Getting The Most From Our Education :: essays research papers

Getting The Most From Our Education My goodness Captain, you ask some hard questions! I think some of the responsibility could fall into the family's lap. Are people helping their kids with their homework? Are we checking to see if there is anything we can do to help? Are we praising thier accomplishments, and encouraging them, instead of critizing. Do we still check to see who their friends are? These were some of the things my parents did. As with most parents they made mistakes, as did I, but they did their best. And I did my best to make amends to them when I drifted. I think, I know I could have done better in school, I'm not sure if my study habits would change today. (one of the reasons I'm alittle reluctant to go back to college) But the values I learned young seem to be the ones that stick. And I feel the worst when I fall short of keeping them. That doesn't mean that the new values I'm learning aren't just as important, it just seems like it takes longer for me to incorperate them in my daily life. But, just like everything else, it takes alot of practise to get things right. Maybe we do need to do more to create civic pride, do have something that people can say, "I'm involved with this". For me everytime I check out and explore something new I always learn something. And whenever I reach out and help someone, I fell good. It was great to see the students of General Brown help out in the community with the Thanksgiving dinner for the seniors (I know there was another school that helped out too, I forgot who, if someone else remembers, please jump in and add their thanks to the list). If we want our kids to be less self-centered, we have to show them the example. If they don't follow, it won't be from lack of exposure. This is a transient world nowadays. The kids that grow up and get educated here

Metallography Essay

Aims * To obtain experience in the metallographic readying of metallic specimens. * To detect the assorted microstructures in a welded mild steel articulation. Consequences Overview of 5 different microstructures in welded steel Detail microstructures of 5 different zones Discussion and analysis of consequences * The heat affected zone is a composing of parent metal which was heated to a high adequate temperature for a sufficient period but doesn’t thaws so that grain growing occurred. The heat affected zone is besides the part whose mechanical belongingss and microstructure have been altered due to the heat of welding. The heat affected zone undergoes sudden warming followed by rapid chilling. thereby incorporating a series of microstructures. These microstructures within the heat affected zone are fundamentally categorized into three different zones. viz. the grain growing zone. grain polish zone and passage zone. * * The merger zone exists between the grain growing zones. The parent metal in this zone was heated to the thaw point followed by chilling procedure. * The grain growing zone is right adjacent to the merger zone. The parent metal has been heated to a temperature good above the upper critical temperature in this zone. Subsequently. this consequences in the grain growing or coarsening of the construction. Coarse ferrite grains. Widmanstatten ferrite and pearlite are found in this part. * The grain polish zone is following to the grain growing zone. The parent metal has been heated to a temperature which is merely above the upper critical temperature in this zone. where grain polish is finished. ensuing in the being of the finest grain construction. Owing to the comparatively lower temperature. the ferrite and pearlite. which are represented by the white and dark countries severally are both much finer. This shows complete recrystallization. * the passage zone is the part where the metal experienced warming procedure at a temperature scope where partial allotropic recrystallization takes topographic point. This consequences in the coexistence of both ferrite and austenite. thereby doing the transmutation of most pearlite to austenite and by subsequent chilling. pearlite is reformed. * The unaffected zone is the part beyond the heat affected zone where the parent metal that is non sufficiently heated to alter its microstructure. Decision * Under microscopic position. typical zones in the parent metal are found. The alone microstructures in assorted parts are created because during the welding procedure. the parent metal and the dyer's rocket are subjected to different grade of heat intervention. * The difference of warming and chilling procedure every bit good allows the typical zones in the metal to hold their specific order of agreement.

The Human Race A Great Deal Over The Course Of Recent...

