Essay on Barriers and Disparities in Health Care - 893 Words

Barriers and Disparities in Health Care NUR/550 June 8, 2012 Cynthia Holsen R.N. – C.W.H.N.P. Barriers and Disparities in Health Care Everyone should have the opportunity to achieve a healthy life and have comprehensive health care services available to them. To achieve this healthy life, people need to have access to the health care system and to a health care provider with whom they can develop a trusting relationship. However, existing barriers to attaining health care services often lead to disparities which in turn lead to differences in life expectancy, health status and a higher prevalence of certain chronic diseases (HealthyPeople.gov, 2012). Barriers Barriers to health care can be defined as conditions that can†¦show more content†¦With the increasing immigrant population a third barrier affecting access to health care is a cultural barrier. Culture barriers can include values and beliefs, language and race and ethnicity. Health beliefs and behavior can become a barrier when patients decide not to seek medical treatment and instead turn to home remedies and healers when treating illnesses. Approximately 10% of Americans speak a language other than English and can be classified ad being limited in their proficiency. For these patients language becomes a barrier and they are less likely to receive optimal medical treatment (Flores, 2006). Horton and Johnson (2010) stress the importance of communication in reducing disparities and increasing the trust of patients in the health care system. As reported by the American College of Physicians, evidence reveals that racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to receive inferi or care when compared with non-minorities. This occurs even when minorities have access to insurance and adequate income (Racial and ethnic disparities in health care, 2010). Disparities Barriers in health care can lead to disparities in meeting health needs and receiving appropriate care, including preventive services and the prevention of unnecessary hospitalizations (HealthyPeople.gov, 2012). In their 2008 annual report, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality lists several disparities’ in health care. They report that racial and ethnic minorities in the United StatesShow MoreRelatedBarriers And Disparities Of Health Care826 Words   |  4 PagesBarriers and Disparities in Healthcare Barriers to healthcare include factors that restrict or hinder people from receiving adequate and quality health care service. Health care disparities are those differences that negatively affects less advantaged group (Mehta, 2014). Health care barriers play a significant role in comprehending causes of disparities. This paper will discuss the obstacles and disparities that exist and affects healthcare. Barriers that Exist and Affected Healthcare FinancialRead MoreBarriers and Disparities for Patients Seeking Mental Health Care794 Words   |  3 Pages1. Discuss barriers and disparities for patients seeking mental health care. In a study done in 2007, titled Perceived Barriers to Mental Health Service Utilization in the United States, Ontario and the Netherlands (Sareen, Jagdeo, Cox, Clara, de Graaf Stein) it was reported that attitudinal barriers frequently cause Americans to not seek care for mental health issues. These barriers include thinking that the mental illness will fix itself and not believing that psychiatric care is helpfulRead MoreHealth Disparities And Health System Barriers1745 Words   |  7 Pagesdefines Health Disparities as â€Å"the inequalities that occur in the provision of health care and access to health care across different racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.† This means Health disparities are essentially discrepancies in the servicing of Healthcare as well as in access to healthcare amongst people of different racial, cultural, and socioeconomic groups. Health Disparities has many underlying factors that impact it, a factor in particular is Health system barriers. Health system barriersRead MoreLanguage And The Health Disparities1492 Words   |  6 Pagesnative language. Language is a major contribution to the health disparities that some populations face, because it makes it difficult for some patients to communicate their problems as well as understand the care they provided. Language contributes to the health disparities that some populations face because it creates a barrier between the patient and the care provider, making it difficult for a patient to receive proper care. Language barriers create a communication gap between a patient and a providerRead MoreHealth Care Disparities: Nurses Need to Care Essay1639 Words   |  7 PagesHealth Care Disparities: Nurses Need to Care The United States government spent 2.3 billion dollars in 2010 on federally funded healthcare initiatives and programs according to a report from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (2008). Despite this astronomical amount of money, health care disparities continue to plague disadvantaged populations in the United States. A health care disparity is defined as differences in incidence, mortality, prevalence, disease burden, and adverse healthRead MoreThe Community Needs For Santa Rosa1183 Words   |  5 Pagesfastest. There are many health needs that must be focused on in order to promote better health to all of those residing in Santa Rosa. The main health needs for Santa Rosa include: healthy eating and physical fitness, gaps in access to primary care, access to substance use disorder services, barriers to healthy aging, access to mental health services, disparities in educational attainment, cardiovascular disease, adverse childhood experiences study, access to healt h care coverage, tobacco use, coordinationRead MoreThe Patient Protection Affordable Care Act Essay1476 Words   |  6 Pages The Patient Protection Affordable Care Act has only been extended to cover 32 million uninsured individuals mandates. The main issue of access to affordable care will be to exacerbated by limited community- based resources that provide preventive services, primary care access and the continuum care