Niles West

DECA

2015-16

Ahsan Lodhika

• Join Business Strategies ASAP
• Join DECA as a Freshman
• Pick the Roleplay that best matches with the cluster your the best in
• Use Competition University to study for Cluster Exams
• Play the Role assigned to you in the Roleplay
• Pick your partners based on if they are hardworking not if they are your friends
• Memorize your presentation and Present to Attig, Lueder, and Brown
• Get Involved with DECAlicious
• Motivate Yourself to do better next time if you don’t qualify for ICDC
• Accomplishments: Emerging Leader Award, 4th and 5th Place in Learn and Earn and Creative Marketing, Four 1st place medals and 1 Second Place Overall in Roleplay
• Favorite Moment: Running DECAlicious for Two Years
• Attending IIT to Major in Business Administration with a Master in Finance

• Join DECA in your freshman or sophomore year.
• After being in DECA for a year, write a written project so you can have a better chance for Nationals.
• If possible, join Business Strategies that year as well. It would give you a lot of time to work on your project and get assistance from Mrs.Attig.
• Try to become a DECAlicious employee so you can get the work experience.
• Apply to be a DECAlicious manager the next year so you can understand the concept of running a business.
• Have fun while you’re competing and always keep your head up.

Muhammad Musani

• Background
• Joined as a sophomore, officer senior year
• Competed in a team roleplay for two years with Dhruv Patel. 1^st in STDM sophomore and junior year
• Written project as a junior, 5th place, and senior year, 2nd place, with Dhruv Patel and Crystal Vu. ICDC Qualifier senior year.

Will be attending DePaul University

• Advice
• Even if you don’t join as a freshman, get involved as soon as possible
• Have fun but know when to be serious and compete
• Take advantage of various conferences
• Work with people that will push you, your friends aren’t always the best option
• You won’t succeed every year, but you can always grow and learn

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Crystal

• Join as a freshman so you’re aware sooner than later of all the aspects the business world has to offer.
• Get yourself involved in topics you’re interested in.
• Deadlines are super super important.
• Don’t talk while Mrs. Attig.
• Mini awards:
• 2015 - 1st in roleplay, 2nd overall for BFS
• 2014 - 3rd overall for Team SEM
• 2013 - 2nd overall for Team SEM
• tate for SEMPP (2015,) top 3 in state for FLPM and qualified for nationals (2016).
• State:
• 2016 - 3rd overall for FLPP, qualified for nationals
• 2015 - 5th overall for SEMPM
• I regret not joining freshman year and not taking DECA seriously my first year. It’s never too late to join DECA.
• It has done nothing but helped me grow as a person and student.

DePaul University - Accounting & Finance

• My experience in Deca is a Great One
• Deca is not just a club it’s a lifestyle
• Deca helps in every aspect
• Teaches one how to make the Bands
• Overall my experience has taught me how to live a life of success economically
• Plus I got to hang out with Chris baba, Olivia, Rashniiiii, Alex, Skylar, Cindy, Dhruv and Taha
• You got a problem with Attig then you got a problem with me Welcome to Deca

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Dhruv Patel

• Join as a freshmen to get the most out of DECA and have the best experience possible, you want to be able to go to as many state competitions possible to increase your chance to get to Nationals
• Doing a written project is the best way to get to State or National Competition
• My biggest regret is not joining DECA as a freshmen and not doing a written project during my first year in DECA
• The best advice I can give to new DECA members is to listen to Mrs. Attig, do your work, and always meet the deadlines
• During my sophomore and junior year, Muhammad Musani and I won first place overall in the Sports and Entertainment Team Decision Making role play
• During my senior year, I switched to Quick Serve Restaurant Management. I won a mini award
• I did a written project during my junior and senior years with Crystal Vu and Muhammad Musani
• My favorite memory from DECA was the trip to Nashville during my senior year
• Attending Loyola University Chicago

• ALWAYS LISTEN TO WHAT ATTIG TELLS YOU!!!
• DON’T EVER QUESTION HER!!!
• No matter what... always do a written project, it is most likely you will go to State and perhaps Nationals with your written project!
• Join Mrs. Attig’s Business and Strategies Class, it is very beneficial. You will gain more guidance from Attig and have in-class time to work on your project.
• Start your project early. Once school starts, you will get busy with schoolwork. Starting early will give you an advantage to make sure your project is perfect.
• Take business classes, I recommend Economics, Marketing, and Accounting. They will give you an advantage with your role-play and even the economics or marketing tests.
• Join as a freshman, you will not regret it. You will receive a lot of experiences and skills that will be highly useful for your future no matter what you major in.
• You get to make many friends from different schools in different states and make many connections with good people.

