I had the pleasure of talking to the DECA marketing classes at Cuyahoga Falls High School about two weeks ago. I know, it’s a little lame to be bringing it up now but I can’t get these kids off my mind.

First, they dressed up for my visit- navy blazers, snappy skirts and grey slacks. They shared their work with me too. There were some very creative ideas in the graphics design class. Mostly, they behaved like high school kids. A little uncertain about their future. A little sleepy (because I was there at 7:45 a.m. There really should be a rule against that.). A little curious.

Their instructor, Emily Kilgore, was absolutely delightful. She is preparing the kids well for life after high school. I really dig educators who “get” the real world and introduce it in their classroom. The DECA group was even working on a community service project offering help to kids in crisis. Cool stuff.

Emily has invited other speakers from the community to talk with the students too. The approach is based on Road Trip Nation, where young peeps chat with working peeps to find out how they got where they are. Musicians, politicians, executives, etc… are all featured. It’s a really cool concept.

Well, I told the kids that they need to be open to the opportunities of the universe, that they need to be prepared to make sacrifices and work hard, and that they should seek a path that is not only fun but valuable…maybe even defining. I don’t know, it may have been mumbo-jumbo to them, but I feel like we connected.

To all the kids and one cool teacher who welcomed me for a morning, I say thanks. May your adventures be as great as mine has been.