for patients with chronic conditions. There is a need to increase capacity to serve more patients, while improving outcomes and reducing cost. Health disparities in the U.S. range from HIV/ Aids toRead MoreHigh Rates Among Various Ethnic Backgrounds1060 Words   |  5 Pages Healthcare disparities exist at higher rates among various ethnic backgrounds as well as individuals with disabilities. Although receiving good healthcare should be a privilege, statistics have shown that social determinants such as poor education, low income, limited access to quality ca re, as well as environmental factors have contributed to healthcare disparities. If society could improve barriers like health education, communication, and healthcare cost, quality healthcare could be successfullyRead MoreThe Survival Rates Of Breast Cancer1373 Words   |  6 Pagesin women and second leading cause of death by cancer. Today, woman with breast cancer have a 90% chance of surviving for five years post-diagnosis. However, African American women have a national survival rate of 79%. Socioeconomic barriers and lack of access to health services have crippled African American women in breast cancer advancements. Studies have show that African American women tend to be diagnosed with a higher-stage of cancer because of the delay of being tested until it is late in theRead MoreEssay On Low Income Children1655 Words   |  7 Pages Obesity Rates in Low-Income Children Community and Global Health, NUR 355 University of Maine, Augusta Erica M. Merrell Obesity Rates in Low-Income Children All Americans are at risk of developing obesity, with an obesity rate of 36.5% of the population (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). The increase of obesity in the United States has led to the development of other costly comorbidities, such as diabetes, cardiovascular

Essay about Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage - 1121 Words

The issue of legalizing same-sex marriage is one of great controversy. There are some people who think that gay people have no rights and should never be allowed to marry. Other people believe that gay people are just like anyone else and should enjoy the same rights and privileges as heterosexuals do. People opposing gay marriage argue that a couple of the same sex getting married would redefine the word marriage, the purpose of marrying is to procreate, and they should settle for Civil Unions instead. I feel that all fifty states in the U.S. should allow same-sex marriages. Only in the states of, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, California, along with the District of Columbia are gay†¦show more content†¦Additionally, children raised by same-sex couples have been shown to be just as good as with the children of opposite-sex couples in their psychological adjustment, mental abilities and social functioning. A reason why the Vermont same-se x union battle had so much nation press is because legislators were responding to a court order, while some ended up losing their jobs to same-sex unions. Religious, government, and social groups have debated this issue and it is taking a long time for it to be fixed. Same-sex marriage has some very distinct facts and values important to ones religion, morals, or even what his or her family thinks of the gay lifestyle. There are many opponents of gay people as it is, and they all have their reasons to dislike the idea of letting them get married. Another main argument is that the word â€Å"marriage† means the union of one man and one woman. This is a long-standing theme of most major Western religions. Under a proposed bill known as the Defense of Marriage act, marriage is defined as â€Å"a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife.† The government says that every citizen of the United States shall receive equal rights. The Defense of Marriage Act prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages; in my opinion this act is immoral and unjust because it restricts the rights ofShow MoreRelatedLegalizing Same-Sex Marriage1119 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Marriage plays a fundamental role in civil society because it is characterized by sexual complementarity, monogamy, exclusive, and permanence† (Anderson). Legalizing same-sex marriage would affect every aspect ethically and morally, resulting in an unacceptable outcome. Therefore same-sex marriage should not be consid ered respectable and adequate in any lifestyle. Same-sex marriage is the union between partners of the same sex, whether it is a male and a male or a female and another female. TraditionalRead MoreLegalizing Same-Sex Marriage Essay1238 Words   |  5 PagesEveryone is aware of marriage. We have heard about it, gone to one, or even been in one. The idea of marriage is something that is bestowed upon us and something that we look forward to ever since we were children, but what about those who what to get married to the same sex. How is that possible? As you know, everything changes at some point or another, this includes marriage. That is why same-sex marriage should be legalized. It has come to a point where the idea or a â€Å"normal† marriage has to change inRead MoreThe Issue Of Legalizing Same Sex Marriage1136 Words   |  5 PagesThe world is full of many opinions. Whether you deem someone’s opinion as a good or bad one, it is still their opinion. One major controversy that entraps Americans is the thought of legalizing same-sex marriage. Now although the United States Supreme Court officially legalized same-sex marriage on June 26, 2015, that doesn’t stop anyone from having their own opinion towards the matter. So what makes people have the opinions they do? Many people believe that your environment is what affects yourRead MoreThe Effect of Legalizing Same Sex Marriage2305 Words   |  9 Pagesthe year 2014 the number of homosexuals have only risen in the past few years due to the legalization of same sex marriage throughout some states. Same sex marriage is becoming a well-known controversy in the United States due to complete opposite opinions. Society often examines the changes throughout the years in terms of consequences rather than in