Pls see the attachment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Pls see the connection - Essay Example Steve ought to have set up a plan for his day and ought to have had a framework to compose his administrative work. Prior to the gathering, Steve got an approach a surge work, which he had gone over to one of his creation directors, Lucy Adams, and reset his head. He attempted to contact her and found she was away and hard to reach. He requested that his secretary leave her a message to call him. He ought to have enlightened his secretary to ask Lucy concerning the activity on the off chance that he was not in the workplace when she called. The remainder of his day was one interference after anotherâ€an arrangement not recorded, a need work his supervisor had requested that wasn’t done, being late for another gathering, missing calls from Lucyâ€and at 4:30, he chose to return home, thinking about how he would ever get made up for lost time. It is evident Steve Arnold is a debacle in the works. He is adjusting on a tight rope, and any moment he’s able to crash. He has a few representatives clearly fit for taking care of tasks, however Steve has never made a fundamental timetable that would incorporate early morning gatherings with his staff to design every day as well as the courses of events expected to finish ventures by a sensible cutoff time. It would likewise create the impression that his secretary, Ruth, either has not been given the alternative of aiding Steve sort out his own booked needs and taking care of his papers or she isn't trustworthy and most likely ought to be supplanted. Steve doesn't look forward to decide how to organize his time. He likewise doesn't take a gander at the general picture to perceive how creation timetables ought to cooperate. He needs to teach himself on these issues. Steve doesn't seem to have a lot of individual association with any of his staff nor does he plan his time appropriately. He will improve significantly as a pioneer on the off chance that he sets a primer timetable for his day with associations with future activities and the updates he needs to development. When he does this, he will

Dissertation Editor

Dissertation EditorIf you have a dissertation on a matter of interest to you, you may need to hire a dissertation editor. While this article is aimed at pursuing a PhD, it can be very useful for someone looking to edit their master's thesis.Most dissertation editors will have a wealth of experience in the field. This should help them provide you with a service that is high quality and worth the money you are spending. They should be aware of which aspects of your dissertation need more attention and how to go about improving these aspects. While their role is primarily to edit your work, they should also offer assistance in other areas such as the introduction or the acknowledgements.One of the most important aspects of your dissertation is the introduction. It is here that you give your readers a brief overview of the topic you are working on. The introduction should be factual and written in a manner that will attract your reader. Be sure to outline all the points you are making in a logical manner. You should then mention in the introduction, what other people in your field have to say about the topic you are discussing.In the acknowledgements section, mention the names of people who have contributed to your work, providing relevant links to their websites and providing links to your site, and mentioning in your introduction the other references that were useful to you. One of the most important parts of the introduction and the acknowledgements is to ensure that the document contains your contact details. It would be a terrible waste of time and money to write a good draft with excellent writing skills, only to realise after the process that you cannot find the contact details of the person whose name you use in the acknowledgements.Having worked with many editors, I have found that many choose to use an online editor. There are a number of advantages to this approach, however, as a reader and as a writer. First, an online editor does not need to attend toe very letter, email, letter, or telephone call that you make. When you are editing by post, you may be able to reply to some emails and telephone calls, but when you are editing by email, all correspondence is routed through the online editor.The online editor is also able to be on the Internet while editing your paper. This will save you a great deal of time and allow the editor to make revisions immediately if something happens to require immediate attention. While most online editors will still go to your school for instructions regarding deadlines, most use a calendar and set up a deadline to correspond with you before sending the final copy of your document.Finally, the online editor can move faster than a regular editor. Since the editor can respond to your correspondence at any time of day or night, he or she can revise your manuscript at any time of day, which can sometimes be impossible for a regular editor. Another benefit to using an online editor is that all correspondenc e is kept completely confidential. Even if you decide to hire an editor in your home country, he or she will be able to act with confidentiality.If you have been seriously considering completing your PhD, the best course of action is to take the time to read as much as you can about academic writing and to write your dissertation based on solid and correct research. A successful PhD program will be based on the quality of your dissertation, and a professional editor will help you get your dissertation to the finish line.

