Healthy self-esteem is a condition for self-actualization. Before we can hope to grow and develop, we must have some degree of confidence in our own abilities. Marie D’Aniello expressed her personal sense of self- esteem as she paid tribute to her father: “Because of him, I take pride in my work and I take pride in myself.” As you achieve success in this class and begin to develop more confidence, you may notice an increase in your own self- esteem. This increased sense of self-esteem can become a key to greater self- actualization, both in the class and outside the classroom. This is why the public speaking class is valued by so many people. As Professor Rod Hart the University of Texas has put it, “Communication is the ultimate people- making discipline.”