Sometimes making our career defining moments can be difficult. As undergrads and aspiring students, it is important to take some time and really savour the moments you share.
Dear Khanh of 2018,
This is your future self – Khanh of 2020. I’m writing this letter to let you know about an interesting concept introduced at DECA Leadership Development Academy today. It has really opened up new perspectives for me and I believe for you as well.
I still remember the days back in high school where I would put countless hours into preparing for DECA Provincials with my case partner, a business competition that most high schoolers dream of winning.
I recently had the opportunity to return to DECA, however this time I wasn’t the nervous young girl scanning over performance indicators and stressing about Porter’s five forces – this time, I was on other side.
Hey Rachel!
Just wanted to check in since it’s been a while. How are you? How’s Cali? I hope you’re soaking up enough sun for both of us.
Do you remember DECA in high school? Well, guess who went back to provincials!!
Dear Grade 11 Anthony,
This is your future-self sending you an email (yes unfortunately we still use email in the future) in order to help guide you in the upcoming few months. SPOILERS AHEAD!
In high school, I was always really attracted to computer science and finance, and I have always wanted the opportunity to develop my own programs, applications, and games. Hence why I decided to join the Computing and Financial Management (CFM) program at University of Waterloo. Since transitioning from high school to university, I have definitely learnt some valuable lessons:
When I first entered AFM, I really had no idea what I wanted to get out of it. I’ve always been a poor long-term planner, so for first year, my goals were – find a job, do well in courses, and have a good time.
The first time I served as a judge at the Velocity (now Concept) $5K semi-finals was winter 2019. As I observed presenters rehearing their pitches prior to the start of the event, I recall saying to myself that I was likely just as nervous as the presenters, if not more so. The other judges on the panel were all founders of their own start-ups, and I was petrified of having no feedback to provide or providing feedback that the presenters did not find helpful.
A primary consideration for most high school students contemplating post-secondary education is the name of the institution or program and the associated brand and post-graduation career opportunities. Reflecting on my four years in the math/CPA program, my recommendation to those students would be to also consider the supplementary learning opportunities because they will provide a more well-rounded university experience.