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