The Menace of Students in Covenant University Essay Example for Free

The Menace of Students in Covenant University Essay The menace of indecent behavior among students of Covenant University. The Holy book says â€Å"it is the little, little foxes that spoil the vine†. The little foxes of indecent behavior are gradually eaten deep into the vine of Covenant University and spoiling her vine which is the students. To examine this topic a clear understanding of what indecent behavior is vital. Indecent behavior is a state of continuously going against moral standards that exist in the human societal setting. Moral standards only exist where humans live as animals are not obligated to moral standards. The menace of indecent behavior is eating deep into the Student body of Covenant University. This act of nuisance has become rampant among some of the students of the institution. Statistics have shown that 80 percent of expulsion cases Covenant University are linked or connected to immoral behavior. Examples of these behaviors are smoking, drinking, watching of pornographic movies, stealing overt sexual behavior, continuous possession of circular music despite warning, overt sexual behavior, possession of hard drugs etc. The negative effects of these indecent behaviors among the students cannot be over-emphasized. They include poor health conditions, addictions, bad habits etc. there have been various measures taken in the past to curb these acts. The measures include regular checking of hostels by members of staff, running medical test on students etc. but these measure has since declined and these students have returned to their old ways , and discovered new methods of committing their atrocities. However despite all these management body can also double-up measure to counter attack these behaviors. These methods include positioning of secret cameras in various points of the school. These locations include the classrooms, rooms, chapel, lecture theatres, cafeteria etc as these will go a long way in exposing these acts with little efforts, Also medical test on students should be reinforced to test for drugs, regular checking of halls at unexpected periods should be carried out to take the students by surprise. One may want to ask, what the management stand has been on these long standing issues. The management has frowned at these acts, meting out disciplinary actions to students found committing them. However the management body has also had its flaws in this. Most times when students are punished, asked to go on expulsion or suspension, the school grants them prerogative of mercy. They return back to school, committing more acts than they had done earlier before they were administered punishments. However the latest developments have shown that the school management body has â€Å"awakened from her slumber† as recent development has shown that prerogative of mercy shall no longer be granted to any erring student. These statements were gathered in last search of the Dean of students Affairs, Pastor Abiodun Adebiyi, in Lydia halls of resident. During the search a lot of contrabands which included Phones, contraceptives, drugs etc. There the Dean mentioned that all the students who were found with the contrabands will not be spared as punishments will be meted out appropriately and no prerogative would avail for them. Also there also being a constant monitoring of secluded hide-outs in the premises, and security men who aid the students to commit atrocities are monitored closely. However despite these measured taken there is still a high rate of indecency in the student body. This is on the increase on a daily basis. The after math of this is the fact that good and timid ones end of being influenced by the bad ones, for the fear of inferiority complex and the â€Å"wanna be syndrome†. This is unhealthy for the growth of the school as the aim of establishing the school will be defeated. Because instead of raising worthy leaders, who will transform the world, corrupt leaders who will compound the system will be produced from the system. In addition, it is also important that we understand that the future we seek as a people only lies with our youths. And for that to be achieved, attention must be directed towards the students, encouraging them to stop indecency whether visible or disguised. Having looked at indecent behavior, let us examine what the general effects of indecency can result in to. Basically these can be seen from 3 perspectives. The family, this is the smallest unit, though with the largest effect. Most times when this has eaten deep into the students, they go home and manifest them in their families, influencing their younger ones, in addition to that when they themselves become parents , they are unable to caution their children on their indecent behaviors , and advice them to behave properly. Another aspect is the school. On the side of the institution there will be misplaced priorities, as the vision of the school of standing out as a Mission University will become a mare dream, with morals becoming misplaced. Academics will be handled nonchalantly, the drive for success will reduced, as the student will give more time to gratifying their habits and indecent desires than craving for success. The last view point is the health perspective. As a result of consumption of all these hard drugs, e. g. cigarettes, and alcohols, there will be a high rate of liver problems, breathing problems which will not enable them perform maximally. Having looked at the definition of indecent behavior, few examples, where it is practiced, measures that have been taken about it in the past, how it can be reduced, and the effects. It is clear that it is a delicate area of the institution where the management has to look into and make necessary corrections, as this will boost maximum productivity amongst its students. In conclusion more drastic steps should be employed to ensure that the canker of indecency does not eat deep and destroy the existing structure therefore â€Å" all hands must be on deck† to correct this while we still have a chance. After this is done, a change is occur undeniable proofs to show for it. â€Å"As they say a stitch in time saves nine†.