American Indian Literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Native American Literature - Essay Example In this manner, his capacity to safeguard his kin permits him to be viewed as a legend by his tribesmen, and this likewise permits him to be worshipped and celebrated by his kin. Since warriors were so essential to all Native American clans, all through their writing, we consider the to be of the warrior as a legend, or as an influential individual, clamoring all through this writing. Take, for instance, the account of Lucy, Oklahoma in which medication men become warriors, by method for black magic, for the benefit of one of their mishandled kinfolk. Medication men are loved in Native American societies, as well, aren't they obviously they are-in any case, they are not generally observed as the legends of fights this is held for the warriors. In the event that these medication men will do their clan equity and deliver retribution, they should battle. In this way, despite the fact that they are adored individuals from the clan, we see that the status of the warrior in the clan is considerably increasingly loved and accordingly, once more, these men, so as to be saints and to protect their clan's beliefs, must become warriors. The status of the warrior in the Native American clan is in this manner venerated and even heavenly. The capacity of the warrior to guard his clan and guarantee the clan's endurance, just as the clan's own regard and eminence (similar to the case in Lucy, Oklahoma) turns out to be imperative to the clan's own pride and respect.

Cultural Hybridity †Postcolonial Studies - Free Essay Example

Introduction The term hybridity is a common term that mainly features in studies dealing with postcolonial theory. It is the point of reference when researching cultural studies and also constructing methods and models for the subject. Nonetheless, the premise is also under criticism by many scholars developing counter arguments of the theory while others modify the concept to apply in the prevailing circumstances (Kraidy 3).   The idea creates a democratic space to some while others view it as a strategy meant to propagate certain ideologies such as capitalism in the neocolonialism era. There has also been an allegation that the concept tends to reflect more on the lives of the theorists as opposed to depicting the beliefs and traditions of communities cited in the models. There is sufficient literature developed both in support and in protest over this postcolonial theory. The concept continues to gain popularity in the international arena and due to increased interest in communication studies. It is because initially, the cultural hybridity concept intended to serve as a communication tool. It was a means for people to learn and orient themselves about the cultural differences and provided solutions on how to handle the identified challenges (Kraidy 3). Disciplines that examine communication for different cultures and also at the international level utilize the hybridity concept as a descriptive tool. That is, the concept is crucial when trying to explain how different cultures perceive and integrate different practices introduced at the international level. However, the use of the concept as a descriptive tool creates a new challenge of how to distinguish it from a product of global or local interactions as a way of a gaining political mileage. The following discussion looks into studies conducted on the application of the concept and how they influence community lifestyle in different parts of the world. Literature Review In New Zealand, the approach for cultural integration borrowed mainly from the countrys practices during the colonial era. Over time biculturalism became a popular concept, and people understood what it meant from the practical scenarios. Taking center stage has been the emergence of cultural politics about the debate on the binary of Maori. The country employed a simplified approach on the issue and settled for distinguishing categories especially the idea of us versus them. This situation created unnecessary rivalry and tension in the country because of the people who felt excluded (Acheraou 107).   The relationship between the Maori and Pakeha continued to face challenges as the two groups interacted. Similar to the main factors leading to cultural differences, issues of race, gender, social status and geographical locations characterized the basis of the rivalry between the two groups in New Zealand. Scholars raised concerns over the issue and recommended a more subtle approach to the situation. They proposed that the country needed to revisit the bicultural politics in the country and take a new perspective. The idea involved reversing us versus them mentality with a more inclusive approach such as both or and as a way of creating a mutual sense of respect and belonging (Acheraou 107). Bhabhas theory of hybridity and the third space is a frequent reference on matters to do with cultural studies.   The approach was also helpful in dissecting the issues in New Zealand. However, critics argued that the history behind the concept was somewhat offensive and could lead to other problems. It is because the definition of the word initially intended to demean people belonging to a mixed race. However, some historians challenged this perspective and argued that people should not limit themselves to the use of words or phrases that appear polite. Instead, they proposed that the situation required a more critical analysis because the weight of the issues goes beyond the circumstances that led to the coining of the term (Acheraou 109). In other words, if a particular name or concept can help solve the underlying problems on cultural differences, then how the name came to being is in a sense inconsequential.   Some also added that the hybridity concept was most appropriate dealing with problems arising from cultural differences because the term came to be at a time when the country was experiencing similar issues. The word was a product of the post-cultural era that intended to analyze the problems brought about by cultural differences and find a balance between the advantages of the in-betweens(Acheraou 109). Bhabha constructed the hybridity theory within conditions characterized by inequity and colonial rivalry. The second aspect of the theory of hybridity was the element of Third space. It is an equally important concept attributed to matters of power and identity after the colonial period. It was the tool used by those considered a minority in the society. The idea defied the mindset of ethnocentrism and embraced the philosophy of hybridity of cultures. The third space philosophy focused on understanding the balance brought by the values of different culture rather than magnifying the existing cultural differences (Occupying the Third Space). The Third space was a driver for transformation. It is for this reason that the combination of Bhabhas two concept-hybridity and third space- become the best suit to analyze cultural differences in any setup.   Nonetheless, the third space highlights some of the issues that foreigners undergo when they cross the borderlines created from cultural differences. It gives perspective about the prevailing conditions experienced by a stranger in a foreign land. Studying the concept illuminates on issues that may arise due to language differences and ethnocentrism from a broader perspective. Cultural diversity and cultural differences are also crucial issues in any discussion dealing with multiculturalism. Whereas cultural diversity is a component of the study of multiculturalism, cultural differences make up the process of understanding the dynamics of this concept.   