benefits. The legalization of same sex marriage is often portrayed as consequential to society however when examined more closely there would be moreRead MoreThe Debate On Legalizing Same Sex Marriage1251 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Marriage also known as matrimony is the process in which two people legally or formally recognize the love between a man and woman or in some jurisdictions, two people of the same sex (Physcology Today , 2015 ). Marriage is an important part of our society. The emotional bond between two lovers is the strongest bond and most sacred (Anderson, 2013 ). However there are people who get left out because their partner is not of the same gender as they are. The debate on legalising same sex marriageRead MoreThe Issue Of Legalizing Same Sex Marriage1347 Words   |  6 PagesIt’s 1916 in Australia. The beckoning shores of Gallipoli await the thousands of soldiers that are yet to die amongst the bloodshed. These same shores, are yet to provide the battle of the century, that will go down in history as â€Å"The Great War.† Meanwhile, Australian’s take to the polls, with the Labour government asking the people whether or not they support the proposal to conscript young Au stralian men overseas for service. This national debate marked Australia’s first non-binding plebisciteRead MoreDo Not Stigmatize Same-Sex Marriages as Inferior by Not Legalizing These Unions1222 Words   |  5 Pageshard to define what is known as a â€Å"traditional marriage†. Considering the popularity of marriages that are arranged on the basis of polygamy, communal child rearing, and even the use of mistresses, homosexual marriage should not be considered â€Å"unnatural†. For many people, it is hard to understand how any individual can love someone of their same gender. Nonetheless despite the percentage of the population that is muddled by the act, same sex marriage should be legalized because denying them that rightRead MoreLegalizing The Same Sex Marriage1118 Words   |  5 Pagescontroversial issues is legalizing the homosexual marriage. The social movement for legalizing the same-sex marriage in U.S. started in the 1970s. People who support homosexu al marriage carried on their campaign arguing that banning gay marriage is a ‘discrimination’, which is similar to the prohibition of racial intermarriage that existed in past. Since lots of homosexuals all around the world insist their basic rights of marriage, there are plenty of serious debates going on about their marriage. Denmark wasRead MoreLegalizing Same-Sex Marriages2075 Words   |  8 PagesThe topic of legalizing same sex marriages brings up heated debates on legal, religious, moral, and philosophical grounds. In researching material for this paper this writer could not help but read reports that indicate that the country is fairly well divided on this issue. The debate can go round and around and the answer to the question of legalizing same sex marriages is not as easy as it may seem. There are solid rebuttals to any supposition one makes on the issue, making the debate a lot moreRead MoreLegalizing Same Sex Marriage Is Not The End Of The Fight For Equal Gay Rights1801 Words   |  8 Pages On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States declared all state-level bans against same-sex marriage unconstitutional, legalizing same-sex marriage all over the nation. While this ruling was a huge victory for the gay rights movement, it was not the end of the fight for equal gay rights. In fact, many gay people are still fighting for adoption rights, job safety, and government protections from abuse and segregation. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find solutions for a significant

Caretaker Government Sysytem Must Not Be Banned free essay sample

Caretaker Government System must not Be Voided from the Constitution In the year 1996, under huge political pressure from the major opposition party the Awami league, the then government ruled by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) introduced the caretaker government system in Bangladesh constitution by making the 13th amendment. The summary of the amendment was that the head of the Caretaker government will be called the Chief Adviser and will be selected by the President and the main objective of the caretaker government will be to create an environment in which an election can be held in a free and fair manner without any political influence of the outgoing government. After the amendment was made in the constitution, an election was held under caretaker government the same year and Awami league won the election. Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman was the chief adviser at that time and led the election. However, after two long term gaps, in 2008, when Awami league again became the government of the country, since then they are trying to demolish the 13th amendment from the constitution. From my point of view, caretaker government system must be voided from the constitution of Bangladesh as the present government is strong enough to conduct a peaceful and fair election, the Election Commission is very sure about giving clear and acceptable results and there would be no mishaps regarding elections as there would be more law enforcement people working and law implementation. In 40 years of independence, Bangladesh has experienced the leadership of a few but major political parties. However, the matter of regret is that the existing political parties which successfully gained the trust of people could not gain the trust of each other. It is one of the sole reasons of introducing the caretaker government system in the constitution of Bangladesh. The cause is, as a lack of trust in each other, the political parties do not want to have the national election under the rule of another political party. Noted Jurist Barrister Rafiqul haque in a press briefing clearly stated, â€Å"Holding the national election under a neutral caretaker government is a must for Bangladesh as both the major political parties do not have the trust in each other. † He said, â€Å"The country’s political situation will be more volatile if the caretaker government system is