Build a Door!

As I approach my time to fill out applications for college, I've truly realized what DECA has done for me. Looking at my high school resume, my awards and my achievements are covered with the name DECA. So this is where I come to my first point: Leaving your legacy. Imagine how many students have been to your high school since it first opened. With so many people, it's easy to get lost in the masses and become sheep. It is my advice to you to not become one of those sheep. It is important to do something that everyone will remember you by. Whether it is competing or running for office in DECA, it will pay off when you see your face on the wall and when everyone knows who you are just by your name.

My next point is for you to make it a priority to improve your chapter. Never settle with average. There's always something that can be done to make things better. Whether it is to motivate your chapter members more to compete or by having more fundraisers during the school year, there's always ways to be better! Also, don't forget to make things fun! By having activities such as scavenger hunts and races, more members will be motivated to become involved.

This takes me directly to my third point, which is getting more involved. This may be by becoming an officer, taking part in the Florida DECA Leadership Council, and competing. Or simply by just taking a part in your own chapter! Helping out your chapter could mean anything, even staying after school just to volunteer for a couple of hours.

These are my three points towards opportunity...so remember, if opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.

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By: Ana Fernandez