Thank you Florida DECA!

I never would have imagined that I would have the opportunity to be part of such an amazing organization. Throughout this year I’ve had the opportunity to accomplish so much in what feels like such a small amount of time. Visiting chapters throughout the state have truly opened my eyes to the passion in each and every one of you. I have had the chance to meet many different people and learn about them and their accomplishments. I’ve had the chance to really have a connection with people I wouldn’t have had the chance to if it wasn’t for DECA, make each and every opportunity count, which is what I’ve tired to do with this opportunity that was handed to me. I look forward to seeing Florida DECA grow and prosper even further. I say this as not only your Chartered Association Vice President, but also in the name of the shy girl who began this journey and finishes it before you having learned so much and grown as a person. 

I can’t wait to see you at CDC!

Sincerely,

Ana Fernandez

10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…Happy New Year!

Now that it’s 2014… what resolutions have you made this year that will make it count? If you haven’t already it’s never too late to make some! Personally I’m aiming to end my senior year with the best grades yet, finish my year as Vice President of Florida DECA with pizzazz never seen before, and to fully enjoy what this year has to offer such as nationals in Georgia! It’s important to set goals for yourself at the beginning of the year and have a mental checklist that you can check off one by one as you achieve these goals. By knowing what you want to do with your time, you’ll be able to set standards and it will be easier to reach your dreams and truly make the year count!

Now, you may be wondering, how do I set these goals and make sure they get done? Here’s how do it:

1.     Consider some factors. Use the SMART Method:

a.     Choose something specific

b.     Is this goal measurable?

c.      Is this goal achievable?

d.     Is it realistic?

e.     Be time specific- set a date for when it should be reached

2.     Write down the goal somewhere where you’ll see it daily

3.     Make sure you take the necessary steps daily to slowly get closer to reaching the goal

Happy New Year and I wish you the best of luck in reaching your goals and making it count! 

Hey Florida DECA!

For most of us the school year has begun and were all trying to balance and manage our life properly with everything. Whether it’s DECA, schoolwork, a job, sports, or college applications were all still not used to this idea of having to “work.” Sadly summer is over but that’s ok because that means it’s the start of a new DECA year. If you haven’t heard about the chapter campaigns that National DECA is doing then I would definitely recommend you take a look at Trevor Dickerson’s article in the September-October 2013 DECA Direct!

There are 5 chapter campaigns to chose from: Promotional, Community Service, Membership, Global Entrepreneurship Week, and the Advocacy Campaign. These campaigns cover several aspects of DECA as well as setting up specific goals for your chapter! The chapter campaigns also provide an opportunity to attend the THRIVE academy in Atlanta, Georgia.

If you don’t already have a copy of the DECA Direct September-October 2013 you can access it online by clicking the link below!

http://issuu.com/decainc/docs/dd1-sept-oct13/11?e=0/4593486

Hope you guys are ready to MAKE IT COUNT this year!

Sadly the summer is coming to an end and the school year is about to start. Although we're all dreading the fact that classes are about to start, I know we're all excited for DECA to start! Some chapters may have already started to plan out the school year but if you haven't don't worry there's still time. If you get stuck or can't think of any cool ideas for a social or any event I recommend you look at what other chapters have done in the past by looking at their website or social media. And also if you haven't heard of the Florida DECA Executive Council yet, it is something that will be starting in August. This will allow you to connect with your assigned state officer and it will give you the chance to meet other chapter officers.

If you were wondering of ways you can connect with other chapter officers, there are plenty. It’s just a click away. Also, don’t forget to constantly be checking up with the Florida DECA website. Were always updating it  and letting you know with what’s going on in Florida DECA. Another way to get ideas on cool socials is by looking at the video blogs the state officers post! I hope you guys enjoyed your summer and don’t forget to MAKE IT COUNT this year! If you have any questions feel free to contact me at ana@fldeca.org!!

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.

By: Ana Fernandez

YOSO (You Only Serve Once)

Being a great officer involves a few steps. It starts with being passionate and committed to improving the organization. “Now you have the trophy, earn it” is a saying that applies to this situation. I ran for office, won the position, now I have to prove myself worthy of it. Being an officer is not like playing a sport. Playing a sport involves practicing all year and working towards a goal: winning. With being an officer it is the total opposite. You win first and then work all year to make the chapter better. The next step is setting up a calendar for the upcoming school year. This is one of the most important steps.  

An important thing that you definitely want to do before the school year starts is to set up a calendar at the beginning of the year with activities and set goals that you want to accomplish throughout this year. This way you're not overwhelmed and rushing to meet deadlines.

Along with that, you have to keep in mind that small mistakes are the biggest mistakes. When planning an event you want to make sure that everything is planned to the last detail. Because if something goes wrong it’s that one small mistake that will in the end ruin all the hard work and outcome of the event. 

          Most people speak of the great things they're going to be doing to improve the chapter. One has to remember that actions speak louder than words. An officer's plans have to be reasonable, but with the right mindset and a good set of helping hands anything is possible. But the most important piece of advice that I could ever give about being a great officer is to remember to have fun. And just remember that you only have one year to make your DECA chapter better. It’s called YOSO (you only serve once). You only serve once and you have to take hold of that one opportunity and make the best of it. Because what you do with this one year is your legacy for future officers to follow in your footsteps. There is a saying, carpe diem, cease the day. It is necessary to cease the day, cease the chances you get and make them count!

These past few months as a chartered association officer have been the best months of my life. In a short time period I've learned so many different things. I've put my fears aside and met so many new people, made friends, done things I've never done before. This opportunity I've been given is a one in a lifetime chance and I want to make the most of it. You, Florida DECA members, elected me to have this position. Thanks to you I’ve had this opportunity, and I owe it to each and every one of you to make this year the best I can. I look forward to meeting even more of all our Florida DECA members, and I look forward to making Florida DECA even better than it already is with the help of my fellow officers and the support of my chapter advisors and our members.

By attending LEADS I learned new methods that I can bring back to our chapters to make improvements here and there. I look forward to visiting all of my designated chapters and informing everyone of our plans for this year. For those members who didn't compete this year, I want to encourage you all to make the most of it and compete this upcoming year. ICDC was an amazing experience for all of us. Between the Florida DECA bowling night and the 5K as well as competition itself, everyone had the opportunity to meet new people, learn new things and go home with memories that will last them a lifetime. I want that for each and every one of our Florida DECA members. An unforgettable experience and to truly integrate everyone into this program because DECA is more than just an organization. If you ever have any questions don’t hesitate to contact at ana@fldeca.org.