DECA is a valuable club in so many ways. It allows the student to have a lot of fun with their peers, learn about marketing and business, and practice the skills they learn in realistic settings. DECA has benefitted me in so many ways, giving me knowledge and confidence in the area of business and giving me a step up for the next phase of my life." Curtis Blaine '08 Myers Park High School Charlotte, NC I learned not to be nervous in front of people, and to have confidence in yourself. I never used to be able to talk in front of others, and now i can talk in front of almost any crowd.Jolene Obrion Secretary/ TreasurerMATC TruaxMarketing Club Darryl Bellamy I think that this sounds like a great project. I have been a member of a Texas Chapter, Temple College DEX, the college division of DECA, for the past three years. I am not a traditional college student. I started college at 26 years of age. Even though I was older than most of my classmates I was very shy and I hated standing in front of them presenting class assignments. Someone told me about joining DEX and at first I was a unsure. But I jumped in with both feet and I can tell you that joining this organization has taught me to stand up and be heard. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. I have become a bright lite among my fellow students. My professors would tell you that DEX is the reason for the changes that they see in me everyday. Also being an active member of this organization has opened many doors for me in my professional life. This semester I applied for a job with the college. I was prepared when they chose to do my interview as a panel. I've competed with DEX for the past three years so the panel didn't phase me, it helped me get the job. They could see that I could conduct myself professionally while under pressure. I now spend my days helping students achieve their goals and begin their college careers. And that is what DECA has done for me. I hope your future endeavors are all as great as mine have been. Suzanne Brunson TEAMS Coordinator Temple College Well, DECA has benefited my life in ways i never imagined. i has definently helped me get over my shyness and insecurities of public speaking. In addition, it has prepared me for the "real world" like telephone etiquette, interviewing skills, and just general business-like behaviors. I am so glad I discovered and joined the best kept secret around my school. It has shown me the world and has given me experiences to travel the world and learn to interact professionally with my peers while having the time of my life. I hope that's long enough, thanks. Kate Yang Dear DECA Member: I am extremely pleased that you have taken this opportunity to promote andinstitute the developmental progress that DECA allows. I know that DECA hasprovided me with a sense of confidence, professionalism, and perhaps moreimportantly pride in my work, that I had not had prior to my participation.DECA, like you said, is marketing education, and helps develop leaders invarious aspects of the economical sectors... Advertising, finance,management, accounting, marketing, etc... I would not have been able toobtain the education I am currently experiencing at Northwood University ifnot for my involvement with this organization, and for that I am extremelythankful. I wish you the best of luck with your chapter, your project, andyour competition this year... and remember that there are numerousleadership opportunities that you can take advantage of. For instance,state office. Being in DECA is something that has changed my life, mypassion, and my perception of success. Know that we as your State Action Team are here to help you Make it Happen! Joshua ShankleTexas DECA State Vice President MR. Bellamy, Wow you have a big project ahead of you. I graduated High School in 2002. I was a member of DECA for all 4 years of High School. In 10th grade I was my schools Vice President for DECA, in the 11th and 12th grade I was the chapters President. In 11th Grade I was the State Recorder and in 12th grade I was DECA president for the state of Delaware. DECA has taught me a lot of skills that I still use. I attended three national conferences and gained a whole lot of knowledge for each. Whether I was competing in an event or just talking to some of the various vendors, professionals, and entrepreneurs there, I learned a lot. At one conference I got to speak to Otis Spunkmeyer and he told us about how he started the cookie business he runs today. DECA gives you the keys you need to unlock many doors of success in the Marketing world. It also prepares you for public speaking because every year we had Legislation Appreciation Day where we went to the Legislation and thank them for there support publicly. It taught me how to prepare a speech, how to talk with proficiency and eloquence. I was also given a full scholarship to Johnson and Wales University, ( I did not go). If I wanted a college education from that institute, DECA opened the door for me. Shortly after high school I decided to join the army to help out with the global war on terrorism, however my job in the army is Logistics. I work in a Warehouse, and now more than ever am I using the basic marketing and management skills that I learned in DECA. I have to manage my time,plus the time of my soldiers. I use my marketing skills to acquire different vendors in order to get certain supplies needed for the warehouse. For example I order tools for mechanics. There are so many different companies that sell tools i.e snap on, craftsman, ... I see who has the better product, how much money I can spend, how soon I can get the supplies and much more. DECA is a very beneficial program and it's a great asset to any school. If you need any additional informatin feel free to e-mail me. SGT Zerphlee Spruill (Watson) United States Army 2001-2002 Delaware DECA State President Sounds like you are a focused and dedicated young man. Here is my story about how important I feel DECA is to high school students: I was involved in DECA when I was in high school way back in 1973-1977. I worked after school and participated in the co-op program. At the time it was just because I really wanted to go to college and my parents couldn't afford to help me so I started working and saving in hopes that my dream could be realized. I found myself learning so much and even though my dream had been to go to law school I ended up getting a degree in Human Resource Management and did Training and Public Relations for a large corporation for over 15 years. After raising my children I decided to make a career change and got my teaching certification to teach Marketing. I cannot tell you how rewarding it is to see high school students begin to take the knowledge they have been acquiring for some 11 or 12 years and through Marketing courses, participation in DECA and working through co-op programs, bring that knowledge full circle and be able to discuss, plan and produce amazing work! I have been teaching high school for 10 years and I have students who are now college degreed in Marketing and come back every year to speak in my class or to participate as a judge in competition because of how successful they felt when they participated in DECA. Good luck with your project! As a current advisor in a rural town in the middle of Minnesota, DECA has made a huge influence in my life. I started in DECA 34 years ago and learned how to dress and act like a professional. By competing, I learned how to be flexible and to become the best I can be. I also found my career while participating in marketing and the DECA organization. I became a marketing teacher. Because of some life experiences, I have worked in the business field, as a teacher, and as an entrepreneur. DECA is a fantastic organization to help students mature and grow as individuals. Hi Darryl, I am a sophomore at the Univeristy of Minnesota in the Carlson School ofManagement. During my high school career I was actively involved in MinnesotaDECA as a State Officer. DECA has impacted my life by giving me theopportunity to experience real life business situations, gain leadershipskills, meet many high achieving students, and introducing me to the businessworld. I used to be introverted and not sure what kind of life I would leadbefore I joined my high school DECA chapter. Becoming a chapter officer, Igained leadership skills that will last me a lifetime. To become a stateofficer, I overcame my fear of public speaking. To my suprise, I ended uploving to speak to a large audience! I am still involved with Minnesota DECAby helping out as a conference staff member for the Fall LeadershipConference and the State Comference. I am passionate about DECA because itoffers so