Abstract The human race has advanced a great deal over the course of recent history, particularly so since the 18th century. Countless of these developments in society can be attributed to the achievements of engineers - however, despite this, many do not realise their contribution and importance. One of the fundamental bases behind these engineering feats is the harnessing of energy sources, such as electrical and heat energy. This has allowed for many innovations, for example power stations, transportation, communications and computers, which have all become critical to society and the modern world in which we live. 1 – Introduction It is almost impossible, today, to look around you and not see the products of engineering, pretty much regardless of where one may be. In this way, advancements in engineering and its various branches have clearly allowed humanity to develop in immeasurable ways or this would not be the case (Frank C. Whitmore, 1979). However, those who do not have much knowledge of the background processes behind this infrastructure may not realise its impact as deeply or may not realise the impact of engineering at all - despite modern society’s fundamental dependence upon it (National Academy of Engineering, 2001). One of the most important aspects of the development of engineering is the harnessing of different energy sources and the world, today, is highly reliant upon this (Narendra Singh Rathore, 2007). This report will endeavour toShow MoreRelatedSocial Construction of Race and How It Affects Society Essay740 Words   |  3 PagesHumans define race by how they conceive and categorize different social realities. Thus, race is often referred to as a social construct. The differences in skin color and facial characteristics have led most of society to classify humans into groups instead of individuals. These constructs affect us all, and they often result in situations where majority racial groups cause undue suffering to those that are part of the minority. The understanding of race as a social construct is best illustratedRead MoreLabor Unions During The Civil War1405 Words   |  6 PagesUnited States over recent history has brought about a movement. This specific movement has shaped the way that employees and workers are treated in the workforce,and how they maintain their quality of life through this employment. Many people think that the labor unions’ influence has created a power struggle between management and union leaders. In many cases this can be considered true, as there have been countless feuds between management teams and labor unions, es pecially in recent history. In today’sRead More Development of Anthropology as a Discipline in the United States1580 Words   |  7 PagesDevelopment of Anthropology as a Discipline in the United States I. Early History of Anthropology in the United States 1870-1900 â€Å"The roots of anthropology lie in the eye-witness accounts of travelers who have journeyed to lands on the margins of state-based societies and described their cultures and in the efforts of individuals who have analyzed the information collected. In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, a number of anthropologists recognized that the practice of anthropology was intimatelyRead MoreImpact Of Sustainability On The Environment1715 Words   |  7 Pageselectricity and food by building occupants† and so on. What exactly is ‘Sustainability’? This essay is aimed at coming to a generalized definition of this world considering various parameters and aspects of day to day life. Examples from history of the world, history of humanity, development of science and technology, lifestyle, education, politics, social structures are discussed to understand and come to a generalized definition. Understanding the word ‘Sustainability’ will be much cleare r and easierRead MoreElementary Classroom : A Wide Variety Of Learning Needs993 Words   |  4 Pagesmuch more racially diverse in recent years. The Hispanic population is the largest minority population present at about 12 percent, followed by 6 percent Asian, 4.5 two or more races and 2 percent black. Despite increasing minority populations only one percent of the student body are English Language Learners. Approximately 13 percent of the student body qualifies for free and reduced lunch. This school recently transitioned into fully inclusive classrooms so many courses are blended and taught withRead MoreEssay on Evolution VS. Creationism1412 Words   |  6 PagesSince the beginning of the human race there has been a lingering question as to the origins of man and how all living things acquired their characteristics. The two main theories that arose over time were Creationism and Evolution, both of which provided very distinct answers to this question. Creationism based its an swer on the idea of a supernatural power or being that created the entire universe, man and the numerous other organisms that live within it. While, Evolution theorizes that all livingRead MoreCivil Disobedience By David Martin Luther King1250 Words   |  5 Pagestime the need for human mankind to overcome oppression avoiding violence without resorting to oppression with violence. I am in favor of the civil disobedience, because it the only way of getting our voices heard and of to stopping, the corruption in the government, force them to make laws that protect the citizens norms of life. Human mankind must evolve and learn for all human conflict a method which rejects, congregation, revenge, aggression, and retaliation, against any human beings. Dr. MartinRead MoreEthics 101 Final1714 Words   |  7 Pages Ethnic Studies Final 1. When discussing stereotypes and race, it is important to recognize how insignificant skin color is. Racism itself if focused mainly on cultural states, and more times than not, whites are considered culturally superior to people of color. The treatment of African Americans and Native Americans in American culture perfectly demonstrate how oppositional dichotomies of race  define racial stereotypes. Cultural dominance was set since the first settlers began to participateRead MoreThe Legacy Of African Americans2130 Words   |  9 Pageswritings were a great end to the readings of the semester. It not only summed up the history of the time but also the means some Africans were taking to combat the false assumptions about Africans that had been held against them throughout history. These authors have collected any writing on the history of African Americans and used it to show the history, influence and great civilizations they have had in the past. They were attempting, through there research to find thier history to promote theRead MoreSociological Perspective on Homelessness1248 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Student first and last name Course title and number Professors name Due date Sociological Perspective on Homelessness Homelessness is a social problem that is prevalent around the world. Homelessness has existed for much of civilized human history. In the last two centuries, homelessness and changed and expanded. Sociologists who study and research homelessness have argued over its formal definition for decades, though for some, the definition of homelessness seems self explanatory and obvious

