My name is Alison Lavoie, I am senior in the Rehabilitation Services program at the University of Maine at Farmington.  I will be graduating in May, but will still need to complete my internship before I can completely graduate.  Originally I was an Early Childhood Special Education Major at this university and switched over to the Rehabilitation program my junior year.  I did this because I decided that I still wanted to work with people just not inside of a classroom. I think that this was the best decision for myself. I enjoy working with people and helping in any way that I can. This is why I believe I will do good in this field of work.

In the past year I have had an experience with rehabilitation programs and how they work. My parents were in a criticle accident and suffered many innjuries. Through this experience I learned that one day I wanted to help people. I think this experience has shaped me into becoming a better helper. I saw the changes my parents went theough and know that they would not be where they are today if they did not get go through rehabilitation programs.

I was born and raised in Nashua, New Hampshire.  I live with my mother, father and older brother.  I am the youngest child of two in my family. While growing up my parents taught me the importance of family. My family is very important to me and is in the back of my mind in everything I do.  No matter what I do, whether it has to do with school or just life in general I know that my family will be there to support me.  This is a great feeling to know that I have a support system to back me up.

 A big part of my life has always been dance. I started dancing when I was four years old and continued until I graduated from High School.  Even now I dance at any chance I get. Last summer I was able to dance with my old studio and perform at the Breast Cancer walk in Boston, MA.  We danced while the walkers were resting and eating a good meal.  We wanted to show the walkers that we appreciated what they had done.  I plan on keeping dance in my life as long as it is possible. Although my many years of dance has had some negative effects on my body, I still enjoy dancing.

Throughout the past two years I have been in a club on campus called SEA-Change. SEA-Change stands for Social and Environmental Activists for Change.  Through this club I was able to go to  peace conference and experience  great speakers.  I have made many new friends while being involved in this club and it gives me a break from my school work.

I think that my school experiences and my family background have given me many desirable characteristics.  I am looking forward to continuing my learning experience after I graduate.