many opportunities to it's DECA members. The amount any membergains from DECA is almost limitless. I hope this is what you were looking for. Good luck with your project! Jessica Swanoski Darryl,Very interesting choice of a project and I would be more than happy to add my little tid bit. DECA is an extremely beneficial group that I believe all high school students should be apart of. It helps develop important networking and social skills that are not learned through your every day lives with friends and relatives. It puts you in situations that make you feel uncomfortable at first and then helps you grow as a person. DECA has benefited me in so many ways. THe most important one was getting me accepted into a college. Now my grades were okay and all that but once the admissions counselor saw I was one the presidents of my chapter, I was in. Now in the working world, I look back on the things that I learned and how it has shaped the way I do business and interact with others. Hope this helps and send me another e-mail if you need more. Jeff Scanlon Chaska High School DECA Alum Wow. Hello you... from me all the way from Utah! First of all, I just want to give you major props for thinking of such a fantastic graduation project idea! When I read your email I thought the whole thing was really really awesome!!!... I'd like to see the finished product!!! Anyway, attached is a little bit about me and why i loooooooove DECA! I hope this helps and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Anne FleshmanNorthern Region Vice PresidentUTAH DECA Hi Darryl! My name is Courtney Clark. I am the State President for Michigan DECA and from Mona Shores High School. I think this sounds like a great project. I am forwarding this email to several other DECA members I know, so hopefully that helps you out. Here is my comment; DECA has forced me to step outside my comfort zone and meet new people. Before running for state office, I was shy and didn't have the confidence to meet new people or speak in public. Through DECA, I have had opportunities to talk with people from all over the world and make some amazing friends. DECA has helped me to obtain a self-confidence that never imagined I could have, and that has changed my life tremendously. Have a great day! Courtney Clark Darryl, I am happy to answer your question on how Delta Epsilon Chi has benefited me. Delta has not only given me the opportunity to grow as a leader but also has given me a chance of networking. The leadership skills that I have gained both as a member and a officer are transferable to my future career and have helped me be a better communicator and problem solver no matter the situation. The opportunity for networking is greater than anything I have seen elsewhere. As a member you are able to talk to fellow members from around the country, influential people, and business professionals from both small and large business. These contacts will come in handy for a successful future for members. I hope this helps and I wish you luck on your project. Robert Van Dyke Western Region Vice President Delta Epsilon Chi Good Afternoon Darryl, My name is Mike Owen and I am from Brainerd High School in Brainerd Minnesota. I have been in DECA for one year now and im just starting the second. DECA has been a great expierence that i have been lucky enough to have in my life. The confrences have taught me mainly how to expand my "comfort zone." Because of the wide variety of people that attend the confrences you are forced to meet new people and interact. DECA has also allowed me to be more confident in the comunity when i go out and look for a job, or word expierence, because a lot of buisnesses in the area look upon DECA as a something that should make you a better worker. Good luck with your paper, Mike Owen I am so sorry that this is late, and I hope that it gets to you in time to use for your project!! If you'd like me to send you a picture of my favorite DECA memory (so many!) or something, let me know! (address, i'm at school, and all my DECA pics are at home... but I'm sure I can get one to you somehow!) Good luck with your project! Erica Pressley Hey!! Sorry it took me so long to respond!! DECA allows me to get to know my students better. I can take my students to places they've never been (since some of them have never been out of Sanford) and get to know them as more than just a student....I get to know them as our future CEOs and business leaders. Brooke Tracy Brooke A. TracyMarketing Education, M. Ed.CTE Department ChairDECA AdvisorSouthern Lee High School You picked a good topic! DECA is a benefit to my life. Of course it helps with many things that impact your life in the future like jobs opportunities, scholarships and networking. But my favorite thing about DECA is it is fun! I get the opportunity to travel which I love, and because everyone in DECA is very outgoing it is easy to make friends. I know several occasions where I was standing in a line and someone just turned around and asked me what my name was and what was up. That doesn't really happen any where else. Then once you make friends you see them all the time at events, district, state then a few at Internationals. I look forward to DECA more than anything else this year because of the people I will meet and the opportunities I will be given. How was that? Good luck on your project!! Darryl As a parent volunteer, I was introduced to DECA this last year, 2006. I am truly amazed that it is not a required organization for students. While sitting in on a judged District competition event, I realized that all students (and adults) could benefit from this situational event. I praise DECA for all that it continues to do for the future leaders of our country. C. Redkey Hey Darryl:I apologize for the late reply. October has always been an extreme busy time at University of Waterloo and I haven't had time to get around to this. I'd be happy to help you with your project. I hope your deadline hasn't yet passed. I'll relate to you my personal experience with DECA. When I attended highschool, I was introduced to DECA in Grade 11. For the last 5 years, I've been involved in DECA, both at the highschool and the university level. To me, the benefit it brings is too numerous to count. But most importantly, it built my confidence and my ability to work with others. Personally, I think DECA is a platform of opportunities. For the first time in my life, I was able to have a stage to present my ideas and be listened to with attention. I was able to vocalize my opinions and offer solutions to problems, putting together bits and pieces into a cohesive argument. It made me a good speaker and it built up my confidence to speak. Furthermore, it made me more social, learning to work with group of like minded people to run the chapter organization. I become acquainted with a variety of characters with distinctive personalities and I learnt to gel with them. Ultimate, DECA made me a more functional and capable member of society. I'd be happy to pass this onto my executives if your deadline hasn't passed. Please let me know. Thanks and have a good weekend.Jay DEX has given me the confidence in myself to achieve things I would never have imagined. I enabled me to believe in myself. I hope this helps. Good luck young man, Matt LangePresidentMinnesota Delta Epsilon Chi Hey Darryl! My name is Victoria Reliford. I am a senior at Cross Creek High School in Augusta, Ga. I am currently the Vice President of Finance for Georgia state DECA. I am so happy to be of help to your senior project (I know how hard mine gets). As a growing teenager, I learn new things everyday- every minute really. I'm learning how much it really cost to get to the college I want and how much my mother does to raise me (which is a constant headache with my senior dues and mall addictions). But it was not until I joined DECA that I really experienced what life is like. DECA has taught me that goals are not goals, but merely dreams if I have no intention on working hard for them. Being with DECA, I've learned about marketing and the economy, and how the world really works. DECA has taught me about the business world and how no one has any intention on giving you anything if you are just a latent student who does no work. Being a State Officer has pushed me to grow. Deadlines, responsibilities, duties, loyalties, and more deadlines has made me a better person. I have begun to grow into the person that does not wake up thinking, "What can I buy today?" but into the person who wakes up thinking, "What am I going to accomplish today?". To me, the real world is waiting, and DECA has walked me to the door to let it in. I hope your scrapebook is amazing!! Victoria Reliford

