Wait?... What the? WHO?!

This year was an amazing experience: it was my first time participating in the Fed Challenge, and believe me, they don't call it a challenge for nothing. When your first experience is receiving 109 in-depth macro-economic questions (yeah... that kind that make you think and synthesize with previous knowledge) to ponder during your summer break, I should have known.... that it would be an amazing experience.

Participating in the Fed Challenge is probably the highlight of my undergraduate curriculum. I was able to finally utilize all of the knowledge collected during my time in college and apply it in a very specific manner: the macro economic implications of monetary policy, and the goals and objectives of the Federal Reserve system.

While our team was short handed, I think that for the number of people we had we did very, very, very, very well; especially considering some of the "Big Name" colleges we beat out (IU, University of Illinois, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Ball State, UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO). Our goal this year was to make it to the afternoon round, something which IPFW has never done before, and also something that some schools rarely reach. While it would have been amazing to move on, I feel honored to participate in the whole project.

I think one of the most memorable parts was when they named the room winners. The look on every one's faces when "Team 'P', Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne" was said, was immeasurably priceless.

While the competition is daunting, strenuous, and stressful; it is one of the best ways to apply concepts learned in the classroom to real life. It allowed me to push myself to extremes that I didn't know were possible (like working full time, taking a full course load of 400 level classes, tutor economics, and run for Treasurer of the Finance Society). It also allows you to build interesting friendships with your peers and professors.

Ultimately, as I said before, this was probably the most fun I have had with regards to academic events, and I encourage everyone to devote themselves to it.

Kyle "Will Discuss Monetary Policy for Food" Knerr, Senior - Finance/Economics Double Major