A new school year is a fresh start. New classes, new people, new opportunities and, of course, a new year of Collegiate DECA.
Whether you're beginning your first semester of college or returning for another year, the habits you build now can set the tone for everything that follows.
Here are a few ways to start the year off strong:
1. Set SMART Goals Early
Before the year gets busy, take time to think about what you want to accomplish. Set goals for school, DECA and most importantly, yourself.
Maybe you want to improve your GPA, compete in a new event, attend a conference or take on a leadership role. Your goals don't have to be huge, they just have to be S.M.A.R.T. As we discussed during the August One Diamond Call, starting the year is a great opportunity to identify what you're looking forward to and the challenges you'll need to work through.
2. Get Involved
College is about more than going to class, and DECA is about more than competition.
Attend that first chapter meeting. Introduce yourself to someone sitting next to you in class. Some of my favorite college experiences have come from simply getting involved and saying yes to opportunities. When you say yes to an opportunity, you give yourself the gift of opening a new door to an exciting adventure.
You never know which conversation, organization or experience could open your next door.
3. Get Organized Before You Get Busy
At the beginning of the semester, your calendar might look pretty empty. It probably won't stay that way for long.
Add important class deadlines, exams, DECA meetings, conferences and other commitments to your calendar early. College gives you the power to have a lot of independence, but as Uncle Ben said to Spider–Man, “with great power comes great responsibility.” Learning to manage your time now will make the busy weeks much easier later.
4. Use Your Resources
You don't have to figure everything out on your own!
On campus, get to know your professors, advisors and classmates. Within DECA, take advantage of the resources available to you. DECA Direct offers competition, leadership, career resources and insights. Leadership Passports can be a helpful guide also help turn your involvement throughout the year into recognition.
5. Make Connections
Don't wait until later in the year to start building relationships. Talk with your professors. Meet members of your chapter. Introduce yourself at conferences. Find common ground and build from there.
The beginning of a new year can feel overwhelming, but it is also filled with opportunity. Set goals, get involved, stay organized and meet new people. You don't need to have the entire year figured out on day one - you just need to be willing to make the most of it.
