Leadership has taught me many acts of professionalism throughout this year. We were exposed to meeting deadlines, going through interviews, creating our own resumes and cover letters, working with a budget, time management, communication, and public speaking. I was exposed to public speaking before I even made it into leadership. Once my election speech was over, the following year I was giving speeches to different size crowds left and right. I quickly learned the key details to a speech. Dressing professional makes yourself more approachable to the crowd, and makes sure to make eye contact to engage the audience. I have practiced my speaking in many different scenarios. I have given a Love Ripon speech, presenting the project we are doing in April, and the Challenge presentation, presenting the dance idea for the end of the year in front of the ASB class. I have also done my election speeches which are presented each year in front of your graduating class. And I have worked on public speaking for the winter final and spoke in front of the whole school for Coinwars. Practicing public speaking made me realize how important confidence, and practice can help your speech sound better. But of course, dress profesional! Pull your hair back, wear a nice shirt, a blouse, or polo, slacks, and closed toe shoes. Communication is also a major key to professionalism, not just staying in touch, it is how you communicate with the person that makes you more professional. Sending an email, or scheduling a meeting is more professional, rather than texting a professional or catching someone in the hallway. Communication is key when you are planning events, making sure everyone is on track. With lack of communication events may not run smoothly and people may have interpreted something differently. Communication helps in the professional world by showing that you are engaged in the project and ready to work with others.