Hello Florida DECA!

DECA Month is here and it’s time to do more than survive, THRIVE. This month we all will hopefully be doing many events and bonding with our own DECA chapters as well as Florida DECA.

THRIVE is defined as to prosper or flourish. That is what we, DECA members, will do this month and continue throughout this year. We will  gain new experiences, make new friends, and develop skills that will help us in our future.

District Competition is not that far away! It is time to start preparing for competition so we can THRIVE all the way to Anaheim!

I look forward to seeing all of your accomplishments through DECA Month and this year. Remember, Do More Than Survive, THRIVE!

Jason Richards

Florida DECA State Vice President

Hey Florida DECA!

I hope you all had a good first quarter of the school year and are getting off to a good start for the second quarter!  I also hope that you are all starting to get prepared for your DECA competitive event by either studying for your test or writing your paper.  Make sure you don’t wait until the last minute to do so, because I want to make sure that you secure your slot for the State Career Development Conference in Orlando which starts on February 28th. 

This year’s SCDC is going to be the best one yet!  For those of you who haven’t been to the conference before, it is an extended weekend of friendly competition, social networking with DECA members throughout the state, and bonding with your chapter.  For those of you who went in past years, I don’t even have to tell you what an awesome event it is!

From February 28th to March 3rd, you will be staying at the Hilton at Downtown Disney.  Just as its name says, it is literally right across from Downtown Disney, an great area with loads of shopping where you can relax during your down time.

Continue to prepare and enjoy the year!  I look forward to seeing you at the SCDC and through out other events during the year.  Remember, do more than survive, THRIVE!

Sincerely,

Zack Schaja

Florida DECA Vice President

Happy Autumn Florida DECA!

As the holidays approach, I enjoy a few traditions to celebrate the season; carving a pumpkin on Halloween and watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade early Thursday morning – my favorite, however, has become watching the iconic holiday television special; A Charlie Brown Christmas.

It’s easy to watch this short movie and be desensitized by its true meaning, but this time when I watched it, I saw the lesson that Charles M. Schulz intended.

My love for this movie is sparked by the outlook that Charlie Brown has on the world. When he is sent to get a perfect Christmas tree for the community play, he gets this small wimpy tree that only has three limp branches. His best friend, Linus, tries to warn him of the ridicule he’ll receive from their peers, but Charlie Brown responds, “I don’t care” and picks up the tree saying “I think it needs me.”

Linus was correct and everyone did tease Charlie Brown for his tree. But by the end they were able to fix it up and make it something festive while they all sang carols with Charlie Brown’s dog, Snoopy.

This lesson in community service has to come from within. You’re motivation to get projects and service activities completed should mean doing so even when it may be inconvenient. My challenge to you is to find your own wimpy little tree and be the Charlie Brown of your chapters and your communities. Realize the difference you can make when you lead you peers with strong motivation. 

Keep Thriving!

Erica Mick, Florida DECA State Vice President