dropped from the constitution. † It is ironic that political parties who brought in the caretaker government provisions in the constitution in 1996 to ensure free and fair general elections have rendered the system controversial over the years. As the major political parties do not have faith in each other, the caretaker government system is the only option for conducting a clear and peaceful election. If we look into the political history of Bangladesh we can see that whenever a parliamentary election has been hold by a political government and under its Election Commission, there was always a question of transparency and acceptability of election results. In one hand, where the present chief Election Commissioner, Mr. ATM Shamsul Huda is deliberately saying in every press briefing, â€Å" We are able to conduct a fair election and publish a authentic result†, the past few incidents regarding ‘Municipal and Union election’ shows the story of other hand. There have been enormous reports published in newspapers regarding ‘Municipal and Union election’ which have taken place very recently that the Election Commission’s authorized persons have intentionally made the persons winners who were the supporters of the present government. Reports in the newspaper mentioned about places like Narayangonj, Bikrampur, Gopalgonj and some other also. If in ‘Municipal and Union’ elections, these types of incidents took place then surely the National parliamentary Election held under this Election Commission will be nothing but a stage show. At present, the whole statements of the Chief Election Commissioner have become self-contradictory. They are saying something in front of the public and doing something else behind. If this election commission conducts the National parliamentary Election, definitely the countrymen will never have fair and authentic results of the election and it will cause a number of disastrous incidents. Therefore, a caretaker government is immensely needed for fair and acceptable results in the elections of Bangladesh. The statement made by our Home Minister ADV. Sahara Khatun regarding our law enforcement departments was that the Police is doing a great job. According to her, the police is successfully controlling all the mishaps and doing no arm to the people. What about the people who speak on behalf of the people? On the strike of 10th July 2011 for caretaker government, called upon by the opposition parties, all the people of Bangladesh and people all over saw how opposition party’s chief whip Jainal Abedin Faruk was almost beaten to death. He was pulled vigorously in the streets by the police. When he tried to save his skin and ran, all the police on the scene ag ain got all over him and started to kick him and beat him with sticks. The intellectuals, the civil society all mentioned it as a disgrace to the country’s reputation. Here lies the story of our police force and the government when the opposition party is speaking on behalf of the people for caretaker government. This is truly unexpected and in a way this incident violates the democratic rights of a country. Another story of success I would like to write about is the opposition parties of our country, who are now speaking highly in support of caretaker government. For re-establishing the caretaker government system, the main opposition parties are now calling on strikes every now and then. Undoubtedly, they do it on behalf of the people and for the betterment of country’s political future and condition of people. However, they forget what common people go through when everything is closed. Day laborers, whose earning depends on a day’s work, cannot manage the necessary items for their families. 24 hours strike means, the country is fully closed for 24 hours. This includes market of common goods too. As a result, the prices of commodities rise up, making it beyond the reach of the hard life of common people. The two stories of success which I mentioned above are not supposed to take any support of any political parties. The main reason was to state that in every way these two incidents are unexpected and disgraceful for the country’s political history. The point is all these stories leads to the cause of one thing and one thing only and that is re-establishing the caretaker government system. Therefore, in order to minimize these kinds of incidents caretaker government system must be re-introduced. In Democracy, all in all there is truly no place for systems like caretaker government. However, the fact is, our country has gone through so much political instability and crisis that none of the political parties have any positive attitude and support for each other. M. Abdul Latif Mondal, former secretary, said that people will remember how Awami League agiated for introducing the caretaker government system in Bangladesh with relentless ‘Hartals’. Now, they are just turning their back to it and want to do the national election under their supervision. They did not even try to give any solid reasons why they want to demolish the system of caretaker government. The Supreme Court in suggestion clearly stated that for the sake of ‘peace’ and public interest, elections ‘may’ be held under the 13th amendment for the next two terms. Sadly, the government did not bother to take the suggestion. Dr. Kamal Hossain, renowned law maker of the country commented it as a sign of insincerity and political opportunism of the present government. All these actions of the ruling party sent the opposition parties to the brink where they have no choice but to stand up for reasons. In addition, the inexplicable hurry to do away with the caretaker government, even though the next election is two and a half years away, raises questions and doubts about the government. The caretaker government system was formed in Bangladesh only to conduct the election by 90 days. It has no power to bring any change in the constitution nor, to change the laws of the country but to do the normal daily works of the government and maintain the protocols. Therefore, for the sake of public trust and a transparent election, the caretaker government system must go on. As a democratic