Serving Lunch For School Children Essay - 1402 Words

Serving lunch to school children began with private organizations making donations to a handful of schools. In the peak of the 20th century, concern over children’s nutrition caused balanced meals to be provided to students during their lunch hour. Philadelphia began to serve lunches for one cent in 1894. Eventually their penny lunch program was extended to eight other schools throughout the city. In January 1910, schools in Boston began serving lunch to elementary school students three days a week. On the other days, a simple meal of milk and sandwiches was served. Since there was no lunchroom in the building, students would eat at their desks (Avey, 2015). At long last, the school lunch program was made official in 1946 when President Harry Truman signed the National School Lunch Act. The National School Lunch Act of 1946 states: â€Å"It is hereby declared to be the policy of Congress, as a measure of national security, to safeguard the health and well-being of the Nation’s children and to encourage the domestic consumption of nutritious agricultural commodities and other food, by assisting the States, through grants-in aid and other means, in providing an adequate supply of food and other facilities for the establishment, maintenance, operation and expansion of nonprofit school lunch programs† (Avey, 2015). Unfortunately, the school lunch program made little progress after that. Without any sort of guarantee of the success of the school lunch program in the years ahead,Show MoreRelatedShould School Lunches Be Banned?1565 Words   |  7 PagesA child spends the majority of their childhood in a school. In schools, students acquire the academic knowledge and life skills that they need to carry out a successful life—ranging from learning basic math to how to tie their shoes. Another big part of school is the lunch hour. Lunch is a period in which students can get a break from classes, socialize, and refuel their minds to tackle the rest of the day. But school lunches have been known for being unhealthy and bad for students to consumeRead MoreThe National Lunch Program1342 Words   |  6 Pagesor spaghetti: these all may sound like delicious options, but are they healthy to be serving students for school lunch? All of these foods are common items one might find in a school lunc h line, whether it is elementary, middle, or high school. Normally these foods may not be seen as nutritional, and because of this, school lunches are often not viewed as healthy. The people who have this opinion about school lunches may not know the facts and the guidelines that food and nutrition departmentsRead MoreSchool Lunches And School Lunch Program1278 Words   |  6 Pagesthe struggle in persuading students and staff members to participate in the National School Breakfast/Lunch Program, therefore decreasing sales. The foodservice component of the school is run by a separate foodservice company. This is of great benefit to the school district itself because it saves many added costs in labor, insurance, and benefits. The foodservice company has its own techniques in making school meals fun, delicious, and nutritious by incorporating different promotions throughoutRead MoreThe National School Lunch Program Essay1640 Words   |  7 Pagespurchase food for themselves and t heir family. When children experience hunger if affects them both physically and psychologically. â€Å"Children who are denied an adequate diet are at a greater risk of not reaching their full potential as individuals. Undernourished youngsters have trouble concentrating and bonding with other children and are more likely to suffer illnesses resulting in school absences.† (Karger, p 371) It is important for children to meet their full potential in order for society toRead MoreHealthy School Lunches1094 Words   |  5 PagesHealthy School Lunches Waking up to go to high school every day isn’t the most fun thing on earth. Sitting through a few boring classes that seem to drag on forever isn’t an exciting way to spend a day as a kid. But, there is one part of school that everyone looks forward to; lunch. After waiting through a couple periods a student can talk openly with his or her peers, and enjoy some food that the school provides. That is, until, something gets slopped onto their plate that looks like cardboardRead MoreThe School Lunch Program Is Essential For The Health And Wellbeing Of The Nation s Children1585 Words   |  7 PagesIn the school lunch policy market and non-market failure apply. I have chosen the school lunch system because it stems into the obesity epidemic. Obesity is a huge part of our society, and the school lunch system plays a part in it. The purpose of the national school lunch program is to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the nation’s children. The school lunch program was declared in 1946 by congress in the national school lunch act. The school lunch program makes it possible for schools to serveRead MoreAccording To Kimbro, â€Å"Approximately One-Third Of U.S. Children1744 Words   |  7 PagesAccording to Kimbro, â€Å"Approximately one-third of U.S. children are overweight, and sixteen percent are obese.† (Kimbro 20). This quote refers to children who are struggling with overweight problems at an early age and more likely to become overweight adolescents and adults. Kimbro gives the reader a very clear, concise definition of childhood obesity without using vague, euphemistic, or emotive language (Chaffee 2012). Obese and overweight children are increasingly diagnosed with type two diabetes,Read MoreFast Food Should Not Be Served For School Lunch Menu946 Words   |  4 Pages22 years, the public school system has been serving unhealthy foods to kids (Psyche Pascual).Schools are changing salad bars for ice cream bars and fruit for candy. Your body is not designed for harsh amounts of sodium, fat, and sugar. In the school system, kids should be allowed to only choose healthy alternatives. The community and parents need to change laws to promote healthy nutrition in schools. There are overwhelmingly too many obese children because of school lunch menu. Fast food shouldRead MoreChildhood Obesity: The Government Must Take Action Essay914 Words   |  4 Pagesyears. The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008[†¦] adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0% to 18.1%.† (CDC 2010) Parents have started to file complaints with school districts and state representatives about the lack of attention this issue is receiving. There have been several references to the school lunch program and the lack of physical activity that children are provided during the school day. On the other side, some parentsRead MoreThe Importance Of Healthy Eating And Reducing Child Obesity1212 Words   |  5 PagesIn 1946 President Truman signed into legislation that children living beneath the poverty line would receive free or reduced lunch. This would be the start of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Free or reduced lunch for students who live in low income homes was intended to make sure lower socioeconomic children grew up to be healthy adults. The importance of healthy eating for children in the United States first started in the 1940’s with concerns that men who did not pass military entry exams

