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2000 Essay Contest Winner

Karen Mooney

6-750-75

Opportunity Knocks

      As my high school career draws to a close, I look to the opportunities in my future.  From my job experience to my school courses, nearly everything I have done has prepared me for things to come.  I am constantly planning for my future, and my efforts are worthwhile as I am now focused on specific goals.  I plan to attend the University of Notre Dame where I will major in accounting.  As for my job aspirations, I plan to work for a large consulting firm and specialize in finance.

      My goals are quite reachable due to the amount of preparation I have taken.  I realized early in my education that math was my specialty, and my interest in formulas and calculations began.  I enrolled in accelerated math courses, from algebra to calculus, where I continually received high grades. Not only has my education prepared me for the future, but my work experience has also taught me important skills.  When I set out looking for my first job, I knew I did not want the typical teenage hamburger-flipping job.  No, I wanted a job that was unique and beneficial to my future.  My ambition sent me out at the age of sixteen to interview for a dental office front desk receptionist position.  To my surprise, I got the job and spent the summer learning customer service, computer systems, and scheduling appointments.  The following summer I worked as a nurse's assistant in a pediatric office.  I performed physical tests, recorded information on charts, and kept the office running smoothly.  My employers spoke of their surprise at my quick learning and broad capabilities.  Both employers had been reluctant to hire me at my young age, but were sad to see me leave at the end of the summer.  My jobs taught me valuable skills which helped me to qualify for the most important part in my preparations for my future.  I was selected to participate in the Management Internship Program, which allows high school students to intern at prestigious companies.  I was placed with The Staubach Company, where I worked first in their accounting division.  I worked on footing, totaling, and reconciling accounts between subledger and ledger balances.  I also performed various data entries and filing for the tax season.  Through the internship I observed accountants in action, and learned that I truly enjoyed my work.  My employers were impressed with my maturity; several were surprised I was not a college intern.  I believe that my most valuable preparations for my future came from the jobs I have held and the school courses I have chosen. 

      My past has shown my ability to succeed, and I am confident I will achieve each of my future goals.  My future will begin with my grades at Notre Dame, I have maintained a 4.0 grade point average through high school and will not lower my standards in college.  I feel my past work experience has relieved the stress that others still feel in finding an enjoyable career.  I know that accounting and mathematics is my specialty, and will truly love my job.  I am confident my self discipline, initiative, persistence, and determinism will lead to many opportunities in my future.

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