In New Zealand, the two concepts (hybridity and third space) were instrumental in reconstructing a sense of nationalism and patriotism.   The two were the basis of creating a more inclusive environment for a cultural politics between the Maori and Pakeha. Consequently, there was the need to review the composition of key institutions in the country for purposes of inclusivity. Key organizations included the legal and political systems. It is because the structures within these two institutions can reflect on the norms, practices, and principles of the different communities in any given society.   In addition., the two institutions have the machinery necessary to bridge existing gaps by creating awareness among members of the community. Therefore, of importance in New Zealand was to determine the causes of tension be tween the Maori and Pakeha.   From Bhabhas point of view, it is of the essence to conduct a thorough review of the existing binary structure in any bicultural community. What was necessary for New Zealand, therefore, was the reconstruction of existing laws and institution to capture aspects of the two groups. The end product of the process must reflect hybridity to foster good future relations. The Huffington Post surveyed to determine the feeling among Britons on multiculturalism. Research findings showed that majority felt that the concept added no value in the country but made the situation worse (Dore).   But it is essential to understand the genesis of multiculturalism in some of these countries even as we examine the current status. In Britain for example, the concept runs back to the ninth century at a time when Frenchmen invaded England. They managed to take over the country, and the effects are present to date. The language and some of the rules in force in the United Kingdom came to effect at the time.   The English vernacular became an official language after a parliamentary decree but continues to accommodate phrases from other languages. Scholars argue that the ability to incorporate the needs of different language speakers makes English a popular language in most parts of the world.   Cultural hybridity, in this case, is evident from the many roots in th e English language. Not all western countries show the same level of commitment in promoting multiculturism like the United Kingdom. Some of these nations even expect immigrants to adopt and embrace the new cultures as opposed to giving allowance for adjustment in their newly found countries. Just like in the ninth century, France is among the states that have policies that work to have immigrants take on cultural practices of the country (Smith).  Ã‚   The United Kingdom is one of the few countries that have favorable policies to promote multiculturalism. Though the UK continues to welcome immigrants, the nation also looks out to protect its borders against criminals. Research Problem Bhabhas theory of cultural hybridity, regarding the enforcement of binary thinking, is a satisfactory explanation to the national practices which started since the British colonization and which still exist in its imperial form nowadays (Acheraou). However, Bhabha appears too optimistic in theorizing hybridity when examining his expectations and claims about the positive outcomes of the emergence of the third space. He overlooks several cultural, political, social and personal factors that interfere and affect the hybridization of identities. This disconnection or omission of the complexities residing beneath hybridity as a process in his theory bags a closer look to examine and investigate the failure or success of the third space in defeating binarism (Acheraou). Therefore, because literature is useful to many authors (especially migrant or non-white authors) as an effective tool that reflects upon and celebrates cultural hybridity, Bhabhas theory calls for critical attention by co nducting a historical and textual study, as this thesis aims to do. Research Objectives To determine the level of hybridity for each character as represented in available literature. To determine the success and sustainability of the hybridity concept as a means of demolishing binarism. To determine the different factors that affects the success or failure of hybridity. To determine whether the success and failure factors function in the same way and whether they produce the same results. Methodology The thesis adopts a critical, analytical approach to literary texts through close reading the selected documents in which hybridity is a major theme which is depicted differently through main characters mimicry to the new culture, their alienation from their own cultures, and their rejection or acceptance of other cultures. Original Contribution This Thesis aims to use literature as a deconstructive tool to critique cultural hybridity from a historical and textual perspective situated in a literary context (using literature to theorize about hybridity). The thesis analyses a selection of novels and other scholarly sources that discussing hybridity by British migrant novelists: Salman Rushdies The Satanic Verses(1988), Hanif Kureishis The Buddha of Suburbia (1990), Zadie Smiths The White Teeth (2000), Monica Alis Brick Lane (2003), and Caryl Phillips In the Falling Snow (2009). Works Cited Acheraou, Amar. Critical Perspectives on Hybridity and the Third Space.  Questioning Hybridity, Postcolonialism and Globalization,  2011, pp.  105-120. Ahmed, Shahab.  Before Orthodoxy: The Satanic Verses in Early Islam. London, Penguin Books Ltd.,  1988. Ali, Monica.  Brick Lane.?  2014. Amherst College. The Third Space: Cultural Identity Today.  Amherst College,  2008, www.amherst.edu/museums/mead/exhibitions/2008/thirdspace. Dehdari, Ali, et al. A Study of the Notion of Bhabhasques Hybridity in V.S. Naipauls In a Free State.  International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol.  3, no.  3,  Feb.  2013, pp.  135-143, www.ijhssnet.com/journals/Vol_3_No_3_February_2013/12.pdf. Dore, Louis. More Britons Believe That Multiculturalism Makes the Country Worse Not Better.  The Independent, 4  July  2015, www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/more-britons-believe-that-multiculturalism-makes-the-country-worse-not-better-says-poll-10366003.html. Accessed 15  Nov.?  2017. Hollinshead, Keith. Tourism, Hybridity, and Ambiguity: The Relevance of Bhabhas Third Space Cultures.  Journal of Leisure Research, pp.  297-316, www.questia.com/library/journal/1P3-28695041/tourism-hybridity-and-ambiguity-the-relevance-of. Kraidy, Marwan  M. Hybridity in Cultural Globalization.  Temple University,  Aug.  2002, www.temple.edu/tempress/chapters_1400/1770_ch1.pdf. Kureishi, Hanif.  The Buddha of Suburbia.  2014. Meethan, Kevin. Mobile Cultures? Hybridity, Tourism and Cultural Change.?  Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, vol.  1, no.  1,?  2003, pp.?  11-28. Meredith, Paul. Hybridity in the Third Space: Rethinking Bi-cultural Politics in Aotearoa/New Zealand. University of Waikato,  July  1998, lianz.waikato.ac.nz/PAPERS/paul/hybridity.pdf. Occupying the Third Space.  X-Section Journal, 23  Nov.  2014, www.xsectionjournal.com/exploration-2014/2014/11/23/occupying-the-third-space. Phillips, Caryl.  In the Falling Snow. Vintage Books,  2010. Smith, Louise. Multicultural Britain: What Does It Mean?  Extensive Information on Immigration in the UK, 16  May  2016, www.aboutimmigration.co.uk/multicultural-britain-what-does-mean.html. Accessed 15  Nov.  2017. Smith, Zadie.  White Teeth.  2017.

