates Degree in early childhood education.

Herrera said she met with the middle school students for three hours a day to complete lessons in a work book and brainstorm about business ideas.

She said throughout the course each student worked on developing their own business idea/product to make and sale at the Tucumcari Farmer’s Market.

“I had a great time working with the students,” Herrera said. “It was interesting to watch them brainstorm ideas and then complete the work to bring those ideas to life.”

Herrera said each student received a $25 gift card that paid for the material needed to construct their projects.

“I really enjoyed the course and made $15 selling my duct tape wallets,” said Johnathan Blea.

Blea said if offered he would take the course again to develop another idea and product to sale.

Herrera said the students were so receptive to the course that she has considered offering a similar class on her own time.

“The students had a great time and I feel that other students would benefit and enjoy a course like this,” Herrera said.