I have worked a variety of jobs while in school.  I have learned many things that I believe can only be learned in the workplace.  I have learned time management in order to hold a job and excel in school, as well as problem solving skills when dealing with the different obstacles that each position I've held has presented me with.  I have also been through many difficulties outside of my work experience.  Having to deal with the untimely deaths of very close family members taught me more about myself and life than any other event could have.  I learned a lot about the importance of living every day to the fullest and always giving every endeavor my very best.  Having been in the top of my class, I learned qualities of a leader and have used these to excel both academically and in extracurricular activities. I love every opportunity I have to work with children because they often offer the most valuable information, and plan to focus my career trying to benefit them.  Through undergraduate study I have learned the value of communication, which is often taken for granted,  and hope to be an effective speech therapist in order to restore this gift to those who have lost it.