October’s FBLA Collegiate Member Spotlight features Martha Koppi. Martha is from Myanmar (Burma).

When asked why she joined FBLA Collegiate, Martha explains, “I joined FBLA Collegiate because I saw it as an opportunity to gain valuable skills that could benefit me in the future, even though my major is not business-related. FBLA Collegiate offers experiences in leadership, teamwork, networking, and public speaking—skills I believe are important in any career, including education. I’m always open to learning new things and exploring different opportunities because you never know what might interest you down the line. Being part of FBLA Collegiate gives me a chance to grow both personally and professionally, and I think these experiences will help me in college and beyond.” 

What has Martha enjoyed the most about FBLA Collegiate? “I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to serve my community and participate in various events during my fall semester,” she says.

Why does Martha recommend FBLA Collegiate? She explains, “I would recommend joining FBLA Collegiate to other students because it provides valuable opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and networking skills. It’s a great way to gain practical experience, connect with like-minded peers, and get involved in your community, all of which can help you succeed in any career. Plus, it’s a fun way to learn and grow while making a positive impact.”

What brought Martha to SKYCTC? “I chose SKYCTC because of its strong education program and the affordable tuition. It felt like the right place to start my college journey and work toward my goal of becoming a teacher. The smaller class sizes also appealed to me because I knew I’d get more personalized attention from my instructors, which would help me succeed. Also, it’s close to home, making it a convenient option,” she says.

Martha will graduate in May 2025 with an Associate in Arts degree and then continue her education at WKU. She explains, “My future plans include becoming an elementary school teacher, preferably teaching 2nd or 3rd grade. I want to make a positive impact on my students and help them grow both academically and personally. I'm also open to exploring other opportunities in education, such as curriculum development or educational leadership, as I gain more experience.”

Family is extremely important to Martha. “I come from a family of seven, including my four siblings and my parents, who both work at the same place. My older sister, Esther, will graduate from WKU in May 2025 with a degree in Personal Finance. My twin sister, Mary, is also at WKU, majoring in Criminology, and she wants to become a police officer. Next, my brother, Robert, a junior in high school, is very passionate about joining the Army; he's eager to serve and is excited about the possibility of handling military responsibilities. Our youngest sibling, Job, is in 1st grade and still figuring things out as he enjoys being a kid. In my family, there is never a moment of silence or peace in our house, except when we gather, as there are always loud conversations and laughter,” she says.

Martha enjoys a wide variety of hobbies. She explains, “My hobbies are eating, sleeping, reading novels, playing tennis, and doing exercise. I also enjoy hiking, which allows me to connect with nature and clear my mind. I also volunteer at my church, where I find fulfillment in helping others and being part of my community. These experiences not only reflect my interests but also shape who I am as a person and future educator.”

A fun fact about Martha is that she enjoys collecting books. “I don’t always have the time to read them, but I love exploring different genres and discovering new stories!”

Congratulations, Martha!