Reliability and Validity Essay Example for Free

Reliability and Validity Essay Evaluating human services is a task that can be very complex. People can have different interpretations of the same event. Another concern is that people are not always honest. Therefore, human services will gain from effective, high quality evaluations of data collection methods. This requires that the data collection methods supply accurate and dependable information. This paper will define and describe 2 concepts of measurement known as reliability and validity,-provide examples and supporting facts as to how these concepts apply to data collection in human services, and evaluate the importance of the validity and reliability of data collection methods and instruments. Funding for many non-profit human services organizations are dependent on the precise results of research and statistics gathered through various processes of data collection. Reliability and validity are two criterions that are used to judge the functions of research designs and measurements. These criterions are something that should be looked at before, during, and after research to show the relevance and significance of human services. Using the example of a weight scale is the perfect way to confer the idea of reliability and validity. If an individual of 150lbs. weighs themselves several times and gets several different readings, the scale being used can be considered unreliable. Now if that scale also reads 125 each time, it is rather reliable but invalid. However, the consistent, accurate reading of 150lbs. each time indicates that this scale is not only reliable, but also valid. When thinking about validity, it is important to evaluate if the research is doing what it is supposed to do. According to Rosenthal and Rosnow (2008), â€Å"The measure in question might be a psychological test of some kind, a group of judges who rate things, a functional MRI scanner for monitoring brain activity, or any other instrument or measuring tool†(Chapter 6). Is the data collected dependable? Does the correlation make sense? All of these questions are in reference to the design of the research, and validity is specifically tied to the soundness and force of that design. Conclusion and internal validity refer directly to relationships drawn between correlating factors and the end results. According to Measurement Of Validity Types (2006), â€Å"Conclusion validity is the degree to which conclusions reached about relationships in data are reasonable† (Conclusion Validity). Studies that have shown a link between convicts in the prison system and the lifestyles encountered by children of single parents would be one example of conclusion validity. If the conclusion is valid, a direct link will be made between two correlating factors. Internal validity is specifically concerned with casual relationships while conclusion validity is concerned with relationships in general (Measurement Of Validity Types, 2006). Observing that certain factors may be linked to certain outcomes, and examining all the possible links of an outcome is the main goal of internal validity. Another look at reliability will help in considering the precision of these predictions. Reliability represents the idea of accuracy, dependability, and consistency in research. Can the results be referred to as concrete? Are there any loopholes in the research? Has the research communicated the proper information and does everything correlate? These are questions that would be directed at examining the reliability of research. Test-Retest and Inter-rater reliability are two ways to measure the results of research. When multiple people are given assessments of some kind or are the subjects of some test, then similar people under the same circumstances should lead to scores that are similar or duplicates (Types Of Reliability, 2011). This is the idea of inter-rater reliability. Another mode of reliability is the administration of the same test among different participants and expecting the same or similar results (Types Of Reliability, 2011). This is known as Test-retest reliability. This method of measurement might be used to make determinations about the effectiveness of a school exam or personality test (Types Of Reliability, 2011). Surveys and other methods of research present the appropriate avenues for data collection. Data collection and measurement methods are used in human services to help organizations achieve leadership capacity and to achieve high performance outcomes. Agencies that track the effectiveness of their services through field studies and surveys will have a record of techniques that have worked best to fulfill mission goals. The evidence of such reported facts will come in handy in terms of funding, policy efforts, and keeping professionals educated. From psychological and behavioral aspects, interviews, test groups, and random assignment are just a few ways to collect data in controlled and uncontrolled environments. Human services use these methods to apply theory to real life situations. Human services depends on the effective analysis and measurements of research. Personal interpretations of measurements can be confusing. Therefore, reliability and validity are two ideas that refer to rating the effectiveness of research techniques. This paper has defined and described the two concepts of measurement known as reliability and validity, provided examples and supporting facts as to how these concepts apply to data collection in human services, and has evaluated the importance of the validity and reliability of data collection methods and instruments. Human services agencies rely on research to remain knowledgeable and capable of providing appropriate services to disadvantaged populations.