A Day At Oakleaf Junior High School - 1191 Words

The alarm clock blared as six o clock struck. I groggily climbed out of bed to begin what I thought was just another day at Oakleaf Junior High School. I followed my usual routine which included brushing my teeth, taking a shower, and eating my bowl of delicious Coco Puffs. I gathered my backpack and headed towards the door to begin my long trek to school when all of a sudden my parents exclaimed, B, you don t have to go to school today. We re going on vacation! I looked at them with disbelief as she hastily ushered me out the front door into the already prepared Toyota Highlander. Next thing I know, I was headed out of Oakleaf to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with my family for another action-packed vacation. The monotony†¦show more content†¦Once we entered the city, we began the infeasible task of searching for our luxurious and prominently recognized five star hotel. The ceaseless mazes of intertwined roadways proved to be an obstruction to our mission. We eventually managed, after countless stops to request aid from passersby, to find the awe-inspiring Coral Beach Resort Suites. Its magnificent architecture and larger-than-life appearance took my breath away. The pure white hotel seamlessly merged with the sandy beach and perfectly contrasted with the aqua blue sea. In the distance, I could easily see the turquoise swimming pool that seemed to be as momentous as the ocean itself. After taking in all the sights, my family and I entered the massive double doors of the hotel and received countless greetings from the eager hotel staff. They swiftly handed us our room key and administered directions to our room. We scaled the monstrous building with a unique view of the beautiful beach through the pristine glass elevator. Within no time, we arrived at our extravagant and vast suite and were not disappointed with its contents. The enormous king-size beds were so comfortable that it seemed as if I were floating on a cloud. Furthermore, the limitless space made me feel right at home. After a wonderful night s sleep, I arose to my parents rushing me into my bathing suit to begin the day s adventure. As my family

