DECA Prepares Us for Whatever Comes Next

Catherine Horton | High School Division President

If the past twelve months have taught us anything, it’s that the future is unpredictable and can change in the blink of an eye.

While this year may not have been the typical DECA experience with opportunities to travel and walk across a stage to receive recognition, the lessons we’ve learned are just as valuable as ever. This year has shown us that we are creative, resilient and determined to overcome any obstacle.

Whether you are a freshman in high school, graduating college senior or somewhere in between, DECA has prepared us for what comes next on our path to become successful leaders.

DECA teaches us skills that are valuable in the business world and beyond. As DECA members, we learn how to be innovative problem solvers, skilled presenters and servants of our communities. We learn firsthand how goal setting and hard work are the keys to success. These are not just skills that will carry us through high school or college; these are skills we will use every day for the rest of our lives.

Through DECA, you may have learned how to iron a wrinkly dress shirt (a skill that comes in handy more than you may realize), how to convincingly sell your ideas to others or even how to pull off an engaging virtual meeting. There are endless experiences you can have while in DECA, but that is only the beginning. It’s up to us to take all of the lessons we’ve learned and apply them to who we will become in the future.

No matter what life throws at us, DECA prepares us to become leaders and entrepreneurs. DECA prepares us to reach our next level!