Importance of Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI)

Importance of Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) Ankle Brachial Pressure Index test use as a tool of foot assessment in diabetic patient to reduce rate of lower extremity amputation. INTRODUCTION This essay will reflect on the importance of ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) use as a tool while performing foot assessment (FA) to identify diabetic patients who are at risk of foot ulcers and detecting vascular impairment in diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) hence preventing lower extremity amputation (LEA). FA helps to detect the level of risk of a diabetic patient developing a foot ulcer (Singh N et al., 2005, Grawford F et al.,2007). When there is no early detection and intervention, foot ulcers deteriorate resulting in amputation of the affected limb (Kerr M, 2012, Young MJ et al., 2008). All diabetic patients should perform annual FA to identify any abnormality (American Diabetes Associaton 2012) and those who are at risk should have FA done more frequently (Frykberg RG et al., 2006). Gibbs’ model of reflection (Gibbs 1988) is used in this discussion because it is easy to use, simple and is a good guidance of reflection. 25% of diabetic people will develop foot ulcer due to diabetes (Singh N et al., 2005) while 85% of diabetic patients with foot ulcers can lead to LEA (Pecoraro RE et al., 1990, Margolis DJ et al., 2005). â€Å"The emotional and financial costs of diabetic foot disease are high† (Close-Tweedie, 2002). Approximately 400 cases of LEA are performed yearly in Mauritius due to complication of Diabetes, costing about Rs 50,000 to Rs 100,000 for each limb amputation (Apsa International 2014, Mauritius Research Council 2012). However 85% of level of amputation can be reduced through a multidisciplinary team by early detection of foot problems, proper FA, empowering patient by giving them health education, close monitoring and proper care (International Diabetes Federation 2005, Pecoraro RE, 1990). DESCRIPTION The Government of Mauritius is doing much effort to increase the quality of life of diabetic people, national digital retinal screening service and podiatry services are available (Millenium Development Goals Status Report 2013). Foot ulcer clinics have been set up in all regional hospitals in Mauritius. During my training as a foot ulcer nurse I happened to do an ABPI (see Appendix 1) while doing FA with a patient whom I will call Mr John who has a non healing ulcer in his left hallux. His foot has never been assessed by a health care professional and he was not aware of FA. The ABPI result was 0.7 (see Appendix 2) indicating that he has moderate peripheral arterial disease. He was referred to the vascular surgeon by the treating Doctor. The result was confirmed through a colour duplex Doppler showing significant and arterial stenosis below the knee by greater than 60%. The patient underwent revascularization. Proper management of the wound was done, compression was not applied (Vow den K and Vowden P, 2002) and now the ulcer is showing good signs of healing. FEELINGS Getting the opportunity to follow the foot ulcer management course made me overwhelm. I was so enthusiastic to learn new ways and techniques of FA that I will apply with patients acting as a barrier to protect them from stumbling into the pitfall of foot complications hence preventing amputations. Before undertaking the module I was not aware of the importance of FA in preventing LEA. A 10g Semmes Weinstein monofilament is used to check loss of sensation in neuropathy and a hand-held doppler use to calculate ABPI to assess the vascular flow was far from my know how. After undertaking the module and wider reading with endeavours, though there were many ups and downs due to time constraint, now I feel more self-confident and have more expertise in practicing ABPI while doing FA. Having been able to detect the cause of non healing ulcer of Mr John through an ABPI while doing FA, I felt very happy and eventually this has motivated me to learn the module more correctly. I was determined t o put ABPI technique into practice in my field of work so that I can manage patient correctly and refer them to the appropriate channel for specific treatment through multidisciplinary team (John Ovretveti, 1996). EVALUATION I have learnt that foot problems related to diabetes occur very quickly, causing rapid tissue breakdown which is often complicated by infection (Edmonds et al., 1986) and eventually may lead to LEA (Close-Tweedie J, 2002). Factors influencing wound healing are hyperglycaemia (McInnes, 2001), change in metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins because of insulin deficiency (Cooper, 1990). Furthermore many factors prevent the normal process of wound healing at cellular level including delayed closure, contraction retarded due to delayed myofibroblast phenotype, granulocytes effect, no collagen synthesis, chemotaxis defects and no growth factors (Close-Tweedie J, 2002). Therefore, if there is decrease in tissue perfusion and oxygenation, wound healing will not take place (Terranova, 1991). Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) in the lower extremity is a condition where there is narrowing of arteries in the legs and feet due to accumulation of fatty substance called plaque, inside the walls of arteries. This result in poor blood supply to the muscles and tissues in the legs and feet hereby causing pain, tissue death and even gangrene. It is important to assess the arterial perfusion as impaired circulation contribute to non healing ulcer (Akbari CM, 2003). When assessing diabetic foot, the palpation of ankle pulses should not be used alone to detect arterial disease (Vowden K and Vowden P, 2002) and â€Å"distal perfusion can only be accurately assessed by the correct application of Doppler† (Whiteley et al., 1998). The ABPI is a simple, quick, non-invasive tool use to identify PAD(Bhasin N and Scott DJA, 2007). However, ABPI is not as easy to perform as it appears. I have done an ABPI with Mr John and this has helped in identifying the cause of the non healing ulcer. This was due to impaired blood circulation and the patient has been directed to the proper pathway to restore the blood flow. Hence this has helped the wound to show good signs of healing. ANALYSIS It is through performing an ABPI with Mr Brown that the cause of the non healing wound has been detected. I am pondering on how many patients have non healing ulcers due to impaired circulation and FA has not been done including ABPI. So ABPI is done on all diabetic patients with or without foot ulcers who are coming to our clinic for FA and they are being referred to proper channel for further management. My aim is to prevent diabetic patients to have foot complications and reduce the rate of LEA. ABPI result help us to evaluate the vascular supply, level of ischaemia, level of pain in the leg, determine the prognosis for patients having vascular disease and guide whether the patient should undergo revascularization or do angioplasty, stenting or bypass surgery of lower extremity. (Grenon SM et al., 2009). By interpreting the ABPI resuIts, now I am sure and certain of what types of bandaging to use, what dressing materials and medications to use to treat and help healing of ulcers. ABPI also guides us to decide whether debridement of the wound should be done or not and what type of offloading techniques to be implemented. CONCLUSION The fundamentals basics for healing of DFU are good perfusion, debridement, infection control, and pressure mitigation. To obtain successful outcome in the management of DFU is to recognize the etiological factors (Wu SC et al., 2007). Doing an ABPI help to improve the management of diabetic patients. The ABPI assessment was of great help to know the risk of the foot. For those having no ulcers, they are being managed by the correct channel to prevent complications from arising, while those having an ulcer are also diverted to correct pathway of treatment including surgeons and foot care nurses to manage foot problems correctly under the guidance of all expertise available at the hospital level. ACTION PLAN Now having well grasped the module workbook, I have allocated myself with a good time of reflection about how previously diabetic patients, with or without ulcers, were being treated and what was the complication and drawbacks we had in our system. After I have well understood the importance of ABPI during my studentship at the module and from my personal experience gained during the management of diabetic foot ulcer, now I make it a must that all diabetic patients, attending hospital from any sections, have an appointment to screen their foot with an ABPI done. Eventually, canalizing them through the correct pathways for further investigations and management required with the goal to reduce the rate of LEA. However, ABPI is contraindicated when there is excruciating pain in the leg or foot, in the presence of deep venous thrombosis as the thrombus may be dislodged and in patient with renal failure doing dialysis. ABPI results should be interpreted with care in patients having heavily calcified or incompressible vessels, where they may be misleadingly high. (Grenon SM et al., 2009). REFLECTION In this work piece of reflection, I have demonstrated how I use ABPI on diabetic patients to reduce the rate of LEA. Observing the result being achieved by this assessment, other members of health care providers insist about the implementation of this typical assessment. We are now more eager to know about the ABPI result on diabetic patients prior moving forward with any kind of management. I feel happy that my knowledge gained from the module are being put into practice and ABPI assessment has proved to be a great tool to reduce LEA which has been the aim of the government since long. REFERENCES Akbari CM, Macsata R, Smith BM, Sidawy AN. Overview of the diabetic foot. Semin Vasc Surg 16:3-11, 2003. American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2012. Diabetes Care, Volume 35, Supplement 1, January 2012. Apsa.mu, (2014). Foot Care Clinic | Apsa International. [online] Available at: http://apsa.mu/services/foot-care-clinic/ [Accessed 22 June 2014]. Bhasin N and Scott DJA. Ankle Brachial Pressure Index: identifying cardiovascular risk and improving diagnostic accuracy. JR Soc Med. Jan 2007; 100(1): 4–5. [online] Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1761677/ [Accessed 22 June 2014]. Close-Tweedie J. Diabetic foot wounds and wound