Minimum Wage Should Be Raised - 1395 Words

In today’s society, minimum wage is an issue. It’s whether or not it should be raised or lowered. This interests almost everyone due to the fact that everyone wants to make money and the amount should reflect the work and skills that are put in. The minimum wage is a major antijobs policy. First things first, the minimum wage buys a lot less than it used to. Only Congress can adjust the federal minimum wage, and it doesn’t necessarily increase with inflation. As a result, its buying power has diminished over time. Some argue that raising it is vital to our country’s recovery, while others say that the real route to prosperity lies in lowering or even eliminating it. Many supporters of minimum wage say that it increases the standard of living and keeps people out of poverty. Those who are opposed to it tend to believe that it increases unemployment and harms the less skilled workers. When minimum wage laws were established, there was a certain goal in mind to be upheld. Although I am just a high school student and am in the process of considering a college and chose career to earn a salary for myself, there are some people who aren’t as fortunate. There are many adults who did not have the opportunity to get a higher education and therefore are only working in minimum wage paying jobs. For them, they want to make more money than the $7.25 an hour because they fall below the poverty line with that pay. Majority of the time, these people who have families, are having to workShow MoreRelatedMinimum Wage Should Be Raised?958 Words   |  4 PagesMinimum Wage Louis Montgomery III English Composition 101 Mrs. Blackwell April 23, 2015 Minimum Wage Do minimum wage jobs help pay the bills? Do minimum wage jobs support the family? Should minimum wage be raised? Will raising the minimum wage reduce poverty? The idea of minimum wage jobs is to help people get work experience without having any skills. Most minimum wage jobs include fast food restaurants and grocery stores. Minimum wageRead MoreShould Minimum Wage Be Raised?1062 Words   |  5 Pagesever pressing question regarding Minimum wage. Not many subjects can ignite a controversy as quickly as that of whether or not minimum wage should be raised, or by how much should it be raised or if it should remain the same. What is minimum wage? By definition, minimum wage is the minimum hourly wage an employer can pay an employee for work. (â€Å"MinimumWage.com†) America’s minimum wage was first introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938. That minimum wage was introduced as part of the FairRead MoreShould Minimum Wage Be Raised? Essay1596 Words   |  7 Pagesgovernment has so generously termed the â€Å"minimum wage†. In Missouri, the minimum wage has been set at a rather appalling $7.65 per hour while in other states there are wages starting as high as $10. Though arguably the economy is not as sluggish and terrible as it once was, $7.65 per hour will not help those who have children, no college degree and debts to pay. It is not only Missouri that has minimum wage laws, but every other state in America has minimum wage laws in place. Both California and SeattleRead MoreMinimum Wage Should Be Raised1145 Words   |  5 PagesThe current minimum wage is $7.25, which equals two gallons of milk, one fast food meal or two gallons of gas. Can you imagine yourself working 12-hours a day and only having enough money to p ay for rent and put food on the table for your family? With working all those long hours, you can barely afford to pay your utility bills and after that you don’t have enough money or time for luxuries like clothing or vacation. You have no savings as matter of fact, you are in a huge debt and you are livingRead MoreShould Minimum Wage Be Raised?870 Words   |  4 PagesShould Minimum Wage Be Raised? Minimum wage has always been a controversial issue. Many politicians use the argument of minimum wage for their own political propaganda. Some may argue minimum wage should be raised, while others believe it will have detrimental effects on our economy if it is raised. Surprising to most people, minimum wage earners make up only a small percent of American workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, minimum wage workers make up about 2.8% of all workersRead MoreMinimum Wage Should Be Raised935 Words   |  4 PagesMinimum wage is an ongoing debate in the United States. There are some people who think that it should be raised to a higher rate and others who think that it should not. There are many different pros and cons with raising minimum wage. Minimum wage is at a balanced rate that should not be raised due to lack of skill, low education, and economic problems. Jobs that require minimum wage are created for young adults who are in college or high school. They are to help one get one on their feet so thatRead MoreMinimum Wage Should Be Raised910 Words   |  4 Pagesmaximize the American Dream on the minimum wage† (Benjamin Todd Jealous). In 1938, minimum wage was created by the federal government in order to protect workers by ensuring a minimum of twenty-five cents per hour worked. Though President Roosevelt had the right idea in protecting the workforce, something needs to be done to ensure that Americans are getting a reasonable amount of money for the amount of hours they have worked. As Benjamin Todd Jealous stated, minimum wage is not enough for the averageRead MoreThe Minimum Wage Should Be Raised998 Words   |  4 Pagesprestigious job at such a young age. However that is not the case, if the minimum wage is raised to $15 an hour, a 16 year old could make $18,000 yearly working only 25 hours a week at McDonalds. Now for tee nagers that have goals for college or a car, that would money to set aside for the future, however most 16 year olds do not have those goals in mind yet, so that extra money turns into wasted money. As of February 2016 the minimum wage ranges anywhere from $7.25-$10 across the United States. Florida’sRead MoreMinimum Wage Should Not Be Raised863 Words   |  4 Pagesthan triple the minimum wage. If the minimum wage is increased, it would eliminate people’s incentives to improve. On top of that, inflation would occur, and poverty would virtually stay the same. In addition, raising the minimum wage would bring on hardship for small businesses. Of course, one may argue that the minimum should cover the cost of living, but people should have to work for their money. The minimum wage should not be raised in the United States. If the minimum wage were to go up, peopleRead MoreThe Minimum Wage Should Not Be Raised858 Words   |  4 PagesRepublican presidential candidate, Ted Cruz, is of the opinion that the Minimum wage should not be raised. This is a large issue as the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 is not enough to support basic living costs in a fair number of states. Ted Cruz highlights the consequences of raising the minimum wage yet ignores the cons of it remaining static (Ted Cruz on the Minimum Wage). In an article in The Atlantic, the discussion of the cost of living is brought up. The article talks about how the

