DECA attended the State competition on Mar. 2nd and 3rd.

“[Going to state] was really fun and interesting even though I didn’t make finalist; it was really fun experiencing it and after you’re done, it’s like, wow I actually did it,” senior Evelyn Villasenor said.

Villasenor has been in DECA since her freshman year and has learned lessons that she could use in the future.

“[DECA has taught me] a lot of communication skills and how to be professional and how business works and what’s good in business. It’s really beneficial to see how things work out,” Villasenor said.

As for sophomore Antonio Sanchez, he has been in DECA for two years, and DECA has taught him some tips for the future.

“DECA has taught me to propose things and take a step back and to see things in a much bigger picture than how everyone else sees it,” Sanchez said.

After being in DECA for four years, Villasenor cherishes every moment.

“I like how we were forced to be friends, but in a good way because most schools have a huge DECA program with 100 people and we only have like 20,” Villasenor said.

Going to state is a big deal, and it takes time and patience to get everything where you want it to be.

“I usually come here once a week, during lunch, and sometimes we do after school practices once a week or once every other week. It’s mostly whenever you can practice,” Villasenor.

Motivation is key because it pushes you to reach your goals.

“Honestly, going up to a judge and presenting my ideas is so much fun. I try to pump up my partner and my partner says ‘I’m nervous’ but I’m like, this is so much fun. Really expressing myself and doing this whole business stuff,” Villasenor said.

Attending State is a major accomplishment, but making it to nationals is a whole other level, and senior Sara Feipel will be attending for the second time.

“I did get fourth place at nationals last year. In my category there was about 300 and overall there is about 16,000 people that go to nationals,” Feipel said. “I am very proud of myself for getting fourth place and being able to beat the other competitors.”

Feipel said that DECA is a great club for anyone to join.

“The best advice that I can give would be to follow your passion and really put in the work,” Feipel said..

Making memories is the best part of  high school.

“My most memorable memory was when Ray and I got first place in district. It was really big because we didn’t expect to get first. Once they started calling out the winners, they called out our names and we were in shock,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez has some advice for the future DECA members.

“[Some advice I could give to future DECA members is] don’t be scared and don’t try to look up to people that are star students because it doesn’t matter who they are. They didn’t get there because of their grades. If you put some work into it and start practicing how you think on your feet, you’ll make it up there,” Sanchez said.

He also discussed the best way to become active in DECA.

“Do competition as soon as possible. Get in it your freshman year and do it; when you win awards you didn’t think you will win, you will be like whoa, that’s cool, I didn’t know I could do this. You become better and it is so much fun,” Villasenor said.