DECA U 2015 & 2016

We're given 15 minutes of deliberation before our presenation. In this time it's important to be continously writing, generating ideas and formulating a plan as you go. I try to do two things consistently in every preperation and I belive they have lead to my personal success. In these sorts of competitions, it's often better to have an amazing sounding idea with good execution than it is to have an okay idea with amazing execution. Second, I always try to incorporate some sort of visual on the paper provided. Having something to hold onto is a great way to make your ideas and yourself much more memorable than the competition.

I think one of my biggest strengths is the ability to easily and quickly mesh well with others. It's not that I am incapable of working alone, it's moreso that I absolutely adore being part of a team and feeding off of others energy and ideas. Often a problem I have is thinking too much; that means having too many ideas and too many things to say. Partners are often the ones that help to ground and focus me.

I achieved the same superb result with two different partners with vastly different strengths and weaknesses. The common denominator doing well in these competitions and achieving these awards was well, me. The Provincial DECA U competition pitted me and my partners against the best of the best across Ontario, and in my first and second years, we were able to again outperform more experienced upper year candidates.