healing: a review. Diabetic Foot Vol 5, No 2, 2002. Cooper DM (1990). Optimising wound repair: a practice within nursing’s domain. Nursing clinics of North America 25(1): 165-80. Department of Health, 2001. National Service Framework for Diabetes:Standards. [online] Available at http://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/attachment_data/file/198836/National_Service_Framework_for_Diabetes.pdf [Accessed 04 June 2014]. Edmonds ME, Blundell MP, Morris HE et al (1986). The diabetic foot: impact of a foot clinic. The Quarterly Journal of Medicine 232: 763-71. Frykberg RG, Zgonis T, Armstrong DG, Driver VR, Giurini JM, Kravitz SR, Landsman AS, Lavery LA, Moore JC, Schuberth JM, Wukcih DK, Andersen C, Vanore JV: Diabetic Foot Disorders : a clinical practice guideline (2006 revision). J Foot Ankle Surgery 45 (Suppl 5): S1-S66, 2006. Gibbs G, 1988. Learning by Doing: A Guide to Teaching and Learning Methods. Oxford: Oxford Further Education Unit (online) Available at: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/services/upgrade/study-skills/reflective-gibbs.html [Accessed 17 June 2014]. Grawford F, Inkstor M, Kleijnen J, Fatey T. Predicting foot ulcers in patients with diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. QJ Med 2007; 100(2): 65-86. Grenon S. Marlene, Gagnon Joel and Hsiang York. Ankle-Brachial Index for Assessment of Peripheral Arterial Disease. The New England Journal of Medicine 2009; 361: e40/ November 2009. [online] Available at: www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMvcm0807012 [ Accessed 22 June 2014]. International Diabetes Federation (2005) Clinical Guidelines Task Force; Global guidance for Type 2 Diabetes. Brussels. International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot, 2011. [online] Available at: www.iwgdf.org [Accessed 18 June 2014]. Kerr M. Foot care for people with diabetes: the economic case for change. NHS Diabetes, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 2012. Margolis DJ, Allen-Taylor L, Hoffstad O, Berlin JA. Diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers and amputation. Wound Repair Regen 13:230-236,2005. Mauritius Research Council, Ebene. Impact of food quality on human health, Feb 2012. [online] Available at: http://www.mrc.org.mu/document2012/nationalgroup/Impacts%20of%20Food%20Quality%20on%20Human%20Health.pdf [Accessed 21 June 2014]. McInnes A (2001). Guide to the assessment and management of diabetic foot wounds. The Diabetic Foot 4 (Suppl 1):S1-11. Millennium Development Goals Status Report 2013, Government of the Republic of Mauritius. [online] Available at http://www.undg.org/docs/13330/Muaritius-MDG-Status-Report-2013.pdf [Accessed 21 June 2014]. Ovretvet John. Five ways to describe a multidisciplinary team. Journal of Interprofessional care, vol 40, no 2, 1996. Pecoraro RE, Reiber GE, Burgess EM. Pathways to diabetic limb amputation. Basis for prevention. Diabetes Care, 1990; 13(5): 513-21. Singh N, Armstrong DG, Lipsky BA: Preventing foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. JAMA 293: 217-228, 2005. [online] Available at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15644549 [Accessed 02 June 2014]. Vowden Kathryn and Vowden Peter. Hand-held Doppler Ultrasound: The assessment of lower limb arterial and venous disease. Huntleigh Healthcare 2002. [online] Available at: www.huntleigh-diagnostics.com. [Accessed 21 June 2014]. Terranova A (1991). The effects of diabetes mellitus in wound healing. Plastic Surgical Nursing 11: 20-5. Whiteley MS, Fox AD and Horrocks M (1998). Photoplethysmography can replace hand-held Doppler in the measurement of ankle/brachial indices. Ann R Colll Surg Engl 80 (2): 96-98. Wu Stephanie C, Driver Vickie R, Wrobel James SandDavid G Armstrong David G. Foot ulcers in the diabetic patient, prevention and treatment. Vascular Health and Risk Management Feb 2007; 3(1): 65–76. Young MJ, McCardle JE, Randlall LE, et al. Improved survival of diabetic foot ulcer patint’s 1995-2008: possible impact of aggressive cardiovascular risk management. Diabetes Care 2008; 31: 2143-47. APPENDIX 1 – Procedure of performing ABPI by Huntleigh Healthcare 2002 Patient is reassured and procedure is explained. Make sure patient is in supine position, comfortable, relaxed with sufficient rest. †¢ An appropriate sized cuff is placed around the upper arm and the brachial systolic blood pressure is measured. †¢ The equipment and the arm should be at heart level. †¢ When the brachial pulse is felt, ultrasound contact gel is applied. †¢ The probe of the Doppler should be at an angle of 45 degree and is moved till the best signal is obtained. †¢ The cuff is inflated until the signal disappeared, then is deflated slowly so that the probe is not moved from the line of the artery and at the point where the signal returns, the pressure is recorded. †¢ The procedure is repeated in the other arm. †¢ The highest of the two values of systolic pressure is used for the ABPI calculation. †¢ The systolic pressure of the ankle is taken by placing an appropriate sized cuff around the ankle immediately above the malleoli. The equipment should be at heart level. If any ulcer is present, it should be protected with a plastic film. †¢ The dorsalis pedis pulse is felt and contact gel is applied. The cuff is inflated until the signal disappear, then is deflated slowly and ensure the probe is not moved from the line of the artery and at the point where the signal returns, the pressure is recorded. †¢ The procedure is repeated for the posterior tibial. †¢ The highest systolic pressure reading is used to calculate the ABPI for that leg. †¢ Same procedure is applied in the other leg. †¢ The ABPI is calculated for each leg using the formula below. ABPI = Highest systolic pressure recorded at the ankle of dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial for that leg divided by the highest systolic brachial pressure of right and left arm. APPENDIX 2 – Reading of ABPI by Huntleigh Healthcare 2002 ABPI > 1.0 to 1.4 is considered as normal ABPI ABPI > 0.5 and ABPI ABPI >1.4 indicates calcification Page 1

