Rosa was also introduced to DECA at the school. The genius of the nearly 70-year-old program is that DECA participants can “test-drive” a variety of industries through competitive events offered at local, state and international levels. The hands-on experience gives students valuable experience before they ever enter their actual fields.
“I joined the DECA chapter at LDSBC for new challenges and to put into practice what I am learning at school,” she said. “I want to be my best and learn as much as I can to be ready for my career.” Her zeal isn’t surprising—Rosa has always had the drive for education. Prior to her mission, she studied French at a private academy.
What is surprising, however, is how much Rosa has accomplished in a packed schedule of classes, work at the LDS Global Service Center, service at the college, and DECA. Add to this her finding time for a personal life, which led to her marriage just this past January to her sweetheart, Jeremy Baker.
Rosa is currently serving as Vice President of Nontraditional Students (evening school) in the College’s DECA chapter. As such, she leads the opening and closing activities of the mid-week evening class, assists the instructor and advisor, and mentors new students. The DECA chapter has grown in part thanks to Rosa’s constant networking to bring in new students.
“The best part of my participation is showing myself that I can always do better,” she said. “I’m learning from my mistakes and successes, teamwork, and individual achievements. Working under pressure during competitions has helped me realize that I can do the same at school and work and get great results.”
Rosa’s zeal to do better has also meant packing more education into her college studies. During a project management class, she decided to add that program to her degree. Her hard-work ethic is evident in her drive to get as much education as possible, increasing her marketability for a career.
Rosa has found great support from her dedicated advisor and husband and family, who believe she can do anything she sets her eyes on. “My greatest challenge has been finding time to prepare for competition,” she said. “I had to organize my schedule better and sacrifice other things, but I have been rewarded for my efforts.”
The rewards have been impressive. Along with gains in professional preparation, growth and satisfaction, Rosa has placed in the top five of every event she has competed in. This includes her recent first place in business research at the Utah State DECA competition.
“My biggest goal is to leave a legacy of students who are willing to go the extra mile, work hard, and do things better than they thought possible while never giving up,” said Rosa. “Joining DECA will not only reward students with success and help them network with other students and professionals, it will also provide experience they can’t get elsewhere while still in school.”
Rosa knows DECA can help students like her thrive. “It teaches skills you will actually use in the workforce,” she said. “That makes you more appealing to employers than other job candidates. DECA is hard work and dedication, but if you sacrifice those two, you are already a winner! Do you accept the challenge?”
Rosa Pinto Baker did, and her results speak for themselves.