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Lamia Chatriwala

Background:

• 4th year DECA member
• DECAlicious Marketing Manager
• Taken all business classes

Accomplishments:

• Sophomore year: 1st place medal for role play in SETDM
• Emerging Leaders Award
• Senior year: 2nd place overall RFSM, 2nd place CMP

Advice:

• Do a written Project- every year
• Study Exam Packets (Econ + Cluster)
• Use outside knowledge/ connections when in role play
• Make friends with competition
• Use “business” terms in role play(ie. niche market)
• Perfect presentations
• Stay on top of DECA related deadlines
• NEVER be late to meetings

Future:

• Attending University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign

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Sky

• First of all, join as a freshman so you have no regrets. Although I was lucky enough to make it to nationals my senior year, I wish I gave myself a chance my freshman and sophomore years.
• My biggest advice is to practice for your role plays. For your first time they are extremely nerve racking and being prepared makes all the difference.
• Make sure that you do a written project that interests you! You will be spending about eight months with this project so it needs to be about something you are passionate about.
• Don’t get exposed in Rosemont!! Give 100% effort!
• Have fun and remember to enjoy every moment! You will make friends in DECA that will last a lifetime!
• Attending The Illinois-Wesleyan University, majoring in marketing or management.

My biggest regret is not joining DECA sooner, I joined DECA my senior year of high school and wish I had done it sooner. The advice I want to leave for current and future members is

• Listen and be open to new ideas
• Plan accordingly
• Double check everything
• Be at your DECAlicious shift
• Take calculated risks
• Practice practice practice
• WIN!!!
• HAVE FUN

If and when you make it to nationals, make it the best time you spend.

One big recommendation is try BANZAI Bowls in California(Huntington Beach)

• Join as a freshman because this will get you a headstart to be prepared for the next 4 years. Also, it looks very nice on your college apps
• I regret not joining until junior year because I made Nationals my second year, so I think I could’ve made it even more and further.
• All you new members, I advise you guys to work on your role plays and tests often. SO MANY kids at State do not do good on either. Start practicing soon because it will seem easy to you when you actually do them. Meet with Attig or Lueder and improve from last year because it is worth it when you go to Nationals.
• My favorite memory from competition would be a random person stopping me on the street to tell me how hard it was for their kid to make Nationals. That’s when I felt like we actually made it because parents and other people were realizing how hard it was to make it. The recognition is worth it all, especially when you go to random places where you wouldn’t expect it.
• My accolades: Mini Awards, Top 10 in BSM Series for State, Top 10 in ENI for State, Top 10 in BOR for State, Second in State for BOR (Qualified for Nationals)
• If I could go back in time and change everything, I would listen to Mrs. Attig and join DECA my sophomore year. I regret not joining because I feel like I missed out a year on Nationals and more awards. Hopefully. you guys realize that joining earlier only helps you out and only provides you with more fun in the future, but it is never too late to join!

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Jahanzeb

• Joined as a Freshman so avoided that regret but still regret not writing a paper my freshmen year, Yes it’s a lot of work but it’s a great experience and a good head start to the real world!
• Working with a partner on role play isn’t always a good idea, more doesn’t necessarily mean better.
• Not everyone can be a winner, Just give your best and be proud of that. Sometimes there's just some who do better. Story: Never placed or got a medal through the first three years at the Area/Regional competition. But senior year received 5 including a first overall in role play. Then went on to state and got 2nd on our written project.
• After three years of working hard, my partner and I finally made it to nationals. Yes there are a lot of setbacks but you just have to push through.
• But most of all DECA helps create lifelong friendships. Be a part of something truly great by being a part of Niles West DECA

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FABEIHA

• As a DECA member for four year I receive a lot of experiences and skills that will be highly useful for your future no matter what you major in.\
• I am actually going to Loyola University to pursue a career in the medical field
• Ran DECArations my junior year, GET INVOLVED in with DECA early on because you will regret it!
• DO a written project
• Join Business and Strategies Class as early as you can
• Start your project early and do not be afraid to ask for help
• Take an abundant amount of business classes (Economics, Marketing, and Accounting) to fulfill your business ideals for DECA
• Awards: I have received second place in State last year and attended Internationals in Orlando, FL

