By Samyuktha Iyer | Syosset High School, NY
Every DECA competition is an unforgettable experience. It’s a place filled with friendly students, constant practicing, and of course, the excitement of finding out who will win the glass. As it was my first time at the NY DECA State Career Conference, I found great value in the experiences I gained.
Here are the three biggest lessons I learned:
1. Preparation is Everything
I quickly realized that success isn’t just about showing up on the competition day. For role-plays, practice really is the number one differentiating factor. For prepared events, actually understanding your content is equally important as knowing it. Practicing my presentation with my partners almost every night helped us feel more comfortable delivering it, with tone and pacing.
2. Communication is More than Perfection
I was so worried about stuttering or forgetting small details, but judges care more about how you communicate your ideas. They also don’t know your script, so if you forget a small part, it isn’t the end of the world. Maintaining good eye contact and showing enthusiasm make presentations more fun to listen to. Focus on speaking professionally, naturally, and sincerely.
3. DECA is About Growth
DECA is so much more than just earning a medal or receiving an award. Everyone I know has grown in all of their business and communication skills. DECA doesn’t define who you are as a person or competitor. Winning glass is amazing, and whoever did should be proud of themselves, but for those who didn’t, don’t be discouraged, because this is only the beginning of your journey. Ultimately, there were so many opportunities to grow. Although the competition is a big part of the conference, the lessons I gained were far more important than any result.
