April 7, 2014 Penguin Group (USA) Human Resources Department Attn: Internship Coordinator 375 Hudson Street New

ew York, NY 10014 Dear Selection Committee: As a child, words were the only thing that gave me an advantage over other children. I could use them to tell the stories I was too shy to speak about. The assignment was to write a poem for our mothers for mothers day. It was simple; write how much you love them and make it rhyme and maybe add a picture or two if you were good at that sort of thing. I was never an artist in the traditional sense of the word. I couldnt paint pictures with a brush, I painted them with my words. I was one of the first ones done and my teacher shuffled her way over to see that I actually accomplished the task and did it well. She read my poem and tears filled her eyes. Being a shy, unconfident child, I thought I had done something wrong. I thought I had let her down. She told me that it was wonderful and she changed my world. Comparing my mothers love to the moon in the way it was so grandiose and always radiated happiness, although I did not know what those words meant when I was nine, was something that met a host of positive reactions. That is the day that I fell in love with writing and truly became a writer. Twelve years later that love is still with me. Writing is what brings me the most delight in my life both past and present. Being an intern with your company would only strengthen my love for words and the craft. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further. Sincerely, Laurie Toich