• Get as involved in DECA as you can while at West!
• Not joining my freshman year is my biggest regret
• ICDC in Nashville was an unforgettable experience
• Decalicious clean up crew will always have a special place in my heart
• Awards and Accolades: I came in Third place at State for role play, Second place for written project, and competency at ICDC for my written project
• Do a written project every year-- it’s worth it!
• Next year I will be studying Management and Psychology at University of St. Andrews in St. Andrews, Scotland

Background

• I’ve been a member since Freshman year
• Current junior
• DECAlicious Operations Manager

Accomplishments

• Area - 2nd Place PMK, 2nd FMS (2x)
• State - 5th Place FMS, 2nd Place CMP
• ICDC - Competency CMP

Favorite Moments

• Baseball game in Nashville
• Grand Ole Opry concert in Nashville

Advice

• Do a project + start it early
• Set realistic deadlines for portions of paper.
• If in roleplay, study for the tests -- way to win.

Roshni

• Advice for First Year Members: I understand you’re nervous; this is all very new. I had no idea what a role play even was my first year in DECA. BUT, don’t give up so easily and listen to Attig when she says to PRACTICE. It’ll make you so much more comfortable and confident and will help you find an event that’s perfect for you.
• Biggest Regret: Not looking into all the different role plays earlier; my partner and I found the right role play for us our 3rd year in DECA.
• Favorite Memories from competitions: Getting top 10 in state my last year in DECA for a role play with my partner of 4 years
• Favorite Memories from conferences: It’s a toss between going on the Little Mermaid ride with Mr. Lueder in Orlando or the country concert at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
• Favorite Memories with DECA at West: DECAlicious
• Awards and Accolades earned throughout time in DECA: 2nd in state (Learn and Earn), 1st in state (EPP), Top 10 in state (Hospitality & Tourism Team Decision Role Play), & competency at ICDC (L&E and EPP)
• College and major: Butler University for their direct Physician Assistant program.

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Cindy

• DECA member since freshmen year
• Helped me get a feel of things in an area of study that I wasn’t familiar with so I could get tons of opportunities and connections starting freshman year
• Advice for returning and new DECA members!
• Work super hard on your written projects and roleplays
• Make sure you’re doing an event you really enjoy
• Favorite memory?
• Nationals!!
• Especially eating Hattie B’s hot chicken and drinking sweet tea 24/7
• Roleplay partners with Roshni Shah for all four years
• Fifth place our freshmen year for Sports and Entertainment Team Decision roleplay
• Second place junior year in Hospitality and Tourism Team Decision roleplay
• Third place senior year in Hospitality and Tourism Team Decision roleplay
• Top Ten in state senior year for Hospitality and Tourism Team Decision roleplay
• Top Ten in state sophomore year for Fashion and Merchandise Promotion Plan with Jahanzeb Khandwala
• First place in state senior year for Entrepreneurship Promotion Project with Olivia Hofeld and Roshni Shah-qualified for Nationals!!
• Going to college at Boston University (go Terriers!) majoring in Nutrition Science and Dietetics and minoring in Hospitality

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Jobin

I was only in DECA my senior year but it was one of the greatest experiences for me throughout high school. I made some great memories at state and at Nashville. DECA taught me so much about the business world and it even helped me decide my major for college. It allowed me to find my passion in business.

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• Awards and Accolades: 1st place overall at regionals for business finance role play, 2nd at state for the Business Services written project, and competency at ICDC for the Business Services written project.

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• My biggest regret was not doing DECA earlier in high school because it was such a great experience and I learned so much.

• Next year I will be majoring in Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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• DECA helped me gain communication skills, leadership skills, and prepared for me a future career in business

Harshil

• Advice for First Year/ New DECA Members
• Welcome to DECA! You have made the best choice you could possibly make in high school by joining this outstanding organization. You will learn a lot during your time including how to become a leader, team player, and a confident person. In the end you will see how much you have grown and nothing compares to that feeling.
• Advice for returning DECA Members
• Continue your rise to success by working harder this year than you have in the past. If you haven’t done so before or want to continue it, I would suggest doing a written project. Written projects are a great way to keep yourself involved throughout this year and will teach you valuable lessons with real life experience.
• Advice for Strategies Students
• THIS IS NOT A STUDY HALL!!! You are the leaders of the chapter, therefore do everything in your power to help those around you and work really really hard.
• Favorite Memories from competitions
• Even though I never won a medal I learned how to deal with failure and no medal or award can compare to that. Failure helped me grow as a person and a professional. Obviously you will be sad if you don’t win but don’t let that define who you are. DECA is a learning experience! Your goal should not be to win a medal but rather how much you can learn and develop yourself.
• Where are you going to college and what is your major?
• I will be attending DePaul University for Business Management

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Karim

Advice for Strat Students

• This year was basically my first year as an DECA member and I was first intimidated by this class because mostly everyone who was in this class was an experienced DECA member.
• If this is your first year in DECA do not be intimidated because this class is at an honors level. I was not really involved in DECA last year and I was having second thoughts on if I should drop out or not. I decided to stay and everything worked out perfectly
• Many New DECA members join Stats and learn new things that they have never learned before so you are not the only one. I came into this class not knowing how to write a written project or how to perform a roleplay. I ended up coming top 10 in state for my written project. This was a feat that I had never imagined would happen so just because your unexperienced does not mean you can not be successful.