country, every political party in Bangladesh along with the people has the right to say for or against any issue of the country. Therefore, if the major political parties, intellectuals are opposing the decision of government regarding voiding the caretaker government system from the constitution of Bangladesh, it has to be re-considered again. It does not have to be a one-sided decision by the government as it is a matter of a country’s political future and stability. Therefore, the caretaker government system must be continued for a peaceful and fair election, for clear and satisfactory results of the election and for minimizing unexpected incidents. References Karim Tariq A. (January 2007). Bangladesh at the Crossroads. United States Institute of Peace. http://www. usip. org/files/resources/sr181. pdf M. Abdul Latif Mondal (December 23, 2004). Political Parties and Non-party Caretaker Government. [Electronic version]. EBSCOHost. Dr. Kamal (March 22, 2011). Caretaker Govt. should stay. Daily New Age. Hasan Ur Rashid (April 9, 2011) Do we need a caretaker government? Editorial. The Daily Star. Barrister Rafiqul Haque (April 22, 2011), in his own words [television series episode]. Tritio Matra. Channel I. http://www. banglapedia. org/httpdocs/HT/C_0041. HTML

Untitled free essay sample

Most students, actually – most people – go through an awkward phase in their lives. Whether it lasts through high school or stops after 6th grade, we all go through those years that we look back on and say in horror, what was I thinking? It was a time period where you wore the most unflattering clothing, or had an unhealthy obsession with a TV show, or had uncontrollable hair. We rarely admit these things to ourselves, because it is human nature to move forward and pretend the unpleasant things never happened. Maybe I am too young to reflect back on my life after all I’ve only lived for 16 years. Although if you really think about it, that’s quite a long time. Long enough to learn three languages, travel , try new things, lose a grandfather, make friends, lose friends, scuba dive, read books, write books, paint. Long enough to laugh about the way I looked in 8th grade, with my frizzy hair and tiny stature. We will write a custom essay sample on Untitled or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Long enough to understand that the future isn’t some far away thing anymore, it is happening right now. This time next year I will be graduating from high school, that’s a distant concept that still has not reached me. I’m sitting here eating frosted animal cookies with sprinkles on them, and I’m starting to doubt my maturity level for college. I still laugh at dumb jokes and I’m amused by YouTube videos about cats. On the other hand, I just successfully resolved an imminent five year old brother’s temper tantrum that could have been the beginning of World War III, and that takes ingenuity. It’s hard for me to let go of the little voice in my head that stops me from revealing a lot about myself. It’s much easier to hide behind sarcastic remarks and snide comments regarding how people write about family tragedies and â€Å"finding yourself†. Why do I need to find myself? I was never lost. Regardless, I’ll let my guard down for a few paragraphs. Speaking fluent Hebrew at home and visiting my family in Israel every year since I was young has given me a different perspective on life. The ‘American way’ of living is only one way of seeing things. Growing up in two societies has given me the ability to see things from different angles, and to make up my own opinion on things, not just assume that this is how things â€Å"should be†. I know enough about myself that I can hate and love myself at the same time. I love my friends and helping them out, I love that they come to me for help for all sorts of things. I have a sheep dog that has dreadlocks and my room has green walls. I like photography, ceramics, and animals. I adore reading and watching movies. I can be a complete â€Å"teenage girl† sometimes and other times I am watching all the Lord of the Rings movies in a row and reading sci-fi novels. I am your average college applicant and a distinctive person at the same time. I’m not scared to leave home, I am probably the most excited I’ve ever been in my life. I won’t ever be ready though, but no one is ever ready, and that’s the point. That is why we pack up our things and say goodbye to our parents for new experiences, people and places. So in a way, I am ready for college right now, I am ready to be unprepared, knocked off my feet and blown away; to be scared and nervous and excited. I do not know what I am going to study, or what direction I want to go in. But I know the things I like, the things I hate, and the things I can achieve. Untitled free essay sample Twenty-three girls. Four cabins. Two weeks. One village. Going to a sleep-away camp for eight years of my life has been a wonderfully fun experience for me, and over the past two years, it has also been very eye-opening. You would think that attending a large, public high school would mean that I have friends from all different walks of life, but that’s not really true. I make friends with people who take the same classes as I do, and who come from families similar to my own and whose ambitions are close to mine. The only diversity I have experienced in my friends from school is racial and religious diversity, and although race and religion are what come to mind when most people think about diversity, those differences are less noticeable to me than the difference between a person who is planning on going to college and a person who is not. We will write a custom essay sample on untitled or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Making friends at camp is a different story. Spending twenty-four hours a day with girls I don’t know allowed me to make friends without thinking about their probable GPAs, ACT scores, or class schedules. Going to camp has resulted in my best friends being unlike me most ways, which has unexpectedly made our friendships stronger. One of my closest friends is a girl who is in the cosmetology program at her high school. My high school