Sophomore Myah Blanchard embarked from Palm Beach Atlantic University’s (PBA) campus at 5 a.m. on November 6, 2025, on an exciting adventure. As president of the University’s Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter, she was invited to join fellow chapter presidents from across the state at Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s mansion.
A New Chapter
Blanchard enrolled at PBA with a plan: major in business management and pursue a career in medical device sales. What she didn’t anticipate was discovering an interest in politics along the way.
“If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans,” Blanchard joked.
Inspired by her grandfather, a United States military veteran who served in Vietnam, and his deep sense of patriotism, Blanchard started PBA’s TPUSA chapter and took on the role of president. Despite pursuing a career path that isn’t distinctly political, Blanchard says she feels invested in her country’s future and wants to be part of making it a better place for herself and future generations. Her investment fuels her commitment to the chapter, which she has spent many hours running.
The surprising invitation to Gov. DeSantis’s mansion proved that her hard work had paid off.
Inside the Mansion
When Blanchard arrived at the governor’s mansion, one of the first things she noticed was a football in the yard. The toy made her realize that the mansion was not just a building, but somebody’s home, where a family laughs, cries, and lives.
“I felt like I shouldn’t have been there,” Blanchard shared.
Passing through security, the TPUSA chapter presidents signed the governor’s guest book, forever commemorating their visit to this home.
The governor then appeared to greet the attendees, who shared brief introductions, including their names and where they were from. Blanchard later recalled her excitement when meeting the governor, a leader she greatly admires.
During their time at the mansion, the chapter presidents also visited the governor’s private office and partook in a meal. Blanchard noted that the office was arranged with great precision and intentionality. In contrast, the dining experience was a rather informal and casual setting, again bringing to Blanchard’s mind that she was visiting a family home.
A Bold Takeaway
Following dinner, Gov. DeSantis encouraged the Florida TPUSA presidents, telling them to “be bold.” Inspired by his words, Blanchard returned to campus with a plan to encourage her chapter members to be bold in their actions and inspire change.
Being bold can be difficult, she reflected, since differing political opinions can quickly destroy relationships; but together, Blanchard and her chapter are learning to support their community and stand up for what they believe in.
“I am so proud of the students,” Blanchard said. “They teach me more every day.”
To learn more about student activities at PBA, visit https://www.pba.edu/campus-life/activities/.
