Weiser DECA chapter have had a successful time at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Anaheim where the club members demonstrated hard work and skills the organization has to offer nation-wide. Our chapter succeeded in something for the first time and outgoing DECA president Josh Negrete shared his thoughts and the accomplishments in the interview.
Before Josh leaves his office he says that he is very thankful to the Lions, Elks, and the Weiser Community for their help, donations, and contributions. He also wished to give a warm appreciation to Mr. Weldon and Mrs. Reed as his advisors. Josh recalled, “It has been great working here for the last two years. It was a huge task for me to take up this work, but I always wanted to bring this to my school and my community. One of the things that we focused on was encouraging the participants because when people try something they never tried they do their best and if they do not the results are usually worse than if they tried.
Josh went head on to get a DECA chapter to his school after seeing the excitement and fun the Payette DECA Chapter had at the State and International Conferences.
Josh’s involvement in national events such as the ones in Orlando and Anaheim significantly influenced his decision to pursue a career in the industry. “DECA was very important to me in considering my future career because it connected me to people not just in the state but also around the country. I still communicate with most of the people I met at my first National competition,” he said. The opening ceremonies of the National convention and the parade of flags as well as late night escapades at Disneyland and Universal studios were some of the memorable experiences that made the trip more enriching.
To current and new members of DECA, Josh offers a resounding endorsement. “DECA can definitely seem intimidating to many, but it is a gateway to self-improvement and future connections. I am so proud of every member, no matter how state competitions went, because they all believed in themselves and did their best,” he remarked. His message is clear: DECA is a must for anyone looking to step out of their comfort zone and connect with people across the country. The organization provides a wealth of opportunities that foster personal and professional growth.
In conclusion, Josh’s tenure as DECA President has been marked by gratitude, learning, and inspiration. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the Weiser DECA chapter, setting a high bar for future members. As he moves on, his legacy of encouraging others to believe in themselves and seize opportunities continues to resonate. Although they didn’t win anything at ICDC, they were apart of the 11% who get to attend and learn from these opportunities.
Great job Weiser DECA for an incredible year.