Submitted By: Madeline Wittstruck, NE FCCLA 2018-2019 First Vice President
Hopefully I’m not the only one panicking about the end of 2018 as we wrap up school with finals, sports, the ACT, and STAR projects! (Not to mention the fact that half of this school year is over already!) This year has been quite a ride, but 2019 has a lot in store for us. Specifically in FCCLA, STAR opens so many opportunities to grow and travel next year, and District Competitions are soon approaching! Finishing STAR projects can be a stressful time for many members, but it doesn’t have to be! Be sure to keep these tips in mind when you are finalizing your projects:
- Analyze the rubric. This may seem like an obvious tip to some of you, but this is a vital step in your project! Make sure you are aware of the requirements your category entails. It doesn’t hurt to TRIPLE check that you didn’t miss anything in your project that you are supposed to cover. Pay extra attention to the wording and details in the rubric. The judges will be looking at the same one you have access to!
- Be prepared, but not overprepared. Again, another tip you might have guessed. My adviser always informed me that I must be prepared to present, but not overprepared. If you’re overprepared, especially during a speech, you might second guess yourself and it may cause you even more stress. Remember to breathe before your presentation and have confidence. With those two things and a top notch presentation, you’re sure to blow your judges away!
- Have your goal in mind. Again this year, Nebraska FCCLA will advance the top two groups from each category at District STAR Competitions to the State Conference. This means that more members will be attending SLC as STAR competitors! Your goal should be to attend state as a competitor! While finishing your project and presenting, have the end goal in the back of your mind. Your absolute end goal and a top honor should be competing at the National Leadership Conference this summer in Anaheim, California. I hope you set the bar high when it comes to what you want to achieve with your project.
- Be passionate about what you have created. You have spent so much time, work, and sometimes money into creating your STAR project, so let your passion show! You’re inspiring others, and learning about it along the way. STAR will assist with public speaking, interviews, and professionalism in general for many years to come.
These four tips will help you and your project go a long way! I encourage you to finish this year with confidence. If you can believe it, you CAN achieve it! BElieve in YOUrself!