On March 8, 2026, I had the opportunity to serve as a judge at the Pennsylvania DECA State Career Development Conference in Hershey, Pennsylvania. PA DECA brings together high school students from across the state to compete in events focused on marketing, finance, hospitality and tourism, entrepreneurship, business management, accounting, and supply chain management. Through these competitions, students are able to apply classroom knowledge to real-world business challenges while developing their communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Being in Hershey made the experience even more memorable. I enjoyed exploring the town and learning about how deeply its identity is connected to the history of Hershey chocolate. From the iconic street lamps shaped like Hershey’s Kisses to the way the entire town reflects the company’s roots and community values, Hershey felt like a place built around creativity, innovation, and tradition. What brought me the most joy was seeing so many high school students competing and sharing their ideas in a town that itself represents the power of an idea growing into something much bigger.
As a judge, I listened to student presentations, asked questions about their ideas, and evaluated how well they explained their strategies and decision-making. I especially enjoyed judging the Supply Chain Management event, where students discussed topics such as logistics, inventory management, operations, and business strategy. I was impressed by how confidently they analyzed challenges and defended their solutions.
One of the most rewarding parts of the experience was seeing how curious and passionate these students were about their fields. I believe curiosity is the seed for growth, and it was inspiring to watch students turn their curiosity into creative ideas and thoughtful solutions. They were not simply memorizing concepts—they were exploring problems, asking meaningful questions, and imagining ways to improve the world around them.
The experience also made me reflect on how quickly the world is evolving, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence. Many students incorporated technology and AI into their ideas, showing how naturally the next generation is adapting to new tools and using them to innovate. Seeing their ideas being encouraged, challenged, and developed reminded me that every great innovation begins with curiosity and the opportunity to explore.
Judging PA DECA was an incredibly rewarding experience. I was grateful to support these young leaders, learn from their creativity, and witness firsthand the passion and determination they bring to their future careers. Leaving Hershey, I felt inspired by the students I met and reminded of the importance of encouraging curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.