ICDC 2015 Through My Eyes by EVP Manni

ICDC 2015 Through My Eyes

Nothing less than amazing. ICDC 2015 in Orlando Florida marks my third ICDC, and though in my home state, was the best ever. The journey began on Friday as my chapter ventured off to Magic Kingdom and Epcot of Walt Disney World, a day filled with smiles, laughs and big mouse ears. Saturday continued our Disney adventure as we conquered Hollywood Studios, then later that night was the long awaited Opening Session. This year the stage was decorated with creative designs and beautiful models, a percussion band a group of break dancers that kept the crowd moving. Then entirety of the opening session was exciting and kept all the members entertained and hyped all the competitors for their presentations and role plays.

Sunday was briefing day where you get to scope out the competition, my group took Sunday morning to practice and later that day we embarked on another journey to Florida DECA night at Blue Man group (it was my first time!) which was nothing but extraordinary. The show was so entertaining and creative and it was followed by an amazing meal at the Hard Rock Café.

Monday is where it all got serious and I woke up bright and early to greet advisors and administrators for Administrator Day, not to mention I got to speak on behave of DECA students everywhere about my DECA story, which really made me feel special. Later that morning me and my group grabbed some breakfast and practiced, then it was our time to shine. We killed our presentation! I was so excited for mini awards, no matter what happened I knew that my team had laid it all out on the table. Monday night was The DECA Party at Universals, Islands of Adventure, they closed the entire park just for us DECA members. As a Florida native I had never seen the park through this perspective, the night sky was decorated with the amusement park lights and projections of “I AM DECA” on the buildings.

Tuesday was a rollercoaster, and it began by my group advancing to the finals! After one more presentation and a great Grand Awards session……..we had done it….. My group and I were Top 10 International DECA winners! It still gives me goosebumps to say.

ICDC 2015 was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life, I met new people, worked hard, played hard and had the best weekend of my life.

It’s been real ICDC.

Till’ we meet again in Nashville.