Olivia Florence

Massachusetts DECA! Hello, and my name is Olivia Florence and it is my pleasure it introduce myself as one the members of the 2011-2012 Massachusetts State Action Team. I am currently a senior at King Philip Regional High School, and I was first introduced to DECA as a junior in high school. Even though I have only been involved with DECA for one year, it has been the most impacting and worth while experience throughout all of my high school career. I can not imagine my junior or senior year without DECA and all of the inspiring and energetic members.
            In addition to being a State Officer, I am also an officer for my chapter, King Philip DECA. This past year I competed at the SCDC level in the Entrepreneurship Written event, while campaigning for office. Running for State Office was the most exhilarating experience I have ever been a part of, and I would not have been able to do it without the support and confidence of my advisor, James Dow, and my dedicated chapter helping me every step of the way. I was so happy to have the chance to meet many of the MASS DECA members, and I look forward to the chance to getting to meet even more.
            Outside of DECA, I love spending time with my friends, and going to concerts and sporting events. I am the representative of my class, as well as an elected member of my schools student council. When it comes to sports, I am a huge hockey fan; I play for my high schools girl’s hockey team, and I love the Boston Bruins! Boston is my favorite city and I am hoping to go to college there in the fall of 2012. My favorite TV show is The Office, by far, and even on the worst of days I believe it can always make you laugh.
            DECA has opened so many new and exciting doors for me just in one short year! I have come to realize that pursuing a career in marketing and entrepreneurship is the only career for me. I have finally found an outlet where I can use my creativity, and compete in something I truly love, and understand; something I never found doing anything else. I found a confidence, and piece of myself that had never been shown before after doing DECA. I learned that when you find something you are truly passionate about, everything else in your life seems to change for the better. My hard work and tenacity in DECA has carried over into every other aspect in my life; I found myself a better student, and more responsible young woman.