also has a cosmetology program, but I couldn’t tell you one person who is in it. Saying someone takes cosmetology is the equivalent of saying someone is dumb, or not willing to work hard. But the girl I know from camp is in that program, and she’s one of the funniest people I know. She also has a job, which makes her a harder worker than most of my friends (and myself). Another two of my good friends are brothers from Stockbridge, Michigan, a place that we people from Ann Arbor would only think of as home to hunting, drinking, and co nservatism, if we bothered to think of it at all (although that description isn’t altogether incorrect). I remember an incident from the summer of 2011 when the younger brother, who is two years younger than myself, said he felt uncomfortable around gays because he always wondered whether they were thinking about having sex with him. This comment upset me so much that I had to remove myself from the conversation before things got heated. It really hurt because I liked this kid so much, and I had never really been friends with someone who did not share my liberal views. I didn’t know how to handle it. I got past it, though, and we are still friends. I allowed shared political views to not be an important part of our friendship, and let the base of our relationship be our mutual fondness for making fun of each other. I do a lot of things- National Honor Society, Executive Board, field hockey, and more. But camp is much more than just doing something. I put my whole heart into the experience. Although the friends I make at camp are so different from me, I like them even more than the friends I have that are similar. My friends who are like me do not teach me anything. They are smart, yes; funny, yes; kind, yes. But they do not force me to expand my horizons or change my prejudices. That is why I value my camp friends so much. They give me something that most people don’t: food for thought. untitled free essay sample It was the hottest day we’d had yet, temperatures surely breaking 95, and humid, and the whole group was lounging in the shade, wilted from the morning of tennis and plodding through the daily hour of reading. Sitting â€Å"criss-cross applesauce† next to me, six-year-old Mylea was moving her lips in time with mine. I felt my breath catch in my throat. I wanted to stop everything and watch her delicate finger tracing the lines of the page, listen to her raspy little voice pronouncing the words of Nellie Lou’s Hairdo until Nellie Lou’s mother would return to the beauty parlor. I glanced up, eager to share the moment, and caught the eye of one of my volunteers. Looking down at Mylea again, I noticed Sadie, Eric and Victoria, each hunched over a picture book for the first time. In dreaming up RALLY: Racquet and Literacy League for Youth, I had hoped to share two of my passions, tennis and reading, with inner-city children. We will write a custom essay sample on untitled or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Throughout the year, I had advertised for participants at local elementary schools and recruited volunteers at local high schools. With the help of the United States Tennis Association, I had met with lawyers to file for non-profit status, applied for several grants and raised money for RALLY. I was even able to secure a site for the program with the support of the Hartford Parks and Recreation Department. But on the first day of camp, despite my careful planning, things did not go the way I had hoped they would. Hector and Adrian had tumbled over the net with their racquets brandished like swords, and Hector had staggered to his feet moments later, covering a bloody nose with one hand. Georgie and Eduardo had hurled balls at each other and Melanie had sat down, sobbing for her mom. During reading time, I had raced from sullen child to demanding child, unable to convince even one to open a book. They would rather be watching Nickelodeon at home, Eli told me, than â€Å"learning stupid tennis and reading boring books.† I dragged myself home that first afternoon, tears stinging my eyes, certain that I had failed. But as the initial devastation wore off, I slowly came to the realization that I had better get to work. That evening, I called my volunteers together for a meeting, and with their help, re-designed the entire curriculum. We created a buddy system, where each volunteer paired with a camper to help him or her during reading time. To emphasize praise and progress, we established weekly prize ceremonies, doling out awards for most improved reading, tennis and behavior. Mylea snapped the book shut and asked me, â€Å"Can I take this home? I want to read it to my mom tonight.† Peering up at her eager face, I couldn’t help myself. I jumped to my feet and wrapped her in a hug, lifting her right off the ground. â€Å"It’s all yours,† I said. As I watched Mylea scamper off to the playground and turned to begin my daily loop for cleanup, I felt a ridiculous smile spreading across my face. Somehow, in the midst of the chaos and the schedule changes and the meetings, these children, who had sulked during reading time, untouched books in their laps, had begun to find joy in reading a story. I’ve heard the expression, â€Å"a mind is a terrible thing to waste,† but I witnessed its truth firsthand at RALLY. Disadvantaged children like Mylea do not necessarily lack the desire to learn; often they simply lack the resources to nurture that desire. Solving this issue is an enormous task, but, as I saw at RALLY, there is a lot of transformative power in a little bit of energy and support. I realize that RALLY’s progress didn’t follow the straight road I had anticipated. However, I discovered that with creativity, flexibility and hard work, I can overcome the twists and turns in the road to reach my destination, and help others reach theirs, too. I can’t wait to continue the journey. Untitled free essay sample I grasp the plastic of the fretboard of my ukulele and begin to strum a familiar and comforting melody. I let my mind relax and I get lost in the notes, patterns and rhythm. With my eyes trained to my fingers plucking on the strings, I play the chords from memory. C, A