Guest post by Sophia R 

Contributions by Mrs Teresa Gellenbeck 

Sierra Toot, a former marketing and DECA member who graduated in 2024 was super helpful to our DECA and marketing chapter. She was our National Business Honor Society President and vice president of our DECA chapter.  

What has been your journey after graduating from Orange?

Since graduating from Orange I have been attending the University of Tampa studying Entrepreneurship in the Honors College. I have also worked as a Sales and Marketing Intern at Haltec Corporation. 

What is your favorite DECA memory?

My favorite DECA memory is ICDC 2024. It was so rewarding to see all of our hard work pay off and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to get to make wonderful memories with my best friends in California. 

How do you think your experience with DECA helped you in life?

I honestly can’t imagine where I’d be in life without DECA. DECA taught me so much about business but above all else it instilled an unwavering sense of confidence in me. To be successful in DECA competitions it’s crucial to be sure of yourself and your ability to perform strongly in an exam or presentation. As a result of competing in DECA, I know that I’m able to do difficult things to be successful. I’ve learned that a lot in life is about faking it until you make it, confidence is what sets successful and unsuccessful people apart.

What is one piece of advice you would give to DECA students at OOHS?

I would tell DECA students at OOHS not to be afraid of rejection. Take the initiative to meet business leaders, connect with your peers, grow as an individual, learn as much as you can, and run for leadership roles. Bet on yourself and you will succeed!!