Anne Carson Essay - 975 Words

Kiersten Baxley Professor Shirokova English 1102 12 September 2012 Anne Carson’s Lessons Anne Carson is a very intelligent and well rounded writer. When I first read Anne Carson’s â€Å"Short Talks†, I was seriously confused. At first, I thought she was an abstract writer that wrote just to write. But then I took a second look at her work and realized there was much more to it than just crazy jumbled ideas. â€Å"Short Talks† is a mixture of many elements. It has argumentation, facts, personal opinions, and an unconventional way of writing. As I was rereading the â€Å"Short Talks†, I noticed names, facts, and a lesson to go along with each â€Å"Short Talk.† This persuaded me to do some research so the stories would start to make more sense. After†¦show more content†¦Elektra took this very hard, so she and her brother Orestes plotted revenge against her mother and step-father. Elektra’s father had been against things like this, but Elektra became so bitter she began to commit many crimes. So this short talk helps us decide between what is major and minor in our life. This helps to keep from overreacting over the small things in life. Another lesson comes from the short talk â€Å"On Reading.† This takes the reader back to their childhood. No, not everyone enjoys reading, but it is also great for you. In this short talk I got the imagery that this little girl was on a road trip with her parents, her father does not enjoy reading but she does. So while on the way to their destination, she reads Madame Bovary. While reading she takes a moment to look around at the sights passing through the window. This just gets the reader to truly think and assess the way they perceive the way they view reading. Having someone who enjoys reading, and someone who finds no pleasure in reading is what makes the world go round. Not everyone appreciates, or finds interest in the same things, but do not discourage anyone if you have no interest in it. If I were to write some short talks I could use an Anne Carson-like writing style, or writing that flows eloquently. I would try to help the reader to understand what is being said, but to also think about what is before them. I would include an introduction in my short talksShow MoreRelatedThe Book Of Red By Anne Carson924 Words   |  4 Pagesthat fits them the best. Kids start associating themselves with people just like them or similar to them. However sometimes those people are not around growing up or the kids have yet to reach their true self. In the book Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson, the protagonist Geryon, is a unique type of person that is trying to do just that. Geryon is a red, winged dragon; throughout the book he learns more about himself and how to become his authentic self. While it may seem easy for the readers toRead MoreEssay on Silent Spring - Rachel Carson30092 Words   |  121 PagesSilent Spring Rachel Carson Online Information For the online version of BookRags Silent Spring Premium Study Guide, including complete copyright information, please visit: http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-silentspring/ Copyright Information  ©2000-2007 BookRags, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The following sections of this BookRags Premium Study Guide is offprint from Gales For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author BiographyRead MoreElla Enchanted Book vs. the Movie Essay1512 Words   |  7 Pagesmovie Many books that were published years ago have recently been made into movies. One of the well-known books that have been made into a film is Ella Enchanted (1997) by Gail Carson Levine. This book won several awards, including the Newbery Honor book in 1998. Ella enchanted, the Disney movie version was released in 2004. Anne Hathaway played the role of Ella and it was directed by Tommy O’Haver. The story talks about a girl named Ella who is cursed at birth by a fairy named Lucinda. Lucinda cursedRead MoreInfluenced by Land and Man: Willa Cather and Catherine