From Aspiring Lawyer to Passionate Educator: Matteo Amaral’s Award Journey

“In my first business course, my team ran a small company that made $500. Later, in another course, we applied the leadership and strategy skills I developed through volunteering through the Award, and our business generated $3,000 in revenue. That’s the difference experience makes.”

A Career Plan That Took an Unexpected Turn
For Matteo Amaral, the Award was more than just a program- it was a turning point in his life. When he first started the Award at De La Salle College, he had a clear career plan: become a lawyer. But through his experiences in DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) and his leadership in the finance cluster, he uncovered a passion he hadn’t expected.

Discovering a Passion for Business
His journey took a pivotal turn when he joined DECA, a competitive business club, while working towards his Award. Seeking a leadership-oriented volunteer role, Matteo took on a position in the finance cluster, helping fellow students understand complex topics in accounting and economics. At first, he still believed law was his calling, but everything changed when he saw his students engage with the material. “I realized I was making an impact. These formulas were tough, and most people didn’t want to learn them- but if I could teach them in a way that made sense, I could help expand their knowledge,” Matteo recalls. That realization sparked a passion for business that has shaped his ambitions ever since.

Developing Discipline and Time Management
The Award not only helped him discover his true calling but also instilled in him the discipline and time management skills to succeed. Balancing the Award’s weekly commitments- skill development, volunteering, and physical activity- taught him accountability. “Without the structure of the Award, it’s easy to push things off until next week. Then next week becomes the week after that, and suddenly, you’re behind on your goals,” he explains. This habit of staying on top of his commitments has served him well in his current role as an assistant teacher at Spirit of Math. “The Award kept me motivated and accountable. That’s what helped me show up consistently and manage my workload.”

Debating: Learning to Think on His Feet
Matteo’s debating experience through the Award also helped him sharpen his critical thinking. Initially, he believed that having the strongest arguments guaranteed victory. However, an opponent once challenged one of his key points so effectively that he had to rethink his strategy. “I realized debating isn’t just about proving your argument- it’s about being adaptable and understanding different perspectives. That mindset has made me a better problem solver in all areas of life.”

Exploring Finance and Entrepreneurship
Today, Matteo is passionate about finance and entrepreneurship, having explored topics like investment banking and business strategy. He’s even considering a finance-focused Gold Award project in New York. Looking back, he believes the biggest difference between who he was before the Award and who he is now comes down to experience. “In my first business course, my team ran a small company that made $500. Later, in another course, we applied the leadership and strategy skills I developed through DECA and the Award, and our business generated $3,000 in revenue. That’s the difference experience makes.”

Advice to Future Award Participants
For young people considering the Award, Matteo’s advice is simple: just start. “People think it’s a huge commitment, but the truth is, you’re probably already doing the activities, whether it’s a sport, volunteering, or a leadership role. The Award isn’t a hassle; it’s an opportunity to structure what you’re already passionate about.”

A Future Shaped by the Award
Matteo Amaral may have begun his journey thinking he would be a lawyer, but thanks to the Award, he discovered something even greater: a passion for business, leadership, and making an impact on others. His journey is proof that the Award doesn’t just build resumes- it builds futures.

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