Starr’s Mill students are preparing to enter the real world through different clubs and experiences. At the last Interact Club meeting on Feb. 6, State Farm insurance agent Ky Dickerson talked to club members about her experiences in the insurance field and in owning her own business.

“Owning a business is a lot of work, and people think that if I own my own business I’ll be able to do whatever I want to do and I’ll be come and go as I please and some of that is true, but it’s a lot of hard work,” Dickerson said. “When everyone else is taking off at five o’clock, guess what you’re doing as a business owner? You’re staying.”

Dickerson started working at the State Farm Insurance Company in 1993 as a claims adjuster in Bradenton, Florida. Since then, different promotions and opportunities have moved her from Atlanta to Peachtree City. She is now a State Farm agent helping customers with different automobile, motorcycle, and home insurance policies.

Dickerson discussed with club members some of the insurance claims that she has had to deal with, including motorcycle accidents, earthquakes, and hurricanes.

“Keep in mind guys that whenever you are out [on the road] and you get in a car accident, always be grateful if you are able to walk away from that. That’s the most important thing,” Dickerson said. “We can replace cars, but we can never replace people.”

She suggested that before owning a business, people should work in a business similar to what they want to do and gain experience.

To conclude her speech, Dickerson emphasized that everyone should follow their dreams and that nothing can be accomplished without hard work and determination.

The next club meeting will be held at 8 a.m. on March 6 in Marcela Sample’s room 643.