The Shop :: English Literature Essays

The Shop The sound made Elizabeth jump. Yet again it had come from the shop next door. She frowned at the old, battered doors of the ancient antique store. It was as though the owner was renovating. The problem was, the shop did not have one. The owner had won the lottery and moved to Las Vegas a few months ago. Leaving his battered old shop and all the merchandise behind. Elizabeth had called the police three times but nobody was found. The police weren’t very pleased after the third time. Anyway, even if the store was unguarded Elizabeth doubted there would be any looters – most of the merchandise was dragged from the local dump. SMASH Elizabeth jumped again. The noise was replaced by the loud, sharp shriek of an electric drill gnawing at the wall. The ground seemed to shake at the loud, shrill noise. Elizabeth covered her ears. She was very annoyed now. The noise next door has been going night and day for the past three days, and because she lived at the back of her boutique she couldn’t get a wink of sleep. A truck pulled up next to the boutique, two extremely hairy and extremely tattooed men came out the back and began unloading boxes marked â€Å"summer drs† onto the footpath. After about ten boxes were stacked not–so–neatly next to Elizabeth’s feet the men got back in the truck and started the engines. â€Å"Wait a minute!† shouted Elizabeth. â€Å"You need to put these in my store!† â€Å"That’s your problem lady, not ours.† One of the men jeered, his friend laughed and slapped him on the back, and with that they were gone. Their outdated truck spewing out a line of thick, black exhaust. â€Å"You good–for–nothing bastards!† Elizabeth screamed at the truck as she picked up a stone and threw it. Miraculously it flew right through the driver’s window. The truck swerved, scattering a mass of boxes big and small on the road, and stopped. The driver came out with a bruise on the side of his head, his friend followed and shouted, â€Å"Hey lady! You stupid or something? We could’ve been killed! You gotta help us pick this mess up!† â€Å"That’s your problem!† Elizabeth called back as she hauled on of the boxes into her store. When she finally finished with the boxes, it was already midday. Elizabeth wiped her forehead with her sleeve and went inside to make herself a cup of cappuccino†¦

Jehovahs Witness Essay -- essays research papers

Jehovah’s Witnesses Jehovah’s Witnesses are a people known widely throughout the world. They are well-dressed people who come knocking at your door on different occasions offering religious literature for sale or trying to introduce their beliefs through carefully prepared conversation. People young, old, rich, poor, well educated and non-educated have embraced them. Their enthusiasm as proclaimers of God’s Kingdom has impressed even their harshest critics. Their love toward one another makes some non-witnesses hope and pray that more people would act in that manner. Yet, some may still wonder, who really are the Jehovah’s Witnesses? What is their history, their practices and their beliefs? Why are they the most attacked new religious group today? Even many former group members have written books or created web sites that project a negative perspective on the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Due to the fact that this group has such a large following, it is not surprising that they would be attacked or their faith be denounced. It has been proven that the bigger in numbers of a group, the more controversial the group, and the larger the tension between them and society. Also, the more individuals who belong to a group, the more individuals there are who will denounce that faith and become active apostates. These apostates publish books and establish web sites proclaiming the wickness of the group to whose teachings they once adhered. When looking at it with this point of view, it seems natural that the Jehovah’s Witnesses would be heavily criticized. However, the fierceness of attack is still frightening. My thesis is that based on the questionable characteristics and backgrounds of the Jehovah’s Witnesses leaders and teachings, this criticism are not unfounded. Information on the teaching of the religion and the leaders themselves can be found in the following books: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Teachings of Jehovah Witnesses, Crisis of Conscience, Wha t You Need to Know About Jehovah’s Witnesses, Counting the Days to Armageddon, and Jehovah’s Witnesses: Answered Verse by Verse.