minor, G, F, over and over. The simple song is easy but soothing after a long day at school. I begin to let my mind wander. My obsession with the instrument began with a YouTube video and a Christmas gift. After ten minutes of frustration with my failed attempts at a C chord, I set down the ukulele in the corner of my bedroom, and forgot about it. Six months later, I decided to try again. I spent hours that day learning to play a few basic chords and eventually learning the song Riptide, by Vance Joy. The rest of that week, all I did was play Riptide on an endless loop until I had mastered the song. We will write a custom essay sample on Untitled or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page By the end of the week, I knew I had to find something else to play, so I decided to try Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles. The first time I played through it was a disaster. After spending a few hours failing to learn the song, I again got frustrated and put my ukulele back down in the corner of my room. A few weeks later I realized that I needed to try something in my skill range, not an advanced song. I settled on Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. By the end of the next day, I had that song down as well. Throughout the summer I jumped from song to song, learning to play anything I could get my hands on. I learned songs of varying styles and difficulty. When school started again, I set my ukulele down for the third time, in favor of my quizzes and essays. But soon enough, as the beginning of the year craziness began to die down, I picked up my ukulele again, and haven’t put it down since. Which leads me to now, playing the first song I learned on the ukulele. The rhythm of the song comes so naturally, that I don’t have to think about it. I just let my fingers guide me through the harmonies, blindly moving over the strings on the fretboard. I’ve set aside time everyday for over a year to practice and learn a new song, and my knowledge of the instrument has grown exponentially. Playing the ukulele has become a safe haven in my life, something I can always count on. I can remember nights where I would be sitting at my desk on the verge of tears over an especially hard algebra equation. As soon as I started to feel my shoulders tense, I would take a break. I found myself practicing a new song I had learned the day before, slowly working out the complicated riffs and picking. I spent close to half an hour plucking through the song until I felt calm enough to go back to my homework, and easily breezed through the rest of it. The last time I had used the ukulele as an escape was when my best friend and I had a fight. That day I played my ukulele for so long that I had a blister on thumb from strumming and my hand was cramping. Throughout my playing though, I thought about the argument between my friend and I, and I was able to understand the issue better, and after a week, the song and the argument had smoothed themselves out. The ukulele is a constant in my life, and something I’m proud to say I’ve done by myself. I don’t know what the next year will bring, but I know I can count on the fact that I’ll still be strumming away on my ukulele. Untitled free essay sample And the race is off. One after another, they take their turn with the egg on the spoon, down to the cone and back, careful not to drop the egg. We have a comfortable lead with three kids left to go. We can win this. It is up to me to encourage my last three to victory. â€Å"Come on guys, take your time, we got this!† The final one crosses the finish line and the team jumps to their feet in excitement. â€Å"WE WON!† There is not a face shy of a satisfied smile. The kids in underprivileged Mound Bayou, Mississippi showed me there is nothing greater than seeing a child succeed. I want to help children to accomplish every task set before them. With my education, I will be more equipped to teach, motivate, lead, and inspire children to fulfill the plan God has set for them. Untitled free essay sample I was raised on the notion that arriving on time is arriving late; so, when Representative Smola asked me to be at the State House at ten, naturally I took the 7:30 train. I saunter up the subway steps, my crimson skirt vivid amongst the commuters adorned in shades of blue and gray. I fidget with the pearls on my necklace, ensuring that the clasp is perfectly hidden at the nape of my neck. Am I overdressed? Interrupting my worries, fresh morning air relieves the sweltering musk of the underground as I emerge from the station. Ive arrived an hour early. My destination- the Massachusetts State House- waits for me just across the street from the Boston Common, a square mile of grass and statues designed to give city dwellers a reprieve from urban life. In the center of the Common lies the epitome of those efforts: Frog Pond. I found myself wandering to the Pond, seeking serenity before the first day of my internship, and then every day after that. We will write a custom essay sample on Untitled or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Sometimes I read, more often I wrote, but most of the time I simply sat and thought. Although there are a dozen or so benches around the pond, I always chose the same one. It wasnt like that green, chipped-paint, wooden bench was more comfortable than the others or anything; actually, the reason was more a mental preference than a physical one. My bench sits at the far end of the pond, where the morning sun strains to illuminate just half of the seat. (I always sat on the sunny side.) Behind it lies a carousel. Ive seen it on the weekends, lines of children anxiously awaiting their turn to spin around and around and blissfully ignore the consequent dizziness. But on weekdays, its empty, and extraordinarily bleak. So I would sit, habitually, with my back facing it. I much preferred the view that this bench offered me; across the pond and up the hill, I could see the gilded dome of the State House glistening above the trees. And the pond, well its not so much a pond as a three-inch-deep hole in the ground. But between 9 and 10 on weekday mornings, the pond is remarkably