Deca Helped Him Measure His Potential

Nick Hagerty discovered what it’s like to be famous.

He found himself in front of thousands of unknown faces with his own face projected on a huge screen.

“It’s pretty nervewracking but it’s cool,” said the West Valley senior.

Hagerty isn’t a rock star.

He’s a DECA celebrity.

Hagerty was the Spokane area’s representative on the state DECA officers team. They planned statewide conferences designed to teach students leadership and business savvy.

Part of Hagerty’s job was to speak on stage at state and regional leadership conferences.

When he looked out at the 3,100 students at the Western Regional Leadership Conference in Bellevue, Wash., Hagerty realized they were all looking at him. After a moment of panic, he said he did just fine.

“I’ve grown so much this year. I understand what’s out there and my potential.”

Hagerty competed at state and national DECA competitions in hospitality services. He and a partner were given scenarios - most of which involved role-playing that they were hotel managers - and they had a half hour to come up with a solution, which they then acted out for a judge.

“I never had a real understanding of the business world. It opened me up to it,” Hagerty said.

He’s realized he doesn’t want to get into the hotel business.

The 18-year-old plans to go to Eastern Washington University in the fall and study either business or pre-law.

But before becoming a serious college student, Hagerty said he wants to spend the summer goofing off. He plans to spend time in the Seattle area visiting friends he made while a DECA officer.

Hagerty said he’ll do some odd jobs but doesn’t plan on putting his business knowlege to work quite yet.

“I want to have one last hurrah before I settle down,” Hagerty said.