DECA students enjoy ICDC

DECA+students+enjoy+ICDC

Zehra Jaffari, Student Life Editor

DECA ICDC, which stands for International Career Development Conference, was an experience I will never forget. Students and competitors from all over the world came to Anaheim, California to compete at the final international competition battling for first, second, and third place in their categories. With students that came to ICDC from Ontario, Spain, South Korea, Mexico, Japan, and from every state in the US, competition at this years ICDC was challenging.

This years 2017 competition was held at Anaheim Convention Center, which was three minutes away from Disneyland and California Adventure Park! On Wednesday April 26, all international and national competitors met up that evening for the Grand Opening Ceremony. Before the Grand Opening Ceremony, Clements DECA went on a Los Angeles Tour to visit Santa Monica Beach, Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and more! At the Grand Opening Ceremony there were keynote speakers, an introduction to DECA ICDC, and a concert with EchoSmith. Something very unique to DECA was that every competitor from each country and state had their own hat and pins that represented their state chapter. Texas DECA had cowboy hats and pins, which we traded for other pins. The best part was that competitors from all over the world could get to know each other and have fun.

Thursday April 27 was testing day for all competitors. At around 2:00 pm all students reported to their designated hall in the convention center to take their test for their category. After the testing, Universal Studios Hollywood was rented out for all of DECA, so students could enjoy the night. Many busses from the convention center dropped students off at Universal where we ate, rode roller coasters, visited all the attractions, and enjoyed the trip with all of DECA. Many of the popular attractions included Harry Potter world, Jurassic Park, Despicable Me, and even The Mummy.

After enjoying a night of fun, competitors reported all day to their competition roleplay with their judges on Friday. After both roleplays were completed, many students enjoyed the rest of the day in California. I visited Disneyland with my friends, riding many rides, visiting Sleeping Beauty’s castle, and taking pictures with Disney characters. Some of the most popular attractions were Splash Mountain, Star Wars, Nemo, and Indiana Jones. The first day in California for DECA Day at DIsney, Johnny Depp was in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride!

As Saturday morning approached, the Top 20 Finalists were announced to compete further to decide the Top 3. After announcing the Top 20 for each category, these competitors reported to their next role play. That night, the Top 10 and the final 3 for each category were announced. Clements DECA is proud to recognize 4 students who placed Top 5 in the entire world for their category: Shayan Ali, first place for Quick Serve and Restaurant  Management, Dhruv Gomber and Ishaan Kapoor, second place for the Stock Market Game, and Meghan Muppala, fifth place for the Virtual Business Challenge. Many other students from Clements placed Top 10.

After a successful and enjoyable trip in Anaheim, California, Clements DECA came home with significant accomplishments that these students will always remember. DECA ICDC was an experience of a lifetime with many students from all over the world. Next year, DECA students are looking forward to DECA ICDC in Atlanta, Georgia, where Clements DECA hopes to accomplish all their goals.