With DECA reaching a record-breaking goal of nearly 300,000 members, this year’s International Career Development Conference was one of the largest yet with over 26,000 attendees from around the globe. We were incredibly fortunate to be among them, representing iUniversity Prep with pride. Two students from our school attended this incredible event: I competed in the Entrepreneurship Individual Series, and Mali Xayavong participated as a THRIVE Academy student.
Held in sunny Orlando, Florida, ICDC lasted five unforgettable days. We weren’t just there to compete or attend sessions. We were there to grow, bond, and make memories. Day one was all about settling in: registration, unpacking, and exploring the hotel. On day two, we took a road trip to Daytona Beach, where we attempted a sandcastle, devoured ice cream, and later returned for the Opening Ceremony. Watching the flags of every state, province, and country wave across the stage was awe-inspiring. We traded pins with students from around the world, which is a tradition that truly makes ICDC the best.
However, by Sunday and Monday, things got serious. These were competition days. I took my exam and completed my roleplay while Mali attended her academy. We were focused and determined. However, even in the intensity of it all, we found moments of joy like our evening visits to Universal Studios, riding roller coasters, exploring the parks, and enjoying AMAZING food!
Tuesday brought the preliminary awards and with it, the heartbreak. No one from our school or district advanced. I would be lying if I said I didn’t have the most hurling stomach drop as they called name after name and I didn’t hear mine. For a moment, I convinced myself I must’ve misheard. Surely my name was called and I just missed it. My ears were glued to the announcer’s voice, my heart desperately hoping to hear “Julia Thienvanich from Texas.” But it never came.
I had poured hours, days, and months into preparing and rehearsing only to leave empty-handed. As we rode the elevator back up to our rooms, I saw a girl across from me with bloodshot eyes, mascara smudged, and a tear-streaked face and in her, I saw myself. I felt seen. Her tears validated my feelings. When we reached the 9th floor and the last group of people stepped out, I finally let go. I sobbed. I felt lost. I felt like a failure. I felt like I had let everyone down who supported me, helped me, and mentored me during this time. So graciously wishing I could have brought something home for them. Something tangible. Something that proved that all the energy and effort they poured into me could amount to something. That I amounted to something. But I didn’t. I felt like I disappointed everyone who was rooting for me, and for that I felt as though I would never forgive myself. However, through all of this crying I had completely lost sight of what we had accomplished this year.
We built a community. We won chapter awards. We created something lasting. I gained more than any medal or DECA glass could ever offer. I grew in confidence, leadership, and self-awareness. I made friendships I’ll carry with me forever. However, most importantly, I was reminded of why I love iUniversity Prep and DECA so deeply.
At the Rangers DECA Business Day, Ms. Wilks asked me, “If you knew you were going to lose, would you still do it all over again?” My answer, without hesitation, is absolutely. Practicing with her every week, talking with her, laughing, and learning meant everything to me. Going from barely knowing her to now calling her one of my favorite counselors and people has been a highlight of this year.
In addition, the messages I received from teachers, former teachers, and faculty all reminded me of the incredible support system I have at iUP. That’s what I’ll carry with me.
As graduation approaches, it gave me something worth missing. For five years, I thought I would graduate without feeling too much, and without anyone I’d truly miss. I expected to quietly move on. However, this final year changed everything for me. I found people who made me feel seen, valued, and understood. Now, as the end draws near, I find myself genuinely sad to say goodbye. When I first joined DECA, I never imagined how much this organization would shape me not just in a professional sense but as a person. Through competitions, meetings, and events, we built more than just a club; we built a community.
To my fellow officers, Mali, Afrah, Dawson, Sid, Moon, and Devesh, thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your teamwork, and your heart. This year wouldn’t have been what it was without you all.
To our members, you are the heart of this chapter. I’ll miss every single one of you. Whether it was talking at meetings, working at events, or just laughing together, I truly enjoyed every moment.
To Ms. Province, YOU are what made this possible. Your unwavering support, your belief in me and in us, and your passion for DECA lit a spark in me that I didn’t even know I had. You’ve been more than just an advisor. You’ve been a mentor, a guide, a friend, and someone who saw my potential even when I struggled to see it myself. Because of you, I’ve grown. You created a space where I felt safe to take risks, learn, and lead. None of this would’ve been the same without your care and encouragement. I’ll carry your lessons with me throughout life. Thank you for pouring so much of yourself into this club and into your students.
As I step into the next chapter of my life, I know DECA will always be a part of me—just as I hope I’ll always be a part of it. I believe with all my heart that this chapter will continue to thrive, and I’ll be cheering for every one of you, always.
Thank you for an unforgettable journey. This isn’t goodbye, it’s just the beginning.
So go be great.
