Erica Reminds Us To Look For The Sandbar

 Hey Florida DECA!

With the school year starting I am reminded of how proud I am to be a part of an organization in Florida with over seven thousand emerging leaders are members of. My story, however, isn’t about officers or even DECA, it’s about a day at the beach.

I live in the Ft. Lauderdale area and I’m blessed with being 15 minutes away from the coast. At the end of the summer, my friends and I drove to the beach in hopes of one last perfect day before being trapped in a classroom during tanning hours. When we got there, however, the waves were crashing hard on the shore and there was seaweed polluting the water we had hoped to swim in. As I looked out to the horizon I noticed that just past the seaweed and waves there was a sandbar. I realized how important it is to recognize the solution when everyone else is caught up in the problem.  After seeing this I told my friends who were hesitant until I ran into the ocean myself. The most successful leaders lead by action. It wasn’t long before complaining and negative attitudes about the waves and seaweed had my peers suggesting to turn back. But just a little bit of encouragement is the strongest weapon against negativity. I pushed my friends to endure the struggle so that we could find success as a group. When we finally reached the break we spent hours there enjoying the clear water and subtle energy of the waves.

It was the best day of summer but not only because I was able to enjoy playing volleyball and swimming with my friends; I was able to use my leadership skills in a practical and real way. With that, my last lesson of leadership is this: Take advantage of every opportunity you are given to THRIVE!

Sincerely,

Erica Mick, Florida DECA State Vice President