The Nanuet DECA chapter hosted a Future Development Fair on Friday, November 17. Through the initiative of DECA President Alan Thomas, as well as Vice Presidents Arnav Mehta and Shawn Ethakken, the chapter organized and planned the event in just six weeks. During the event itself, more than twenty professionals from various fields provided information and answered student questions about their careers.
The goal of the fair was to provide students opportunities to connect with professionals, find opportunities to get involved, and hopefully discover a professional passion, according to the event organizers.
“The event was to inspire students and help guide them to opportunities, which many high school students may not be aware of,” said Ethakken.
However, while the event was a huge success, just two weeks before, the organizers were not sure that they would be able to even get professionals to come to the event.
“There was just so much to do,” Thomas said.
The solution? The group reached out to Principal Mahoney and the DECA chapter advisor, Mrs. Svara, and engaged other DECA members through assigned roles and responsibilities. Scheduling meetings and staying after-school became commonplace as the organizers worked hard to make their vision a reality.
As the day approached and the last minute details were finalized, excitement and tensions ran high.Finally, on November 17, the professionals arrived. Organizers greeted the professionals and led them into the gym. Quickly taking the initiative to learn their names and occupations, DECA members jumped into action by assigning them tables and creating signs.
Throughout the day, many Nanuet students visited the fair, interacting with professionals, asking insightful questions.
“With college applications just around the corner, I felt much more confident in choosing a major,” according to a senior who attended the event and wishes to remain anonymous.
What had been thought impossible just a few weeks ago, had become a smashing success, according to the event organizers.