For me, DECA was a wonderful door placed in my path. I felt like i wasnot good at anything in life and I couldn't find what interested me,until DECA. Becoming a state officer helped me to show myself morethan anyone else that I could succeed and have fun and make a difference.-Dylan Roberts Omaha Nebraska DECA has helped me in my communication skills greatly. After doing roleplays and interacting with people at competitive events I am much more confident in the way I speak. I have made lots of new friends not just at my school but across the state. I also have learned lots of new things in marketing and business because DECA has influenced me to take more marketing classes and now I am a fourth year marketing student. Without DECA I beleive I wouldnt be as good of a person as I am now, it has helped me obtain the knowledge and skills that will greatly help me throughout my life in the business world as well as the personal world. I am extremely thankful for DECA and hope it continues to help others down the road.

Joseph

Hi Darryl,My Name is Arvin Singh, and I am the current president of DECA U of T (University of Toronto Scarborough Campus). I think that this is a really great initiative and I will definitely support you. Here is a testimonial that I wrote for the DECA U Ontario website:Arvin Singh, President, DECA U of T (Scarborough)"DECA U's real world application has allowed me to transfer the skills I develop in DECA U to the workplace where they have not gone unrecognized. I feel that being in DECA U has given me a competitive advantage as well as a sense of belonging to something great."Feel free to use it in your scrapbook. If you required something more substantial or longer please let me know. I will advise my execs to do the same and email something to you.Thanks,Arvin Singh DECA has equipped me with the skills I need to be successful outside of school. Learing how to conduct myself in a professional envirnonment has set me apart from my peers, and I am grateful to DECA for affording high school students such opportunities. Susie Eckman Arizona DECA President Darryl, I have forwarded this to several former state officers. I think it is a great topic. Here is my response. I know that DECA makes a difference in the lives of students. From an Advisor's Perspective, their is nothing as rewarding as watching a student experience their first airplane trip, white glove dinner service at a private club, the opportunity to stay in a four star hotel, and knowing that none of those doors would have been opened to that student except for joining the DECA organization.I try to instill in my state officers a sense of family, that is exactly what the folks involved in DECA have been to me and I want to continue to share those same values with our officers and members. It is very difficult to put into words the affection and sense of commitment I have for the organization of DECA. Pamela O'Brien North Carolina DECA Advisor NCDPI

DECA has many benefits far beyond your normal high school education. DECA takes the things that you learn in the text books and puts it in real life situations. The role plays, the manuals and test all help members gain valuable skills for business. DECA has benefited my life by making me a very proud parent. I watched my very shy and not to motivated but very bright daughter turn into a very poised capable leader. DECA gave Kelly the chance to not only learn skills but to demonstrate them and experience success that has given her confidence. Thanks for the opportunity to participate in your project. Marge Van Woerkom Kelly Van Woerkom's Mom

Hi Darryl,

Of course I would love to help you with your project. I've forwarded your note on to several advisors, members, and my own parents in order to prompt their involvement. I hope this helps! Good luck!

I joined DECA as a Sophomore in High School. While I expected to learn a few things about business and marketing, at that point I really had no idea just how immensely my involvement in DECA would change my life. I used to be very shy. I struggled with anxiety and had a fear of speaking with anyone I didn't know. This fear inhibited me from persuing a lot of activities I would have liked to be a part of and I know that if I hadn't overcome my shyness I would not be able to do all the wonderful things I have had the opportunity to experience in my life.

My second year in DECA I ran for a position as an officer of my local chapter. I was chosen and became the youngest on our officer team. I was forced to break out of my comfort zone and overcome my nervousness by speaking at chapter meetings, making professional business phone calls, and meeting with local corporate representatives. These new found skills gave the the courage to run for state office, and I became the Colorado DECA State Publicity Director in my senior year of High School. In DECA I learned skills ranging from basic marketing principles, to how to write press releases and fill out forms, to how to speak in front of audiences of thousands of people. As a senior I decided that the only way I could give back to other DECA members what I myself had benefited was to run for a position as a National Officer.

In May of my senior year I was appointed the position of National DECA President. I am now taking a year off from college to travel to High School DECA conferences across the nation and speak with students and give workshops helping them to better develop their own sense of professionalism in the fields of marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. I will travel to about 30 conferences this year and network with thousands of individuals. I know that my time in DECA has made all the difference in developing me into the person I am today and I am proud to be who I am.

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I hope this is what you're looking for. Feel free to shorten it up or take out bits and pieces. Let me know how your project ends up going.

Take care,

Kelly VanWoerkom

Hello Darryl,Sorry it has taken so long since your e-mail, I had my mid-terms the past week so it has been very busy : ) I hope you are getting a lot of responses.How has DECA impacted my life? It is my life: my past, my preset and my future. DECA has made me into the young man I am today and I am so honored that I have been blessed to be apart of such an amazing organization. So doors of opportunity have been opened for me because of DECA and so many more are to come. DECA taught me how to tie a tie as well as giving my best friends. DECA is life and gives the members the chance to succeed. I hope this helps you and if you need more or anything let me know!-Nick

Good luck w/ your project . . . an admirable one to be sure! ;) My response to your ? is listed below!
Thanks for allowing me to share!
Terri

I am often asked, "why do you 'do' DECA?" and the answer is so simple. I have seen the positive results for students. One time we returned from MCEC and one of my students was crying as she was waiting for her parents. Of course I thought she was crying because she didn't get a medallion or a trophy. . . .only a proficiency sheet. What she said surprised me. She was crying because her dad was going to be so proud of her. She said she had never won anything academic and couldn't wait to show her father that proficiency sheet. If DECA is responsible for even one student per year reaching that kind of self-satisfaction - then DECA is worth every moment that I put into it.
Terri Martin Edwards
JM Morehead High School

