Middle School Chinese classes welcomed a special guest speaker on Oct. 29: Julie Sweet, Chief Executive Officer of multinational consulting services company Accenture, discussed how taking risks and facing challenges can help you grow as a person. According to the New York Times, Mrs. Sweet is "one of the most powerful women in corporate America." (She is also a Lower and Middle School parent.)

Mrs. Sweet grew up in California. In middle school, her parents encouraged her to join the debate team, which she said helped her become a better speaker. In college, Mrs. Sweet showed her willingness to take risks. At the age of 19, she decided to study in Taiwan and China for a year. She did not speak the language and knew little about the culture but thought it would be the best way to learn Chinese. She taught English and modeled for a wedding photography company, while living with a host family in Taiwan that did not understand English. Later, being in China helped her learn to use Chinese effectively and taught her to take risks, deal with challenges, and adapt to new situations. These are all skills that have no doubt helped her to become a successful businesswoman.

Mrs. Sweet's advice to students included:

1. Communication skills are very important. Writing well and speaking clearly will carry you very far. Being able to deliver a speech for 30 minutes without a script is how Mrs. Sweet got to where she is today.

2. Successful people take risks and face challenges.

3. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.