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While many high school seniors spend their final year focused solely on academics and social events, 18-year-old Reese Sargent chose to take a different path — one that gave her a head start on her future in business.
A recent graduate of Westfield High School, Reese interned with the Westfield Chamber of Commerce from August through May, an experience she credits with shaping her interest in marketing and helping her build confidence in professional settings.
“I heard the chamber was a place where all the businesses in Westfield came together,” Sargent said. “That interested me, just seeing how they connected and supported each other.”
Reese’s internship gave her a front-row seat to the behind-the-scenes efforts that keep Westfield’s business community thriving. She took part in a wide range of tasks, including helping with signage, assembling membership packets, assisting with event setup and attending ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
“I was kind of just there to help with anything they needed,” she said. “It was really great exposure to all the different aspects of business, including finance, marketing and even executive-level work with Chamber President Courtney Albright.”
Her favorite part? The opportunity to meet and network with community leaders. “I went to every ribbon-cutting I could,” Sargent said. “That’s where I got to talk to chamber board members, local business owners, even the mayor. It was amazing to be in those rooms.”
Sargent plans to continue building on that momentum when she heads to Indiana University this fall. She’ll study at the renowned Kelley School of Business with a focus on marketing, although she said she’s still open to exploring different career paths.
“I chose marketing because I enjoyed the work I did at the chamber, but I’m definitely still figuring things out,” she said. “I’m just excited to learn more and make more connections.”
In addition to her internship, Sargent dedicated herself to a wide range of extracurriculars during high school. She played on the varsity soccer team, participated in the DECA business club, was a member of the National Honor Society and volunteered at Grace Church’s food pantry and thrift store. She also played competitive club soccer outside of school, which involved frequent travel.
Despite her packed schedule, she said the chamber internship was one of the most impactful parts of her senior year.
“I absolutely loved it,” Sargent said. “Haley Wilson, Drew Lacey and Courtney Albright were amazing. I would definitely recommend it to other students. It’s a great way to grow, especially if you’re interested in business or want to get experience working with professionals.”
She’s already encouraging her younger sister, Brynn, who will be a junior at Westfield High School this fall, to consider applying.
“It’s just such a great opportunity,” Sargent said. “It made me more confident and helped me see what’s possible.”
With her passion for community and a strong foundation in real-world experience, Sargent is well on her way to making a lasting impact wherever her next endeavor takes her.