Hello, This is my first year doing DECA and so far, it has been a memorable experience. I have made many friends but have also managed to learn many skills involved in the marketing world, specifically in the restaraunt full service management, which is the event that I am doing this year. DECA has allowed me to grow as a student and business person. Mike Hi Darryl, Thank you for including me in your e-mail for your senior project. My experience with DECA is unique in that when I worked in industry I served as a judge for DECA competition. From that experience, I saw the way DECA prepared students for the “real world”. That was what made me decide to leave the field of marketing to become a marketing teacher and DECA advisor. For over 7 years I was a DECA advisor in North Carolina and Virginia. During that time I saw my students gain skills such as time management, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, teamwork and so much more. DECA has helped prepare my students for college. Many of my former students are attending some of the best business school’s in the nation – such as University of Massachusetts at Amherst, University of Virginia, and Clemson University. Many of my students have gone on to successful careers in the fields of real estate, marketing, finance, retailing and sales. In fact, you may have even heard back from one of my former students – Chase Blahuta, who is currently working for us here at the national staff as the Web editor. Last year (a year ago today, to be exact)…I made the decision to leave the classroom and join the staff of DECA. It’s an outstanding organization that provides opportunities that students may not have otherwise. If I can be of any further assistance with your project, please let me know. Sincerely, Julie Julie M. Kandik Director, DECA Images DECA, Inc. "DECA is a valuable club in so many ways. It allows the student to have a lot of fun with their peers, learn about marketing and business, and practice the skills they learn in realistic settings. DECA has benefitted me in so many ways, giving me knowledge and confidence in the area of business and giving me a step up for the next phase of my life." Curtis Blaine '08 Myers Park High School Charlotte, NC