Advice for New DECA members

• If you are a new DECA member please do not be afraid to be involved. My first year in DECA I was not involved at all.
• I regretted not being involved because I missed multiple opportunities to learn new things.
• Secondly do not miss out on Area, I missed my first competition and because of that I was unable to be considered for state.

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Experience:

• I was a part of NW DECA for two years and I regret not doing it earlier on in high school.

ADVICE:

• Being in a club for four years looks great and shows commitment AND more chances to place and go to ICDC!
• DECA isn’t all about getting medals and being on a stage - it’s about finding yourself and becoming the best individual you can be.
• New DECA Members: Don’t give up. Use all the resources this amazing school has to offer and never stop bettering yourself and your endeavours.
• Returning DECA Members: Challenge yourself. Work with new people. Get on that stage.
• Advice for Strategies Students: Use your time in class wisely. Stop online shopping and checking “the game.”

Favorite Memories:

• Getting a nearly perfect score on a roleplay when I was scared out of my mind because my judge was a police lieutenant and my partner and I felt like we were being interrogated.
• Eating Hattie B’s at ICDC nationals in Nashville

Awards and Future:

• I have been awarded top ten in state (FMPP), 1st in state (EPP), 3rd in state (RP)
• College and major: I will be attending the University of Wisconsin Madison as one of the 100 School of Business Direct Admits majoring in International Business with minors in either Statistics, Psychology, or Marketing. GO BADGERS!

Chris

• Joining DECA as a senior, I was at a major disadvantage. I knew I had to work harder to understand the concepts than the others because many people were apart of DECA for their entire high school careers.
• Had I been apart of this organization before my senior year, I honestly feel like my life would be different. Don’t miss out on this opportunity and join DECA during your junior or senior year.
• Early in the school year, my group started to gather information for our paper and began to set due dates for each other because it is important not to fall behind.
• Nothing can ever beat the feeling of finishing your 30 page paper that took months of work to do. We were confident in our paper would make it to nationals and we were right! We placed first in the entire state of Illinois for our Finance Operations Research project. There were people at nationals in Nashville from all around the entire nation there for the same reason you are and even though it wasn’t home, it felt like we were back in our strategies class.
• Don’t miss out, it will change your life.

Joe

• My biggest piece of advice to anyone who joins DECA is to be open to new ideas. As well as explore the different areas of business to see what you may like.
• For those returning to DECA I’d say you should start preparing for next year over the summer. Reason for it, is because it gets you ahead of the crowd.
• If I were to go back in time I would do the professional consulting and selling event instead of entrepreneurship because the area of business I'm most interested in is consulting and sales.
• At regionals I placed 2nd in Economics, Finance and was 2nd overall. At state I won 1st in Finance, a certificate in Economics, and made top ten entrepreneurs for my event.
• In college I’ll be double majoring in Finance and Economics.

Deven Damji: DECAlicious Manager of Finance

• Join as a freshman in order to get a head start in the business and DECA world and build connections quickly! It also helps when applying to National Honor Society when you’re an upperclassman.
• Advice for First Year Members: Listen to Ms. Attig, do as you’re told, know your strengths and limit your weaknesses. Don’t be afraid of competition.
• Biggest Regret: Declining the opportunity to go to State competition as a sophomore.
• Advice for all DECA Members: Go above and beyond this year and go bigger than last year. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes.
• Advice for Strategies Students: Don’t waste class time and don’t make this class a study hall. Do valuable work and improve your project.
• Awards and Accolades earned throughout time in DECA: 2nd place mini-award for Economics Exam (Regionals 2014-15), 2nd place for Creative Marketing Project (2015-16 State)
• If you were to go back in time, what would you do differently?: I would join as a freshman and go to State my sophomore year.
• Colleges of Interest: U of M, Indiana, University of IL, UPenn

“At the end of the year, you should be able to say to yourself ‘I am DECA’”