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In order to examine the controversies we must examine their history, organization, practices and their beliefs. We must first start at the beginning at the leadership of the Jehovah’s Witnesses with its founder Charles Taze Russell. The Allegheny, Pennsylvania boy had been... ...ir followers into doing what they are told. They have repeatedly changed their doctrines and contradicted previously held beliefs, all while claiming that it alone has the truth. This religion takes a person’s ability to think for himself, his ability to make rational decisions, and his free will.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During my research on the Jehovah’s Witnesses the more material I read the more questions I had. How do they convert even the intelligent and God fearing people? Why are Jehovah Witnesses considerably successful in retaining their children within their belief system? Why are Jehovah’s Witnesses less likely to attend college? Why are 55% of Jehovah Witnesses women? Why would any parent allow their child to die instead of receiving a blood transfusion when their death would not be necessary? Do they put such little value to human life? If your religion causes you to separate from your family is your religion really worth it? These questions and others were raised throughout my paper. However, the fact is that the Jehovah Witnesses and the Watchtower Society are successful in converting people to their religion and have the ability to maintain their membership. Jehovahs Witness Essay -- essays research papers Jehovah’s Witnesses Jehovah’s Witnesses are a people known widely throughout the world. They are well-dressed people who come knocking at your door on different occasions offering religious literature for sale or trying to introduce their beliefs through carefully prepared conversation. People young, old, rich, poor, well educated and non-educated have embraced them. Their enthusiasm as proclaimers of God’s Kingdom has impressed even their harshest critics. Their love toward one another makes some non-witnesses hope and pray that more people would act in that manner. Yet, some may still wonder, who really are the Jehovah’s Witnesses? What is their history, their practices and their beliefs? Why are they the most attacked new religious group today? Even many former group members have written books or created web sites that project a negative perspective on the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Due to the fact that this group has such a large following, it is not surprising that they would be attacked or their faith be denounced. It has been proven that the bigger in numbers of a group, the more controversial the group, and the larger the tension between them and society. Also, the more individuals who belong to a group, the more individuals there are who will denounce that faith and become active apostates. These apostates publish books and establish web sites proclaiming the wickness of the group to whose teachings they once adhered. When looking at it with this point of view, it seems natural that the Jehovah’s Witnesses would be heavily criticized. However, the fierceness of attack is still frightening. My thesis is that based on the questionable characteristics and backgrounds of the Jehovah’s Witnesses leaders and teachings, this criticism are not unfounded. Information on the teaching of the religion and the leaders themselves can be found in the following books: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Teachings of Jehovah Witnesses, Crisis of Conscience, Wha t You Need to Know About Jehovah’s Witnesses, Counting the Days to Armageddon, and Jehovah’s Witnesses: Answered Verse by Verse.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In order to examine the controversies we must examine their history, organization, practices and their beliefs. We must first start at the beginning at the leadership of the Jehovah’s Witnesses with its founder Charles Taze Russell. The Allegheny, Pennsylvania boy had been... ...ir followers into doing what they are told. They have repeatedly changed their doctrines and contradicted previously held beliefs, all while claiming that it alone has the truth. This religion takes a person’s ability to think for himself, his ability to make rational decisions, and his free will.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During my research on the Jehovah’s Witnesses the more material I read the more questions I had. How do they convert even the intelligent and God fearing people? Why are Jehovah Witnesses considerably successful in retaining their children within their belief system? Why are Jehovah’s Witnesses less likely to attend college? Why are 55% of Jehovah Witnesses women? Why would any parent allow their child to die instead of receiving a blood transfusion when their death would not be necessary? Do they put such little value to human life? If your religion causes you to separate from your family is your religion really worth it? These questions and others were raised throughout my paper. However, the fact is that the Jehovah Witnesses and the Watchtower Society are successful in converting people to their religion and have the ability to maintain their membership.