Darryl, In response to your request I must begin by saying that I am a proud product of DECA. As a student in my senior year of high school (1969-70) I participated in the Pueblo, Colorado DECA Chapter at Central High School. I never thought then that I would ever be in the position I currently hold. After graduation from high school I attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado. During my sophomore year I began to question why I was even in college and what was I going to do with my life. I thought about all the things I participated in during my high school years and DECA came to the front. DECA offered everything. The skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to be successful. I wanted to share my experiences with others. Fortunately for me, the university just happened to have a major in Distributive Education (now Marketing Education). I entered the teaching field of Marketing Education in 1974 and have never looked back. I have taught 33+ years as a Marketing Educator and am currently the Interim Colorado Assistant Program Director for Marketing\DECA. Remember, In life we may not all do great things, but we can alldo things in a great way. Ev Vaughan Good Afternoon Darryl Bellamy, My Name is Frances Bailey, I am the State President for Texas 07-08 and go to Cy-Fair College where I was State VP for the past two years. I received your email and spent the afternoon thinking about how Dex/DECA has helped me and the benefits of it. One of the best parts is all the networking and the connections you make. Also, it helps you by putting you out in the world even though it is a mock type of setting but you get to see first hand on how certain things are ran and you can fix those mistakes that you have done. So when you go in front of a team to present and your idea in the real world you already have the experience, knowledge and practice for all the years you are in DEX/DECA. Good luck with your project. It sounds like a great idea!Frances BaileyCy-Fair CollegeTx St. President 07-80 DECA has definitely helped me in college with being able to think quickly to solve a problem. It also has given me presentation and interview skills. By participating in team and individual events, I know how to effectively work together with a partner to achieve a shared goal. I know how to take ideas and convey them in a clear fashion to another individual within a time limit. I learned how to work under pressure - completing a task within a certain time period. I also learned tools that will help me in my career search such as proper attire and behavior for the business world. The skills I've acquired through DECA, I'll remember and use for the rest of my life. Bettina Umstead My name is Terrell Crudup and i was in DECA for myjunior and senior years. i was also Co-President ofour chapter at my school. McNeil High School. DECA was the best club i have ever joined simplybecause i met people all over the world who had thesame drive that i did. It taught me how to be timelyto everything and i learned how to balance work withplay. i learned valuable lessons on presentation,quick thinking, creativity, knowlege retention,puntuation, business do's and dont's and many otherthings. i've built long lasting realationships withpeople in my chapter and a few from different statesplus i became some what of a legend in my state(texas) for having so much fun. if you ever go to aDECA internationals and you run into a texas DECAteacher, ask them if they remember an African Americanstudent that got hipmotized. and see if they remember was in DECA for three years in High school. 99-02. I was Seargent at Arms for the State of Texas, and I did two Civic Consciousness projects. First one was for MDA and I raised over 8k. Second year I did a fundraiser for a charity for a group in Brazil that helps educate young women on how to stay off the street and have a good job. I think it was close to 4k. After that I was elected State Seargeant at Arms and I was able to travel all over the entire country. Throughout these experiences I was able to develop the organizational skills, leadership skills and communication skills that helped me get through college and into medical school. Not to mention some priceless friends. It was an opportunity that I would recommend to everyone, but it would have been impossible without the help of my advisors and family. If there are any specific questions you have about what I learned from DECA I would be glad to elaborate. Hope my ramblings helped out -- M. Ryan Odom Dear Mr. Bellamy, I never had the opportunity to belong to a DECA chapter being from a small town, but I have reaped the benefits of a Delta Epsilon Chi membership, the collegiate level of DECA. Being a former local, state, and recently, the Central Region Vice President, opened more doors for me then just a normal college student. The most valuable benefit I took away from a DEX membership was the network of friends, resources, and employers that I’ve used to land my current job as a manager in a small, but growing, grocery chain in Wisconsin. This position has offered me a chance to utilize my past experiences of competition, classroom work and DEX teachings to make my associates better, not only at their jobs, but also as a person. Without my DEX experience, I don’t think that I would’ve been able to find such a stable, well paying, and fun position. I attribute my DEX with my recent success in my life, but I’m also taking that a step further. I was offered a speaking/voice over position with a production company out of Knoxville, Tennessee because they liked what they heard while they worked with the National Officer Team at ICDC in Orlando, in May. Also, I’m currently training to help the state of Wisconsin colleges by taking the Career Technical Student Organizations, Leadership Coordinator position where I’ll be able to pass on my knowledge and help new state officers from around the state, become better in speaking, teaching, and most importantly, leading. Lastly, I’m still very much involved by being a member of the Wisconsin DEX alumni organization. I will be holding workshops at local and state conferences and I’ll be again, passing on my knowledge to members from around the state. I wouldn’t have my job, my positions, or my opportunities, both now and in the future, without DEX. The friends I’ve made and the adventures I’ve gone through have prepared me for what life has before me. Remember, DECA isn’t just in high school, it continues with Delta Epsilon Chi in colleges throughout the country. The biggest difference between the two is that in DECA you feel out where you want to be in life and DEX helps you pinpoint your profession and helps you to get the job. I think your project is a GREAT idea and I wish you