The Jersey Shore is a place like no other; although not in the same way that the reality TV-show suggests! Atlantic City, New Jersey is the home of Harrah's Casino, which houses the annual New Jersey DECA State Competition. This year, I had the awesome opportunity of attending the exciting event as a competitor in the Marketing Communications Cluster. Prior to attending the event, I had to qualify at my first regional competition, I took a test on information regarding my subject, and I prepared for the several role-play situations I was bound to meet. For those who are unfamiliar with DECA competitions, role plays are a central aspect of the contest and include the competitor presenting their business ideas, creativity, and knowledge to a judge who may be posing like a boss, executive, or even a company's President.

The competition aspect is only one part of this event, however. The opportunities at these competitions are endless- there is so much to do, and so many people to meet. Even elite colleges attend the competition, as well as business and marketing companies. Qualifying kids from all over New Jersey attend States, whether the students be from cities that are 5 minutes away from the infamous New York City, or a short trip over the bridge away from Historic Philadelphia. Getting the opportunity to meet so many people your own age in one big place for freedom filled several couple of days is extremely exciting and a great chance to form new connections, make new friendships, and gain pen pals from all over. It's so easy to make friends at States because everyone has a passion for education in common, and you're bound to meet other students with interests similar to yours- whether they be sports, clubs, subjects, passions, or hobbies. You can always relate to somebody at States because it's likely you're all suffering from the same nerves, anxieties, and worries for your upcoming role plays or for seeing how you placed at the Award Ceremony.

Not only do you meet so many fellow DECA members, but as a State attendee, you also get so much closer with students from your own chapter, especially when they are kids you never really would have spoken to prior to the event. Getting to room with kids you aren't super friendly with for a couple of days makes you realize how fun it is to hang out with people from all different backgrounds, people you never would talk to on your own. I for one think it's so cool how a group of completely different strangers can be brought together for a couple of days and have to spend a lot of time with one another. This forced time spent with one another drives you to create so many new bonds and friendships, promoting boldness, unity, and really great communication skills. Gaining new friendships is always a wonderful thing, and forming these new bonds truly had to be my absolute favorite thing about attending DECA States 2019.

I have to admit. Prior to going, I was stressed about States. I didn't want to go- the idea of attending an event with people I hardly know, at a far away place, without my car, missing school- this was not something I had really truly wanted to be a part of. Looking back, though, I am honestly really sad to have to come home after such a fun couple of days. I loved competing, embracing my inner businesswoman, making so many new connections with kids my age from all over the state, and getting to get so much closer with my fellow chapter members that I would never have spoken much to before meeting.

If you're considering joining DECA, or attending a competition, or debating whether or not to join any competition for that matter, be bold and go for it- take a chance. You will not regret it.