peaceful. Its that golden hour unique to New England summers, when gentle light breathes life into the air. Its quiet, but city quiet, a daytime lullaby of birds chirping, distant horns honking, and incessant conversations humming around me. The cement floor of the pond stares back at me rather than my reflection, and the water is more brownish than blue most of the time. But someone wanted to put a pond where a pond wasnt, and they did. I like that. I sit on my bench, resting against its sturdy, familiar back. Given an hour of uninterrupted time, my mind wanders to strange and sometimes metaphorical places. Behind me is the empty carousel that Im now too old to ride. In front of me, up the hill, is the State House, where Im likely the youngest in the building. And here I am, on my chipped, wooden bench, in front of the artificial pond, literally halfway between my past and my future. Here I am, savoring that final hour before my next adventure. When I look at my watch, its 9:50. So I stand, facing the bench, brushing out my crimson skirt, taking one last breath of the balmy air and one last look at the carousel. And in this moment, its emptiness doesnt look so sad. The sun has reached the golden peak at the top of the carousels tent, and its rays make the pale horses sparkle. The scene is beautifully empty, a memory now embedded in my mind. I turn away from Frog Pond, and step onto the winding, stone sidewalk, starting my journey up the hill. Untitled free essay sample Imagine, an abrupt change; being robbed of everything you knew. A life of confusion, curiosity, and the unknown, something so different from the life you had just yesterday. These are the feelings that consumed me when I was told, â€Å"Mariah, your father is going away for a while.† Okay, so he’ll be back in a few days is what the naive child in me thought. But, those thoughts were to be shattered, when we made the distant trip, to a prison. At the time, I had no understanding of what he did or why we were there, I was just angry and wanted to know why the â€Å"good guys†, were taking away my dad. That day, the life I had known, took an abrupt halt. Anger, fear, and hopelessness, for my future, my life, and my family. A feeling as though there was nothing I could do but give up. We will write a custom essay sample on Untitled or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page But, I felt that I couldn’t be angry and fearful because, I had to be strong for my family. I felt as though, my sister, brother, and mother, were holding a heavier burden than I was. My sister, older than I, was more torn apart, my brother, had the only male in his life taken from him, and my mother, her partner and her husband was gone. I had never considered what it had done to me, I just learned to internalize me fears and my emotions, to help someone in greater need. Taking the trials and tribulations of life, and overcoming its obstacles, was what my family needed to accomplish. It would be over the next few years, that our family would learn to do just that. Not to say, that is wasn’t difficult or came without fault because, it certainly did. After our father went to prison, our entire life was re-rooted. We had a new home, new school and new friends. For anyone, this is a difficult change, but we had the extra weight of the burden we carried. Our new life, consisted of one parent, one income, and one entirely different lifestyle. We not only had to adapt to this, but we had to learn to look beyond economic instability and what other people might think. Everyday, I went to school trying to make new friends, but also fearful of what someone might think of me when they found out about my father. But, why would I be ashamed of the person I love so much? It was a difficult question to maneuver and it took me many years to answer. I realized as I grew older, that everyone had something they were ashamed of, but in actuality, it makes each person someone stronger and more interesting. It was one day in eighth grade, that I decided to share the life I had lived for five years. When I shared with the class, the matters of my fat her in prison and the new life I had to live, they were sympathetic, and understanding. For me, it was more than just that, I felt as though they accepted me even for what my father had done, and it took the burden of hiding it from everyone away from me. Now, with the burden of hiding my father’s faults uplifted, I was able to overcome my reserved and shy personality. With the support of my friends and family, I was able to overcome the coming of the â€Å"unbearable† tribulations of my father getting out of prison. It was at this point, that I would have suspected my guilt and difficulties to have ended. But, it was at this point that my life seemed to become even more difficult. After my father got out of prison, he had to come to the realization that my mom had moved on and had a new person in her life. This angered him and caused a culmination of threats, abuse, and court hearings. It became so violent, that my father had several order of protections against him and my mother feared for her life. At this moment, I no longer saw my father as the loving and kind person he had been, but rather as a â€Å"monster†, someone I was afraid to see or be around. He took the enjoyment of being in my life again, away an d he was sent to prison several more times, and no longer was a part of my life. Throughout the entire ordeal, I never asked for sympathy or saw it as an obstruction to my path of life. I look back at it as a learning experience. It has taught me to look for the good in everything and everyone, to never give up, and to always be determined and optimistic about the future. I was taught to take life as it comes to you, overcome its obstacles, and to always persevere and look beyond the bad, the difficult, and at times the unbearable. It has made me who I am; a strong willed, open minded, non- judgmental, confident, responsible, self achieving person, that never allows anything to get in the way of their aspirations. I have learned to savor the good in life, learn from the bad, and aspire to be someone that will make yourself proud.