Porter, Writers of the Southwest1316 Words   |  6 Pagesof silent respect and another of thrill. Not only were these cultures centered around death, but in both stories one can see the death of the native cultures through corruption. Thomas F. Walsh cites Porter’s Hacienda in his book Xochitl: Katherine Anne Porters Changing Goddess saying â€Å"The Russians, with the cooperation of the Mexican government, were supposedly making a film to show how the Revolution of â€Å"blessed memory† had swept away the hacienda system when in fact nothing at all had changedRead MoreAnne Carsons Manipulation of Fragments of Sappho1173 Words   |  5 PagesZaneh Williams February 24, 2012 Manipulation of Sappho Anne Carson’s presentation of Sappho’s surviving poetry, Fragments of Sappho heightens the eroticism and same sex-desirability that Sappho is well known for. In the text, Sappho never explicitly engages in any sort of sexual activity or intercourse, whether with a male or female. Therefore, it is unknown as to whether she ever acted on her clear sexual yearnings. Carson’s editorial choices and translation of the text, however, intensifiesRead MoreSubjective Reality in Anne Carsons Autobiography of Red Essay1233 Words   |  5 PagesSubjective Reality in Anne Carsons Autobiography of Red Anne Carsons Autobiography of Red is a world of subjective reality. Carson explores the relationship between subject and object through a reworking of an original Greek myth. The original myth is of Herakles, whos tenth labor was to kill Geryon, a red winged monster who lived on an island, and steal his cattle. Carson takes the insignificant character of Geryon and creates a story based on his life, as if set in modern times.Read MorePostmodernism And The Future Of Literature1214 Words   |  5 Pagesbe found that distinguished these two categories. In this paper, I will be examining modernism and postmodernism literature, as well as whether postmodernism still continue until now, focusing on Italo Calvino’s If On A Winter’s Night A Traveler and Anne Carson’s Nox. Modernism is often described as experimental trends in literature, characterized by its attempt to break traditional literary norms with innovative techniques such as juxtaposition, multiple point of views, and lack of structure to mimicsRead MoreThe Preservation Of Memories And Grieving Process1341 Words   |  6 PagesIn Anne Carson’s Nox, the preservation of memories and grieving process are shown by formatting and themes of imagery, encapsulation, isolation, and completion. Upon first impression, Nox’s pages look photocopied, but real enough that the pages feel three-dimensional, as though there’s a residue from the author lingering on the pages. Her brother’s death prompts Carson to act as his historian and detail his life through different media. Carson compiles images from different sources, includingRead MoreThe Endings Of Sophocles Antigone919 Words   |  4 Pagesendings of Sophocles Antigone and Anne Carson s Antigonick convey contrasting ideas of the power of fate, and its role in tragedy. In Antigone, fate is described as an inevitable, insurmountable aspect of life that cannot be avoided. On the other hand, Antigonick shows fate to be a malleable product which can be controlled by the decisions individuals take in their lives. Through the role of the chorus, the addition of Nick, and the catharses of the characters, Carson shows that fate is something whichRead MoreAnalysis Of The Poem The Judgement Of Paris And Greek Marriage Ritual1922 Words   |  8 Pagesimparted in marriage rituals, which, in turn, make the poem’s themes of judgment, desire, and separation immediately available to the audience’s disposal. The complexity in Sappho’s sixteenth fragment lends itself to broad interpretations. Both Anne Carson and Mary Barnard, attempt to translate it in â€Å"An Army Wife in Sardis.† Where one translation fails and the other succeeds, the modern audience receives a greater glimpse of the original poem. With every line, the poem grows in meaning, lending

