I was born to a family that is fourth generation American on both sides, English as a first language in the homes with routes going back to the 1800’s living in New York City. One set of my grandparents are both public school teachers, so there was a strong emphasis on education my entire life. That being said, there was no question that I would complete my higher education and hopefully post graduate, as well. Growing up in New York and New Jersey as an Orthodox Jew, I attended a dual curriculum private Jewish schools, that included a secular and religious education. My day consisted of class from 8 am-6 pm with 10 courses,  including mandatory second language classes. My parents both received bachelors degrees from local colleges and started their own small businesses. During their college years, they both held different internships and several jobs to pay their way through school. Their work ethic is an extremely important principal in my upbringing and has paved the way for me to take an interest in business and benefit from my family’s business knowledge and experience. All of my siblings, except my younger brother (still in high school), have received college and graduate degrees and now all hold jobs and are professionals in their fields. Having such a strong oriented family background with an emphasis on education, it is important for me to reach impressive educational and professional goals as well.