Published 12/06/07

M-PHS student focuses on business

by Beckye Randall

A junior at Marysville-Pilchuck High School, Anna Niklova is already on the path toward a career in business, more than likely specializing in accounting.

As president of the M-PHS chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Anna has been able to gain first-hand experience in business management through fundraisers, project planning and national competitions.

“The competitions are interesting because students are judged on things like business math skills, business etiquette and even interview skills,” Anna explained.

When the Marysville School District adopted the concept of Smaller Learning Communities, Anna chose to enroll in the School for Entrepreneurs.

“I like the new class setup because the curriculum is more focused on my interests. Classes are smaller, and there’s more interaction with teachers,” she said. Anna clearly is focused on her school requirements, with a cumulative 3.98 GPA so far.

Anna’s interest in business math is influenced by her mother’s work as an accountant in Sofia, Bulgaria, where the family lived until Anna was seven years old. Bulgarian is her first language.

After high school Anna hopes to attend the University of Washington, although she hasn’t decided which campus will best fit her goals. “The Seattle school has a better overall business program, but the Bothell campus has a great accounting program,” she said.

Outside of school, Anna has discovered an interest in ballroom dancing and is taking lessons at Oly’s Dance Studio in Everett. Although still a novice, the Marysville student recently took part in a national competition in Las Vegas.

Anna talked about her new hobby. “My older sister Nina has been dancing for about a year, and it looked like fun.” Anna considers Nina her “idol,” saying her sister motivates her.

Although her future is not set in stone yet, Anna has a clear goal. “I want to find what I love and pursue it,” she said confidently.

From all indications, she has the intellect and drive to accomplish just that.