Allison Shin, 9 , is a DECA member who recently won 4th place in their recent competition for Hospitality Services Team Decision-Making. 

When asked what she believes DECA is, Shin says, “It helps with communication skills and it helps build confidence. So it helps you when you have job interviews, and you’re better at speaking in front of others.” 

When reflecting about the competition, Shin said, “There was definitely a lot of anticipation because we got there the day before our competition day. So we were all a little nervous, but we were kind of excited for it.” 

Aside from her accomplishment of winning the competition, Shin says that another accomplishment she has made is meeting new people. “Like there’s a lot of people that I now know, and they’re in different grade levels,” she continues, “And time maintenance because you do have to study for DECA. So making sure all your priorities are organized.” 

Shin recommends DECA for anyone that has extra time on their hands. She says, “I definitely would consider it because it’d be something even if you don’t like it.” 

 When asked what new DECA members should expect, Shin continues by saying there are two different DECA’s. “There’s the normal DECA and the competition DECA. So if you do the competition DECA, then make sure you’re prepared for your category.”

Shin gives one piece of advice to the new DECA members, “Believe in yourself.”