Four years ago, senior Michael Ligier joined DECA and FBLA. Last year, as an officer of FBLA, he joined Speech and Debate. This year, as FBLA president, a DECA member and a Speech persuasive captain, he seeks to help new members with his experience.

Ligier gained experiences from all the clubs and now intends to use them as a leader.

Ligier often receives questions on how he can be the president of FBLA and still be a part of DECA because the two business clubs are known rivals. However, Ligier believes each offers its own unique opportunities and has been welcomed as a member by both clubs.

While DECA competitions involve roleplays that simulate interview scenarios, FBLA competitions help to develop presentation skills. On the other hand, Speech and Debate emphasizes writing skills and having a presence as a speaker. So while most see a rivalry between the clubs, Ligier knows that all are essential for the world of business.

Although Ligier has come a long way, he still remembers freshman year. He joined many clubs and eventually narrowed down his commitments. Even if a club doesn’t particularly spark someone’s interest, he believes it is worth a try.

Despite Ligier’s involvement in other clubs, his high school experience begins and ends with FBLA. Being a member made Ligier realize that he wanted to pursue a career in business, and his positive experience while being a member of FBLA has instilled in him a desire to recreate the experience for underclassmen. Though his original goal as an FBLA president was to expand membership, the new he now sees a greater value in creating a positive experience for individuals.

As a leader, Ligier looks forward to a year of teaching and passing down what he has learned. As a senior, Ligier will look to meld the differences he has seen in his various experiences to apply to his future business career.

Reported by Malini Ramaiyer and Kalpana Gopalkrishnan