Associate
Dreams can lift us up,
Even when fears try to hold us back.
Each journey is unique,
And through sharing our stories,
We find strength together.
I had an amazing chance to speak to a few hundred students at DECA recently. If you’re not familiar, DECA is a program for high school and college students who are into business. It’s all about helping future leaders and entrepreneurs get ready for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. My talk, Dreams vs. Fears: Ethics Unleashed!, was super personal. I opened up about my life—the struggles I’ve faced, the mistakes I’ve made, the ups and downs—and how, in the end, I came out stronger.
My goal was to connect with students who might feel unsure about where they’re headed, those dealing with challenges, and even those who aren’t, to inspire them to dream big and keep going. It was such an honor to stand in front of such a bright and driven group of young people. I really hope my story resonated with them and gave them a little extra encouragement to embrace their own journeys, no matter how tough or uncertain things might feel. Sharing stories like this is such a powerful way to inspire and lift each other up, and I’m so grateful for the chance to do that.