Graduation Speech: Tonight We Cross the Finish Line :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

Congratulations, County High Class of 2012, our thirteen-year marathon is over. Some of you may know I am a distance runner, part of an immensely successful cross-country and distance track program. We were fourth at the state cross-country championships, and we are the best senior boys team in the state. My involvement in athletics truly linked me with our school and granted me friends whom I will remember for a lifetime. One of the most important aspects of my time in high school was getting involved. Wherever your next journey takes you, don't sit back and watch the action. Take the initiative and you will experience the benefits. Just look around you. These are the people you grew up with, the people you were teammates with and the people you have survived dozens of classes with for the last four years. They are not merely faces in a yearbook. They are your people, your community, your family. They are the greatest benefit of being involved. Another concept I have learned from my participation in running is teamwork. No matter how hard we try, we cannot live our lives without others' help or without helping others. We must work together to succeed on the road ahead. This is the essence of teamwork. I know that even my personal success in cross-country and track is not solely mine. I know that my three district titles, one in cross country and two in track, in the 800 meter and 1600 meter runs, could not have been accomplished without my team's unequivocal support and for that, I thank them. However, along with the team element, we must remember one notion. Live life for you. Expect more out of yourself. Expect to reach the finish line, expect to finish first and expect to finish in one piece. Don't live your life striving to fulfill the expectations of your parents, your professors or your bosses. Live up to your own. Raise your expectations. Exceed them. Reach your potential. Now I have one thing to ask of you. Tonight, as we cross this finish line before us and set forth upon our next journey, strive to make a difference. Get involved to make our country a better place. Use teamwork to bring our people and the whole world together. I know to me personally, making a difference in our country and our world is paramount. Next week, I leave for the United States Military Academy at West Point, N. Graduation Speech: Tonight We Cross the Finish Line :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address Congratulations, County High Class of 2012, our thirteen-year marathon is over. Some of you may know I am a distance runner, part of an immensely successful cross-country and distance track program. We were fourth at the state cross-country championships, and we are the best senior boys team in the state. My involvement in athletics truly linked me with our school and granted me friends whom I will remember for a lifetime. One of the most important aspects of my time in high school was getting involved. Wherever your next journey takes you, don't sit back and watch the action. Take the initiative and you will experience the benefits. Just look around you. These are the people you grew up with, the people you were teammates with and the people you have survived dozens of classes with for the last four years. They are not merely faces in a yearbook. They are your people, your community, your family. They are the greatest benefit of being involved. Another concept I have learned from my participation in running is teamwork. No matter how hard we try, we cannot live our lives without others' help or without helping others. We must work together to succeed on the road ahead. This is the essence of teamwork. I know that even my personal success in cross-country and track is not solely mine. I know that my three district titles, one in cross country and two in track, in the 800 meter and 1600 meter runs, could not have been accomplished without my team's unequivocal support and for that, I thank them. However, along with the team element, we must remember one notion. Live life for you. Expect more out of yourself. Expect to reach the finish line, expect to finish first and expect to finish in one piece. Don't live your life striving to fulfill the expectations of your parents, your professors or your bosses. Live up to your own. Raise your expectations. Exceed them. Reach your potential. Now I have one thing to ask of you. Tonight, as we cross this finish line before us and set forth upon our next journey, strive to make a difference. Get involved to make our country a better place. Use teamwork to bring our people and the whole world together. I know to me personally, making a difference in our country and our world is paramount. Next week, I leave for the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.

Drunk Driving

Persuasive Presentation Outline Example Driving While Intoxicated Topic: Local San Marcos Problem Organization: Problem/Solution Specific Purpose: I would like my audience to believe that an alcohol education class should be taken before one can receive his/her license Introduction I. Attention Getter: In the past decade, four times as many Americans have died in drunk driving accidents as killed in the Vietnam War (NHTSA, 2006). II. Relevance: How close have you come to losing your life as a result of an alcohol-related accident? III.Credibility: Recall story about my boyfriend receiving phone call that his brother, Jeremy, had been killed in a drunk driving accident. IV. Propositional Statement: Driving while intoxicated remains a problem in the United States and in the city of San Marcos. Because young people do not know enough about alcohol and its effects. I propose that a mandatory course in alcohol education be required before one can receive his/her driver’s license. B ody I. The first part of the problem is that we continue to drive while under the influence of alcohol.A. Drinking and driving is a problem on a national level. 1. 16,189 people were killed in alcohol related accidents in 2005. This is one death every 32 minutes (NHTSA, 2006). 2. Three in every five Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in his/her life (NHTSA, 2006). B. Drinking and driving is a problem on a local level. 1. San Marco police department reported 196 arrests in 2005 related to alcohol-related crimes. Of those arrests, 67 were driving while intoxicated. San Marcos Police Department, 2005). 2. 50% increase from arrests made in 2000 (San Marcos Police Department, 2005). Transition: Not only is drinking and driving a major problem, young people are often very uniformed of its effects.II. The second part of the problem is that young people do not know enough about alcohol and its dangerous effects and they received mixed messages about alcohol. A. Young people lace an awareness of alcohol’s severe effects. 1. In 2004, 2. million teenagers did not know that a person could die from an alcohol overdose (Dunning, 2005). 2. Young people believe myths, not facts. (Dunning, 2005). B. Young people receive mixed messages about alcohol and its effects. 1. Less than one in three parents of tenth grade students gave their children a clear â€Å"no-use† message about alcohol (MADD. 2004). 2. When parents â€Å"bargain† with youth, the youth are more likely to drive after drinking or be in a vehicle driven by someone who has been drinking (MADD