How to achieve success, through hard times!

Wednesday, June 16, 2021
by Lochan D. - High school student

DECA LDA inspired me to believe in myself

Hello everyone, my name is Lochan and my blog is about the DECA LDA conference run by the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF). Firstly, I would like to give a big thanks to DECA for accepting me into this program with open arms.

I would like to start by explaining the events that led me to the LDA.

lochan
Last year when I was in Grade 9, I was an optimistic and excited boy awaiting an amazing high school experience, but I never knew what would be in store. A lot of my friends recommended that I apply for DECA as it was considered a prestigious club that would provide me with a huge opportunity to explore the field of business. I ended up applying but unfortunately I didn’t make DECA, and when I saw the joy on my friends faces who all made it, I was in tears. But I persevered and tried again this year, in Grade 10. Fortunately, through my hard work, I was accepted into DECA, but this time I did not qualify for provincials. I felt very hopeless and lost after not making it, but it was a step in the right direction. I soon found out about LDA and participated in the amazing and interactive workshops that really developed my confidence, leadership and knowledge.

I was also able to participate in the International Career Development Conference (ICDC), which is an incredible milestone that I am very humbled about. Even though I faced the embarrassment and humiliation of not making DECA in grade 9 and not qualifying for provincials in grade 10, I am now at the highest stage of DECA, which I never thought would have been possible.

LDA is a program that has truly brought out my best character and showed me that my potential is far greater than I had ever thought. The interactive and knowledgeable workshops with amazing speakers and staff not only helped me develop skills, but also displayed what really lies beyond high school and how much I have left to learn. LDA is a program that believed in me when no one else did, it has shown me what it takes to become a leader, and most of all it helped set me on a path to success. I really did enjoy all the guest speakers since they provided very insightful ideas and examples of potential career pathways.

To sum it up, all of us may go through hard and difficult times and may feel hopeless at times, but it is important to never give up and always believe in yourself. That is why I highly recommend joining the DECA LDA to anyone who may be going through difficult times and anyone who wants to truly become a better person!