Why Should I Join DECA?

"Why should I join DECA?" is a question that almost all DECA members are asked. The typical response is centered around obvious, yet still significant reasons:
- Field Trips
- Competition
- Meeting new people
- Traveling the world

However, DECA is more than that. DECA is the premier high school and collegiate business organization in the world; it prepares its members for the real world in the fields of marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.

DECA can be a life-changing organization. From the lifelong connections created to the competitive spirit it incubates to the practical skills it develops, DECA has a prominent effect on the lives of each of its members.

Connections are one of the most powerful things to have. They develop into relationships, both socially and professionally, that mutually benefit all parties involved. Through its many conferences and events, DECA members are presented with the invaluable opportunity to meet members, with shared interests, from their school, city, region, state, and around the world. The relationships that ensue become cherished friendships, professional connections, and promising social circles that last a lifetime.

One thing that can't be taught is a competitive mentality. Instead, it is something that naturally develops from within one's personality through incubation. Through DECA's competitive events, the seed of a competitive spirit is planted within its members. This seed, over time, grows into a competitive mindset that promotes one's success. DECA acts as the catalyst for one to achieve this mentality; it promotes healthy competition.

DECA enhances many practical skills applicable to the real world. Skills such as time-management, public-speaking, presentation skills, strategy development, and numerous others are strengthened through DECA. DECA's academies, preparation, competition, and conferences all have the purpose of honing these skills for its members, preparing them for the future. These skills are crucial for educational and professional success, increasing efficiency, effectiveness, and leadership for all.

These reasons, and many more, show the reasons why one should join DECA. Together, they create an amazing organization for people across the globe. The connections formed, the spirit developed, and the skills learned through DECA will ensure one's success.

Be sure to join DECA to have the best high school experience of your life! Don’t Forget to check out the membership video below!

BY: OLIVER SHI

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How DECA Can Impact Your Life

DECA is larger than life! I’m not saying that only because DECA is my life, but because they offer so many events to compete in, so many scholarship opportunities to apply to, and so many experiences that become lifelong memories.

I joined DECA for the sake of wanting to learn more about business, and I ended up learning not only that, but also learning more about myself. I found a passion for leading and serving others, and by joining DECA, you can also learn from your fellow chapter members. You can compete alongside your chapter members for the exciting opportunity to advance to the state or even international level! I’ve been to internationals, and let me be the first to tell you that it's 10 times better than what you've heard and seen on social media. It’s incredible.

Obviously, the trips to conferences with friends on school days are great but remember that DECA excites, DECA inspires, and DECA shows its members how to be limitless. Whether or not your career or education path involves business, DECA can still help you along the way because this organization also focuses on building leadership skills and building a community. I’ve been grateful enough to find my best friends through DECA and also work with them on a team in the Community Service Project. Not only do we learn more about business through competitive events and other activities, but it’s a real experience. Joining as a member makes you a part of DECA, but you’ll soon realize that DECA becomes a part of you.

BY: EMILY NGUYEN

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My DECA Story: Madeline Severson

Going to ICDC in Orlando as a freshman inspired me to work hard for the rest of my course as a DECA member, to gain as many business skills as possible, and become the best I can be to make a difference in the future. Throughout my following few years as a DECA member, I shapeshifted into a confident public speaker and presenter. However my favorite DECA memory didn’t take place behind the blue curtain of competition. The real impact of DECA takes place in less obvious forms, of community involvement and newfound life opportunities. My chapter’s community service project impacted me the most; this is my story.

Our community service project focused on homelessness in Houston, and helping the homeless youth. I volunteered with my chapter at the Covenant House for numerous weekends. However the first time I walked into the Covenant House, I was unaware of the experience I was about to undergo. Immediately I got along with the other kids staying in the house. Over the sound of the intakes and I playing a round of Uno, I heard two teenagers living in the house having a conversation about me.

“Do you think she’s a new intake?”

“No, she looks happy.”

Hearing this completely changed my perspective on life. The fact that DECA was the organization that brought me to this experience, makes me want to convince every highschooler to join DECA and participate and push themselves in community service projects that will truly change their lives forever. DECA’s community service involvement benefits everybody, even the volunteers. Those homeless teenagers had seen straight past my appearance and into my purpose without even asking my name. This eye opening experience motivates me to commit myself to community service, and I hope DECA opens similar doors for many other students as well.

BY: MADELINE SEVERSON

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Letter to Younger Self: A DECA Story

Dear Michael,

This is Michael from the future and I wanted to give you some thoughts as you join DECA. 

It’s going to be an incredible journey, but I want to kind of give you some tips in order for you to maybe handle the speedbumps a little better. Try to be more confident in yourself. When you compete, make sure to give it everything and leave no stone unturned. I think up until now, being bullied, all the different things that went on through school really held you back. Pull your shoulders back, have your head held high, and have confidence because you deserve to be here no matter what everyone else says. Positivity is everything. There will be low moments. And about last year, make sure everyone wakes up for the bus and to keep track of your presentation supplies.
When you have those difficult moments, I know how it feels. But this far ahead in the future, I can tell you that everything will be all right. I realize that you can’t change the past. All you can do is change the future. There will be times where things didn’t go our way. You have to do double for them to not have an excuse to take that away from you, but remember you’re the best person to believe in. Your DECA family will be there for you. And there’s nobody that will be there to fight your corner as much as them. 

DECA will bring many tears to your eyes- some of sadness and defeat (not becoming district president, missing finals awards, and messing up your ICDC presentation) but many of disbelief and happiness (visiting universal and Disneyland, being elected district 4 vice president, and going on stage for top-10 at ICDC) You’ll never believe that the first year, 2017, you will go to ICDC. There might’ve been better speakers and writers but nobody could’ve out-prepared you. Even though you had every intention to become a dentist or baker in the future, you’re going to learn so much and have a great time competing in Restaurant and Food Service Management and Learn and Earn Project. 

You’re going to learn so much about business and DECA along the way but more importantly learn about yourself and those around you. You’re going to make a lot of great relationships along the way. I’d just say to take your time and make some time for yourself. But dude, live it up, live it to the fullest. You’ll meet so many great people- Patrick, Naqeeb, Ishaan, Alamin, Peyton, Anthony, Chris, Harrison, Hayden, Matt, Tianhui, Bhavya, Omar, Zaid, Kevin, Karim, and Andrew. They will introduce you to so many amazing things and change the way you view the world. There’s so many opportunities and possibilities ahead. There’s so much potential in you- more than anyone else you’re competing against. Give it everything.

Best Regards,

Michael

BY: MICHAEL NGUYEN

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