luck, not only on this paper, but in anything you put your mind too! Thank you for reaching out around the country to hear everyone, who knows, you might be emailing your future employer! Warmest Regards, Nick Bretl My name is Laura Lee Lotto - I live in Wrightstown, WI and attend Northeast WI Technical College. I unfortunately did not have the benefit of having DECA in my high school. I wish I would have as I see now how wonderful it is and what a confidance builder it is. I have been in DEX (College devision of DECA) for two semesters now and wish I could put into words how it really has impacted my life.... It is hard to explain to people a dream you have that you know will be a HUGE success and you know will be your ultimate passion in life. Most family members don't listen to you fully (even at 25 years of age) and most friends don't care enough to really listen, nor do they know how to support you. When I joined Wisconsin Management and Marketing Association (WMMA - our DEX) I found people who not only understood my drive and passion for my future plans, but supported me with other ideas of how to achieve it. I was giving the opportunity to go to seminars just for Entrapenures, I met other prominent business people who would say "follow it, if you want it, go get it". No one ever laughed at me like my family did or said things like, just get a "real job" and quit dreaming. I personally have been touched so deeply by the support and understanding and the passion others have in DEX to follow their dreams that I really can't explain how it has affected me yet. I can tell you that if I had somehow missed this opportunity to join, I would be lost right now. I really would without the positive support I've gotten for persuing my dreams. I hope that helps! Hope to see you at future National DEX events!!! Take care Laura Lee Lotto Wrightstown, WI DECA was one of the most rewarding experiences I had in high school, more so than National Honor Society, Key Club, or Newspaper. DECA has given me many experiences that I carry with me today from the confidence to approach interview situations extending to the ability to set high goals and know that those goals are attainable. DECA pushed me to become a stronger leader and I have continued what DECA started with me to the Collegiate level in Delta Epsilon Chi. Bianca M. Wahe Hey there...I am a chapter advisor at West Brunswick High School in Shallotte, NC. DECA his a very beneficial program. It prepares students for corporate America and teaches them how to speak in front of other people while building their business vocabulary. When students graduate high school, they are more advanced and ready to take on the "real world." Good luck with everything!!! Stephanie Beach Marketing Education DECA provides opportunities for students to explore the field of Business and Marketing and become actively involved within the community. DECA offers the chance for any student to excel and benefit off of their knowledge and performance inside and outside of the classroom. With DECA being a co-curricular student organization, DECA offers various opportunities for students to compete academically through competitive events and engage in real-life activities. Students are able to become involved within the community by volunteering, job shadowing in the community, charity fundraising, etc. As a result of such activities, students can gain from using DECA on applications for employment and in obtaining scholarships for college. Through the involvement and participation in such an organization, a student can further their membership through college and use the networking available in order to begin their journey towards their desired career in the field of Marketing... Heather Haymer Hello Darryl, I think your picked a wonderful topic to do your project on, not only will it be nice for you, but it will also create recogniton for DECA and show many people its true benefits from all over. First I want to make sure you emailed the other Natioanl Officers and your State Officers, Next I want you to know I will forward this to all the member in my Central Region Facebook Group, my old High school Chapter, my college roomate, as well as the state officers throughout my region. I feel that this is a ver ambitous task and I would like to help you out as much as I can. I will relay the messages to you as soon as I get them. Do you have a deadline on to which you would like them? Finally, if you did not mind I would I would love to read the finsih project some day. If that is ok with you. Now to answer the question you asked me... DECA has many unmentioned benefits. Not only do you develop leadership skills, aquire knowledge of the business and marketing world, and develop networking and public speaking skills (socail skills), you gain things necessary to live what I feel is a full life. A rather large one is the gain of self confidence. I could not tell you how many people tell me how much confidence they have gained from being in DECA. It has changed many of my friends personalities and out looks on life, even my own. DECA has also given me a greater sense of self worth, and accomplishment through my three years of being in the Marketing Education Program. It gave me a place to put my extra energies into, and made me feel I was able to make a difference in not only my own life, but in other peoples to. By working as a youth staff leader at the Ohio DECA Summer Leadership Retreat, and hleping in Community Service Activities including raising money for the MDA foundation is how I was able to make those changes. DECA has turned me into a young confident leader with determination, dedication, and drive worked and now imbedded into my heart and soul. I would honestly reccomend that everyone spend at least one year in the Marketing Education Program and DECA. I Hope this is good enough, please let me know if you need anything else, and feel free to edit my entry, I have terrible Sentence Structure Skills, and I always type to fast. Good Luck! Sincerly, Ashley Wade DECA helps you decide what you want and what kind of person you want to be. Megan Sutherland Dear Darryl Bellamy, This is for your project, GOOD LUCK! My name's Rachael Pickerel, and I'm the Nebraska DECA State Secretary. I've grown to love this organizatino so much! Ever since I was a little curious freshman I wanted to be involved in marketing and I found my niche with DECA. These past four years have grown to be some of the best and I'll have memories that I'll always remember. To anyone that's considering joining the club, stop thinking and do it! There's nothing you'll regret. There you go! I hope that I see you at Nationals :) RachaelRachael Pickerel Nebraska DECA Secretary "Without DECA I'd be ... well... average."