How The Taiwanese Developed their Government Free Essays

According to Thomas Gold Taiwan offers a text book case of an elite-led revolution leading to social transformation. The stability of hard authoritarianism of the Taiwanese government laid the groundwork for Taiwanese development. The KMT’s cohesiveness and political domination plus the economic development aid supplied by the United States also helped to provide good conditions for Taiwanese growth in the beginning. We will write a custom essay sample on How The Taiwanese Developed their Government or any similar topic only for you Order Now Once the KMT gained control of Taiwan they redistributed the land and launched a program of rehabilitation and industrialization. This period was responsible for the nationalization of many businesses formerly owned by the Japanese and the start of industrial production in Taiwan marked by a shift away from agriculture to industry. During the early period of industrialization Taiwan tried to create domestic markets for its goods. During the period from 1960 to 1973 Taiwan pursued export expansion in the area of industrial goods. During this period U. S. aid directed at Taiwan declined as did the islands geopolitical significance. To make up for this decline Taiwan focused on increasing its exports. The rowth of the Taiwanese economy during this period according to Gold laid the ground work for the growth of opposition movements and loosening of the KMT†S grip on power. According to Gold this was because the changes in the Taiwanese economy brought about a middle class, a better educated populace, and a dispersion of industry through out the country. The Period from 1973 to 1984 Gold calls the time of industrial upgrading and the emergence of a political opposition. During this period Taiwan faced the oil shock, and increase in export prices due to a labor shortage that doubled workers alaries, a further loss of geopolitical prestige, and the growth of dissent and political opposition. Taiwan industrially during this time improved the quality and quantity of its exports. The Taiwan industrial model was that of a elite run bureaucracy that tightly controlled its nations citizenry in authoritarian ways. This authoritarian government was able to effectively channel the energies of Taiwan toward modernization. This authoritarian government became a victim of its own success because as living and education standards rose the citizenry demanded a shift Taiwan is not a very good industrialization model for other countries to use outside of East Asia. This is because many of the factors that allowed Taiwanese industrialization were unique to Taiwan. First, Taiwan was colonized before 1950 by a developmentalist power, Japan to which is had close ties even after 1950. Second, Taiwan was the recipient of financial aid during its critical early years because of a inter-core competition for hegemony between China and the United States. Third, Taiwan benefited by having a implacable foe with a very different vision of development. Fourth, Taiwan was given breathing space following 1949, this enabled Taiwan to revive production and consolidate power without foreign powers interfering. All these factor make Taiwan unique from other nations that would try to copy it. One of the elements that nations should not copy from the Taiwan Model according to Gold is Taiwan’s harsh authoritarian government which was much too strictly authoritarian and had a hard time changing as the attitudes of the Taiwanese people changed. (Gold’s book was published years before the 1996 democratic elections n Taiwan) But Gold does say that Taiwan’s development model does have some lessons that could be copied in other nations seeking to industrialize. These are a official commitment to development, land redistribution, fostering of agriculture, creation of extra-ministerial ministries to guide development, strategic credit allocation, collection and efficient management of data concerning the economy, investment in infrastructure and human capital, and proper allocation of foreign assistance. Taiwan’s development model was a combination of an orwellian state and effective ways of industrializing. How to cite How The Taiwanese Developed their Government, Essay examples

