Marianopolis organization looking for playmates

"It's about taking a dream or an idea – whether it's a business idea or even becoming a great dancer – and following it through and making it happen," said Chif, a second-year commerce student at the college.

Chif is the founder of the Marianopolis Youth Leadership Organization (MYLO), a group of students who participate in case-study competitions, which require participants to find solutions to the real-life decision-making situations they are given, and then present their resolutions to the competition judges. The idea for the Leadership Development Day came to Chif after she and the 17-member competitive team took part in the 29th Annual DECA Ontario Provincial Competition in Toronto last month. As the only Quebec team participating in the case-study competition, they did very well, placing in the top 10 in every category.

But when they got back to Montreal, it quickly became apparent there were no local teams they could compete with.

"We wanted to organize events for Quebec students, instead of us going to Ontario," Chif said.

The mission of this Saturday's Leadership Development Day is twofold: to get other colleges interested in creating their own case-study competition groups, and to give students the opportunity to meet and mingle with like-minded students and experienced entrepreneurs. Well-known entrepreneurs and public speakers Jim Booth and Jade Bourelle will deliver speeches. Marianopolis professors will also hold workshops, while representatives from the Young Chartered Accountants of Quebec will give participants career advice and speak as well.

"Personally, from teaching business, there's this grand fear of failure. Most successful people have fallen on their faces a few times, and in order to be successful, you have to be open-minded enough to learn from your mistakes," said Marianopolis marketing professor Peter Elenakis of some of the lessons students may learn from the event. "It will provide students an opportunity to hear speakers and be exposed to successful people."

Both Elenakis and Chif pointed out the event and case-study competitions are not just reserved for business or commerce students: the 17 members of Marianopolis' competition team are from all different programs and backgrounds.

"The day is for anyone who has some sort of dream or goal. And I think everyone does," said Chif.

The Leadership Development Day is open to everyone and will take place at Marianopolis College, 4873 Westmount Ave., this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information, send an e-mail to deca.marianopolis@gmail.com.