Ryan Manning

DECA has been such an amazing part of my life, and completely changedthe person who I was in the summer of 2004 into the person I am today.I am more outgoing, confident, and have leadership skills I could have never imagined. Not only did I grow personally, but professionally aswell. I am a better public speaker, writer, and intervier...allbecause of DECA. However, the one thing I will take away from DECAmore than anything else were the great times I had and countlessfriends I've made. I have met some of my best friends from being astate officer and a Youth Staffer at the Summer Leadership Retreat(DECA Camp). All of this from participating in just one studentorganization for only 2 years of my life (although I haven't been ableto pull myself away from DECA since I graduated high school). Being inDECA is truly a life-changing experience.

--Johnathan Arnold,Cincinatti, Ohio

For me, DECA was a wonderful door placed in my path. I felt like i wasnot good at anything in life and I couldn't find what interested me,until DECA. Becoming a state officer helped me to show myself morethan anyone else that I could succeed and have fun and make a difference.-Dylan Roberts -Omaha Nebraska

DECA has helped me in my communication skills greatly. After doing roleplays and interacting with people at competitive events I am much more confident in the way I speak. I have made lots of new friends not just at my school but across the state. I also have learned lots of new things in marketing and business because DECA has influenced me to take more marketing classes and now I am a fourth year marketing student. Without DECA I beleive I wouldnt be as good of a person as I am now, it has helped me obtain the knowledge and skills that will greatly help me throughout my life in the business world as well as the personal world. I am extremely thankful for DECA and hope it continues to help others down the road.