Shattered goal free essay sample

One sheet of paper changed my life. Everyone else, everyone I had played with, competed against, and bonded with, everyone was on that piece of paper. I wasn’t. The paper with its black squiggles wrapped around my heart and squeezed my joy away.Making the soccer team had long been my dream. I loved everything about soccer; the competition, the camaraderie, the feeling of the crisp fall air and the sting of the cold raindrops on my skin as I sped down the field. Soccer had been part of my being for as long as I could remember. I spent many hours juggling and practicing in my front yard as I dreamt of making the team. In a moment, that piece of paper ripped away my dream and fractured my confidence in the world and myself.Embarrassment and shame overwhelmed me as I stood watching my friends hug and congratulate one another. We will write a custom essay sample on Shattered goal or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In that moment, the foundation of a wall was built between us, brick by brick. Those friends, my former teammates, didn’t know how to acknowledge my loss as I forcibly congratulated each one of them with a hug and smile. A disconnect was already happening, I was no longer one of them. My days would not revolve around carpool, practice and late night study sessions. There would be no more team bonding or sleepovers. That single sheet of paper had changed everything.It didn’t happen all at once. The wall was built slowly. Looking back, it was just as much my doing as it was theirs. My strong self-confidence was replaced with self-doubt. I felt awkward and conspicuous in their presence as they chatted about the practice schedule or what uniform to wear. The sense of isolation and alienation was palpable; I needed to find a new place to belong.Questioning how my happiness was so tightly wrapped up in one activity, I decided to venture down new avenues in pursuit of finding a passion that could take the place of soccer. I tried out for the lacrosse team and started as a varsity player. I was accepted as a community youth board member and auditioned for school theater productions. In each new endeavor, I made new connections that grew into friendships; friendships that were based upon more than a common interest, but on similar values and views. I found hidden talents and strengths I did not know existed. Rumblings of joy began to grow in my heart and a sense of purpose was restored.My life was so carefully controlled and I had succeeded at everything I tried until that sheet of paper was posted. Failure and rejection were distant thoughts that I did not entertain, but it is through failure and rejection that I found a true sense of self. It was in clearing these hurdles that I learned that I can overcome disappointment, stand alone and find new ways to succeed. Sparking new interests and expanding on those interests gives me a thrill. I no longer define myself by my failures or successes, but by how they stretch and challenge me to venture from the safety of what I think my life should be and embrace the paths that carry me to new uncharted places. I know I will continue to have struggles, but they will not diminish my self worth, they will inspire me to try new things. These moments will connect like points on a dot-to-dot, revealing the big picture of my life, each being a necessary point shaping and connecting past moments to those that lead to my future.