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November 27, 2009 - By Emily
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Ten9Eight is an inspirational documentary covering students from high schools all across the United States who were given the chance to compete in a nationwide business plan contest sponsored by e Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE). The competitors had to create and design business plans for their merchandises, which were then judged by high profile entrepreneurs. Thirty-five enthusiastic entrepreneurs were allowed to enter the final round of the competition from a starting number of over 24 thousand entries. The national winner Jessica Cervantes won the $10,000 grand prize for launching her business idea, Popsy Cakes, which are cakes on a stick.
The sponsor’s main message to students in America was, “Don’t drop out of school, stay in school and get a higher education.” With that in mind, the producers opened the movie to students and teachers free of charge in an attempt to help get their message to students. Senior Juan Landeros said, “I like what they were trying to get across and what they were trying to teach to viewers, especially students like us.”
The movie also has ties to North beyond its message. North alumna Adriana Campos was the production assistant of Ten9Eight.
The documentary covered much more than just the competition. Many of the competitors came from high schools with nearly 50 percent dropout rates and the documentary worked to give the audience a better understanding of the competitors’ lives, many of which involved drugs, language and ethical barriers, immigration and many other obstacles, all of which the competitors needed to overcome. Senior MCC member Nicole Orpilla said, “Even though they struggle, it’s inspiring to see they still pursue what they believe in.”
The documentary cites statistics which point out the nation’s very serious dropout problems. On average a high school student drops out of school every nine seconds. They also cite a solution to this problem, 80 percent of these dropouts would have stayed in school if they were able to take courses relevant to their lives. Many of these dropouts are willing to strive for success but cannot do so because they aren’t being given the necessary tools or foundation. Despite the diversity the competition was a challenge for every participant from all different backgrounds. People with many different challenges in their own lives worked towards a common goal: developing a set of skills that would serve them for a lifetime. “This contest gave everyone an equal chance to see what they can come up with,” said MCC member senior Nayeli Gonzalez. “It gives them an opportunity and any tools they need so that they can use these tools for a project to stay in school.”
For example Rodney Walker was a senior in a high school in Chicago. He entered the contest merchandising Forever Life and Music Productions. Walker’s idea was to customize CDs for his customers. Walker placed second in the nationals. He was put into foster care at the age of five and ended up homeless on the streets of Chicago. Walker said that the competition helped him create a new life and a new future. He is currently studying business at Morehouse College.
The competition was filled with 23,999 other competitors who faced challenges just as Walker had. USL member senior Yenny Lay said, “After watching Rodney’s motivating life story and how he succeeded, it makes me believe that if people cared more, then students can beat the statistics of the high school dropout rate.”
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