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