The anticipation sinks in. Months of studying business terms and practicing public speaking skills all lead up to this moment. As she steps in with her business proposal poster board in her hand, she shakes the judge’s hand and begins her presentation

This is a glimpse of what DECA students go through during their competition. On January 10th, 10 students competed and qualified for the state competition. These students will polish up their speaking skills and professional dress and get ready to compete among 5,000 students across Texas this weekend February 15 – 17 in Houston. 

Qualifying for state is no easy task. DECA members are required to practice and put in the work in order to have a chance at competing at state.

“I prepared for district by doing practice tests and I do UIL speech which also helped me prep as well as practice role-plays scenarios,” sophomore Zoe Mendes said.

With the announcer announcing the names of those who qualify for state, it created intense feelings.

“I was flabbergasted whenever I heard my name being called and knowing I qualified for state but also super relieved. Waiting for awards was stressful but my work paid off,” Mendes said.

While the words of medals and trips may have encouraged others to join, joining DECA is more than just suits and ties.

“The reason I was encouraged to join DECA was that it was a chick club but I actually ended up enjoying the community services and the ability to learn more about business as a whole,” senior Brad Lottinger said.

While district was hard, preparing for state brought another challenge for those with different events.

“Me and my partner struggled to prepare for the state since we had two parts: a written and a presentation,” junior Prema Dabi said. “We had to make sure our project was turned in on time weeks in advance and keep up to date with everything that was going on with our life. However, it taught us to be more open and helped us realize that communication is key for DECA.”

Despite the struggles, DECA teaches members more than winning but something more valuable: life skills.

“Competing in DECA taught me to be more diligent and helped me understand that presenting in front of judges isn’t scary,” Dabi said. “It also prepares me for life with public speaking and how to present with confidence which will help me in the medical and business field,”

With the state competition being this weekend, there are many things that members look forward to.

“What I’m looking most forward to at state is meeting new people from all around the state and gaining new experiences,” Lottinger said.