10-15-2025
When I was a high school student in Indianapolis, I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to study in college. A mentor who worked in finance inspired me to pursue a career in business. Without a strong network, I needed support and a program that would help me grow.
At Purdue, I found the BOP program, which offered me a scholarship and persuaded me to choose Purdue’s Daniels School. It wasn’t just a scholarship, though that helped; it was the community that BOP promised. The summer before freshman year, I attended BOP’s eight-week Summer Session to help me transition into college life. We lived in the campus dorms, attended classes and met other students. I walked into my first semester with a 4.0 GPA and felt at home at Purdue.
Growing up, I didn’t have anyone in my family who could help me figure out resumes, networking or managing credit cards, and BOP gave me access to that knowledge and a strong community where I felt like I belonged.
Even though I loved Purdue from the start, there were challenges. The business classes were tougher than I expected; I worked harder than I ever thought I would. I quickly learned that support makes all the difference.
The director of BOP, Darren Henry, was both one of our greatest supporters and the toughest on us, not because he was trying to be mean, but because he knew the world would be harder on us than he was. He ensured we were in the right classes with the right professors and personally checked in, connecting us with internships and mentors.
The program is built for multilateral support. The upperclassmen took us under their wings. When I was struggling with homework, they helped me study, choose classes and plan my credit hours. The BOP community became like family. We held each other accountable. We weren’t in competition; instead, we were there to make each other better.
I love being a part of other organizations on campus such as Reach. As a Reach Ambassador Recruiter, I visit my high school, Lawrence North, to help students through the college application process. The first time I visited, I was so nervous. My PowerPoint didn’t work, and I spilled a drink everywhere. But the students stayed with me and asked thoughtful questions. Later, some of them reached out to talk about college. That meant everything to me.
Now, I work as a BOP office administrator and mentor younger students. I plan to be a formal mentor next year, and I’m excited to continue shaping the paths of students who remind me of myself.
Outside of BOP, I’m a part of the Strong Sister/Silly Sister program, which connects freshmen with upperclassmen for social and academic support.
Through BOP, I’ve had incredible opportunities to grow professionally. I’ve attended career fairs, receptions and visits with companies like Caterpillar, Procter & Gamble, and Pepsi. BOP helps prepare its members for these events through workshops and practice sessions, so by the time we’re meeting recruiters, we feel ready.
Through BOP, I’ve learned that you don’t have to figure everything out alone. Find your people, find your mentors and find the community that will help you grow into the person you’re meant to become.
Although I didn’t come to Purdue knowing my specific majors and, honestly, had no idea what I wanted to do, I chose finance and accounting. I figured I could make a career out of one or both of them. I’ve since discovered that I enjoy them.
I recently started an accounting internship in Indianapolis, where I’m applying the concepts we study in class. It’s convinced me that I should become a certified public accountant, and with BOP, I know I’ll have the support I need in such a challenging role.
Ava Kendrick is a rising junior in finance and accounting from Indianapolis, Indiana. She is a member of the Boilermaker Opportunity Program and the Strong Sister/Silly Sister program at Purdue. She completed an internship with Katz Sapper Miller in Summer 2025.
