College Essay

Not everything I learned, I learned in kindergarten nor in the classroom for that matter. As a senior in high school I'm not only 1ft taller but hopefully a more enlightened person. It is necessary to understand that I am not the same person who began as a freshman four short years ago. Although I learned a great deal inside the classroom, I have also garnered a wealth of knowledge far from the hallowed halls of my high school. My involvement in academics, school related clubs and work experience have instilled unique abilities and characteristics in me that have transformed me from a naÐ"Їve freshman into a well rounded motivated young man.

Throughout my four years at Westwood High, I have taken advantage of the many clubs and organizations offered. My participation in these groups has allowed me to form new friendships with fellow students, teachers and people from the community. Starting in my sophomore year I joined the school newspaper, (Westwood Wire) and was able to showcase myself as a journalist. Although the stories were simplistic ("Food Fight results in Major Brawl") they gave me a chance to play the role of a reporter and be a source of information and news for many of my peers. Another club that has been a big part of my high school career is the "Teen Mentors" group. On Friday nights I would act as a chaperone at the middle school dances. I had a responsibility to watch over younger students, provide them with an enjoyable and safe experience and most of all show them that I could be seen as a positive role model in their lives.

From the initial summer of my freshman year to this very day I have had a job. Beginning in my fourteenth year I started working at Roche Bros supermarket as a bag boy, cashier, grocery clerk and as a source of new ideas for management. I learned the basics of running the grocery business, having seen first hand how each department of the store had to stay below a budget and at the same time provide an unparalleled service to the customer. I was to see the challenges that my manager faced of creating a schedule by which every employee was happy with their hours. I also was able to see various forms of marketing and examples of how Roche Bros sold itself. Apart from Roche Bros, I also served as a customer service representative for Hyde Park Savings Bank. As a "specialist" in dealing with many different people, I have developed good people and communication skills. Currently I am working at Dedham Savings Bank as a teller and assistant in the loan department. I have been able to