DECA Provincials
Polly Leung, Staff Reporter
The program known to create the next generation’s leaders and entrepreneurs, DECA Provincials, recently took place in Downtown Toronto. In our inaugural year at St. Robert CHS, our strong team of 47 members ventured into the cold to arrive at the beautiful downtown Sheraton, our home for the three days from February 19th to 21st. Decked out from head to toe in business wear, members staying at the hotel for the three days arrived on Sunday night. Whether it was studying for the business competition or exploring the hotel, Sunday night was a nice time settle in and take in our surroundings. Our team settled into our room, enjoying the view on the 38th floor.
The next two days following were definitely a blur. On Monday, from early morning to afternoon, oral events were held on a ceaseless schedule. All contestants, whether competing individually or in teams, journeyed to the rooms where the competitions were held. Months of preparation led to the several minutes spent presenting their business presentation to the judge in front of them. A morning slot also meant a whole day downtown without commitments in place. The whole three days were not all devoted to business competitions. With such a perfe- |
ct location picked out, the Sheraton was not just the location for the competitions, but provided direct access into the Eaton Centre. Food, shopping, sleep, and of course, coffee; these were all accessible without ever stepping a foot outside into the cold. The DECA Provincial officers did not stop there. Besides providing a splendid abode in which we could seamlessly stay and compete in at the same place, they went further to provide us with entertainment. That night, a dance was held for all the members of DECA staying at the Sheraton. From picture booths to school photos and great music, they covered all the bases. Although crowded (to say the least), a great DJ mixed the music to set off the night, and created a great and fun atmosphere to be in. Thus ended day one.
If early mornings were not your favourite, Tuesday would have been a struggle. On Tuesday, examinations for the written portion of the competitions were held starting from 8am. In a giant room with many other individuals in the same category, we were allotted 75 minutes to finish a multiple choice examination to test our knowledge in that field. Tuesday was short. With a checkout time of noon, people were rushing and bustling a- |
bout in the hotel. Until those three short days, I had never seen so many teenagers in business wear in the same place in my life. Awards were held in the afternoon for each of the different clusters (the competing sector you were in).
Post-awards, it was time to head home. That was a quick insight into the life of the average DECA-er. And for the students at St. Robert? Nerves bubbled in every one of us, without a doubt. Being in a room of teenagers all dressed in business attire looking like they could take on the world was intimidating enough. We all performed our very best and the fact that in our inaugural year, we had so many of our members making it to the Provincials level was astounding. Even without an interest in business, DECA is a great organization providing students the opportunity to learn basic knowledge and skills that will not be taught within the walls of the classroom. In addition, the people you may be able to meet is endless (to a certain extent). With over 6000 students in the same building, any certain individual there can be the start to a great conversation. For the students next year, join DECA, and make it count. |