Joseph-

DECA is beneficial because it prepared today's youth for business-type situations that they will more than likely happen in their life. I have personally been taught things such as how to actually shake a hand that may have been the icing that got me hired on the spot at my current job. DECA helps today's youth to excell in business and develops the future leaders of America. -- Adam YoungDistrict 3/6 President

My name is Drew Hammond. The most obvious benefit of DECA is all the friends I have made. From a marketing standpoint, I have learned a lot of new and interesting information concerning advertising, promotions, etc. I have also been able to go on several out-of-school trips with my DECA Chapter, which is always a fun experience. DECA has had an impact on me in that I am now looking to major in marketing or at least take a number of marketing classes next year in college. I hope that everything I have learned will help me be successful in life.
I hope this answers your question, and good luck with everything!
Drew Hammond

What an interesting project!
On all my college applications I've listed DECA as the most important club to me. Though I've been in other clubs longer, I honestly feel that DECA has had the greatest influence on my high school career, and will influence my future the most. Unlike other clubs, DECA makes a competition directly applicable to the real world. Its a social, competitive, and fun way to learn new things, meet new people, and achieve at something you've worked hard at. I find DECA incredibly rewarding because you are rewarded for your work ethic and natural skills. I'm now Co-President of my DECA chapter because I wanted to give back to the club that has given so much to me. I love DECA and would reccommend it to anyone.
Kilby Elkins
Myers Park High School DECA Chapter, Co-President

After 15 years of retail management, I switched to teaching. As a DECA Advisor, I find a fulfillment in my job that I have never experienced. I’ve gotten to know so many quality young adults, seen them grow and achieve through the DECA program. Getting to spend time on trips, in the classroom, and working on projects with these students has shown me the confidence everyone should have in our future. Lots Pinnyei Marketing Education Coordinator Jimtown High School Darryl, In response to your request I must begin by saying that I am a proud product of DECA. As a student in my senior year of high school (1969-70) I participated in the Pueblo, Colorado DECA Chapter at Central High School. I never thought then that I would ever be in the position I currently hold. After graduation from high school I attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado. During my sophomore year I began to question why I was even in college and what was I going to do with my life. I thought about all the things I participated in during my high school years and DECA came to the front. DECA offered everything. The skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to be successful. I wanted to share my experiences with others. Fortunately for me, the university just happened to have a major in Distributive Education (now Marketing Education). I entered the teaching field of Marketing Education in 1974 and have never looked back. I have taught 33+ years as a Marketing Educator and am currently the Interim Colorado Assistant Program Director for Marketing\DECA. Remember, In life we may not all do great things, but we can alldo things in a great way. Ev Vaughan Good Afternoon Darryl Bellamy, My Name is Frances Bailey, I am the State President for Texas 07-08 and go to Cy-Fair College where I was State VP for the past two years. I received your email and spent the afternoon thinking about how Dex/DECA has helped me and the benefits of it. One of the best parts is all the networking and the connections you make. Also, it helps you by putting you out in the world even though it is a mock type of setting but you get to see first hand on how certain things are ran and you can fix those mistakes that you have done. So when you go in front of a team to present and your idea in the real world you already have the experience, knowledge and practice for all the years you are in DEX/DECA. Good luck with your project. It sounds like a great idea!Frances BaileyCy-Fair CollegeTx St. President 07-80

Mohandas Gandhi once quoted, “Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is victory.” DECA, a high school marketing association, has had a significant impact on my life. Not only have I found my niche, but DECA has opened a world of opportunities. The people I have met and the lessons I have learned have had a positive effect on me. After being elected to the state level and reaching my goal, I have focused all of my efforts toward an organization that sincerely rests in my heart. Since joining DECA my sophomore year, I have been absorbing the wonderful opportunities that the organization has to offer. Only two weeks after joining DECA, I was elected Vice-President of my local chapter. I attended a DECA Leadership Conference a few months later, and fell in love. The many wonderful people I met and the memorable experiences changed me forever. My dedication to the business world prompted me to run for a higher office. I wanted to make a difference! On a Saturday in January, I completed a lengthy exam, performed two interviews, and presented a speech to a panel of judges in a screening process. Although it was a nerve-racking experience, I enjoyed every minute. Soon after, I found that my persistence had paid off and I was nominated for a state officer position. However, I was not quite satisfied. A month later, I presented another speech to one hundred voting delegates and was voted Indiana State DECA Vice-President of Corporate Development. A feat rarely obtained by a junior in high school. After serving a successful term on the officer team, I decided to run again for my senior year. Unfortunately, after going through the same process and passing officer screening, I was defeated in a close vote. Suddenly, I felt as everything I had contributed to DECA had vanished, and my passion was gone. Several days later I was contacted by Indiana DECA and they thanked me for the effort that I gave to my position. Consequently, they offered me a new position on the state officer team. Although hesitant at first, I eventually accepted the offer, and my passion was renewed. To this day, I still share a vital role on the state officer team and devote a significant amount of time towards helping Indiana DECA reach its full potential. My peers appreciate the energy and passion that I apply to my position. My brief setback was also a beneficial experience as I learned that I take many things for granted. Nevertheless, by achieving my lofty goal, I also discovered that anything is possible with hard work and tenacity. DECA continues to impact my life in a generous way and will always remain in my heart. -Butler-