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Stepping outside her comfort zone paid off in a big way for Illinois Eastern Community Colleges student Jessica Wagner.
Wagner earned first place in the community college division at the Southern Illinois University Accounting Competition and helped her team to a second-place finish in the Accounting II Team Building Competition.
For Associate Professor of Business Amie Mayhall, who accompanied Wagner to the event, the performance was as impressive as it was meaningful.
“Jessica took a step out of her comfort zone when agreeing to attend the competition,” said Mayhall, Associate Professor of Business. “She remained calm, focused, and performed her best.”
The annual competition at Southern Illinois University brings together students from high schools and colleges to test their accounting knowledge and problem-solving skills in both individual and team settings.
The day begins with an academic competition, where students complete one of several accounting exams based on their experience level. Top performers in each category can earn scholarships to pursue accounting studies at SIU.
Wagner earned the top score among community college participants, securing a $500 scholarship opportunity.
In addition to the academic portion, students also compete in a team challenge designed to test creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. Participants are placed into small groups and tasked with building a tower using limited materials, just four manila folders and six feet of masking tape, before carrying their structure across a ballroom floor without it collapsing.
Wagner’s team placed second in the Accounting II division, demonstrating both ingenuity and teamwork in a fast-paced, problem-solving environment.
Preparation for the competition began in the classroom. Wagner completed Financial Accounting, which provided the foundation she needed to succeed.
“Jessica has a high level of attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills,” Mayhall said. “She has a will to learn and to learn to apply what she learns.”
For Mayhall, the experience was also a first, as it marked the first time she had taken students to the SIU competition.
“It was fun to be able to experience the competition and learn more about SIU’s accountancy program,” she said.
Beyond the awards, the experience offered Wagner an opportunity to test her skills in a new environment and gain confidence in her abilities.
Mayhall said she hopes more students will take advantage of similar opportunities in the future.
“I would love to see this opportunity grow and more students from our accounting programs attend,” she said.