Turning Point free essay sample

Summer jobs are a rite of passage for all teenagers, and my first summer job initially was no exception. Last June I joined the lifeguarding staff at Wild Island Water Park. My motives were tanning, talking, and texting prospective boyfriends. In addition to passing my Advanced Lifesaving course, I received training in pool chemistry, bathroom maintenance, and basic diplomacy with respect to our clientele. Although we performed drills every day for various emergencies, no onemyself included- expected ever to actually handle a life-threatening situation. But the day came when I rescued a one-year-old from certain death. My actions in those moments terrified me, elated me, but left me in some ways with more uncertainty than I had ever had before. I had rescued another human being from drowning, but found myself swimming in inescapable questions regarding human priorities, human values, and my own ability to surprise myself. At age fifteen, I learned what was probably the most valuable and influential lesson of my life- the value of life itself. We will write a custom essay sample on Turning Point or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It was my first day of work as a life guard. There was nothing unusual about the weather conditions, the water was clear, and the waterpark wasn’t particularly crowded. This is why it came as a surprise to me when my eyes scanned over an infant lying face down on the surface of the water. My first reaction was shock- there was a possibly dead child right in front of me. Time seemed to stop, sounds became muffled and I’m sure my motions were uncoordinated as I ran to the middle of the kiddie pool to grab the baby. My mind and my body seemed to separate. I knew this, because I don’t remember thinking much at all, however, my body seemed to run to the pool, grab the baby, bring the baby back to dry land, begin assessing its’ condition, and giving the proper care all on its’ own, all in less than a minute. Between having people crowd around me, and poking and prodding the child, I managed to assess that the child was conscious, but not responsive, as s he had choked on large amounts of water. I began to deliver chest and back blows, which effectively cleared the water from her airway, and she began to breathe again. Without much time to think about what had just happened, I was swept away by my boss and asked what seemed to be a million questions at once. I tried to answer all of them to the best of my abilities. After getting all of the details down, i went to go sit down for a little bit- this was the first time I had a moment to think about what had occurred. Besides still being a little more than shocked, I thought of the image of the baby lying face down in the water, and how if I had waited a second later, it may have been too late and she would have gone unconscious and possibly died. The idea that life was so fragile, that it rests on the pinpoint of a single second slowly filled my head, and has remained there in some way or another ever since. For the next year, I began to live life- more mentally than physically- from a very different perspective. I never went out without looking at people and wondering if anyone sees life the way I see it through my eyes. The reckless things some p eople choose to do usually lead me to think not. I do not mean to say that you should not have fun, or take risks, because that’s a little ridiculous, and I would be a hypocrite if I said you should. Life is meant to be lived to the fullest in my opinion, risks taken or not. I simply mean to make the point that at times it is appropriate to consider the value of your own life, and if the decision you are about to make is worth losing your life over. I was positive that I would never forget this experience. But in some ways, I was wrong. After a year had passed, I realized that this experience didn’t affect me nearly as much as it had before. I thought, how could something as significant as saving another human’s life, just slip away like that? But I realized, that much like other life changing experiences, people eventually heal over time, and put the memories into the back of their heads. It is only human nature. Things go away, people change and forget. Thoug h usually it is for the best, I think people need an experience like this, to show them how precious life is, and how quickly it can be taken from you in order to live it to the fullest.