Peer Pressure, A Silent Destroyer

When people make an assessment of a teaching institution, the usual statistics will show its population size, its average success rate relative to the next high school or next university, and matters relate d to funding and facility. It is due to this that a main problem which I believe has an actual direct effect on the teaching & learning capability institution is missed out on. This problem would mean great impact on the learning curve and capacity of the student to focus and maximize the facilities given by the institution no matter how good they may be.In common terms, we call it peer pressure. I believe in fact that it is because this is so common an experience that people may downplay its actual effect on a student or turn a blind eye to what it can do. In my own experience through earlier years I stood witness to this. It could be something as simple as people being pushed around in the hallway because their growth spurt was late and they were shorter than everyone else. Or, people being teased because their pants were too short or their clothes didn’t match.These issues seem childish and light, however considering the emotional makeup of a growing child or adolescent at this point, these can birth insecurities that scar one’s capacity to bloom later on. Are these incidents common? Absolutely. In fact, it is because they are common that they are missed out on. Schools will focus on building a new gym, or increasing the number of books to be read, or fine tuning the arithmetic and language curriculum. Now, don’t get me wrong. These things are very important in the quality of the individual. However, the school’s output is only one side of the coin.The other side lies in a student’s capability to absorb and focus on the lesson at hand. How can a young individual give his or her best output into utilizing these tools, if he knows that once he steps of the classroom, the bullies will be pushing him against the locker, or t he popular girls just might make fun of her again? Call it a seeming minor detail, but to a student in the growing year, â€Å"fitting in† and â€Å"belonging† can mean everything and certainly much more than a high grade. In my own school environment, my experience was the same. Friends of mine were subject to the similar treatment.It was hard to look at, but then, the feeling at the time was that there was nothing anyone could do about it. I can only imagine how much better they would have done in school if they didn’t have to worry about these things. I’ve seen these things happen in my own world with my own eyes. I’m sure others have as well. In the newspaper or nighttime updates, every now and then we hear stories about a new student killed by fraternity hazing, or a student with a gun in school. The common reaction would be to turn away and say, â€Å"oh that wouldn’t happen in my school.† Or â€Å"gosh, it so dangerous, but go od thing it’s not in the area of my kids†. Really, would that be the same mindset of the parents and students who actually were part of the school community where the event occurred? Looking at online forums on peer pressure, various responses of how the youth today is affected are expressed, particularly the girls. Heavy alcohol drinking, smoking, taking drugs and underage sexual activity are now very widespread in the youth whether or not we agree to believe it, simply because of this desire to be accepted.Conversations among them lie more on what the next person has done or not done, rather than on planning for the future. Many of them will be at parties getting drunk where it is played off as cool. Smoking and drug use are rampant as well. Even the pressure of having sex has grown over years, despite the media’s exposed risk of unwanted pregnancies or STD’s. Friends say it is â€Å"no big deal† and talk about it as if it was just sipping a cup o f tea, and a requirement to be â€Å"normal†. So many of these issues circle the mind of a student, remain unaddressed, and cloud the student’s mind from focusing on what should be the priority at the time.It is true that school facilities are important, however equally needed, is helping the students of today actually focus on using the school to create more of a future for themselves. The question remains though on how this problem can be addressed. True, it will not be an easy task, but if at all an attempt can be made to give students guidance and support during these hears of change, then at least some of them can be given the motivation to go against the grain and not succumb to the whims of peer pressure.Friends are diaries to which we can share and unburden all of our secrets and emotions into. They can be wise and a strong pillar of strength, while at the same time can be sources of wrong influence. If a school can create a positive working environment and enc ourage right experiences and friendships, this would be a tool to help. Family is another factor. For some who have good relationships with family, allowing interaction with them can provide the child to open up and reach out.For those whose families become unbearable, then it basically remains in letting the student have someone to talk to, chat with and trust, and ensuring such person is one who is understanding and capable of meeting the child at his level, whether it be a counselor, coach or friend. The problem does not lie on morals or lessons as these which are instilled in us in earlier youth remain there. The problem is that these very principles that we have prided ourselves in and held on to no longer empower us, as they are overshadowed by the need to ‘fit in’.And as this need grows, then our mind is pushed away from focusing on what matter at the time, namely, studies and improvement of one’s skills for the future. I am thankful that somehow I made it through those years and continually make the effort to grow. My only hope is that children of the future can be given more support, that they may surpass these obstacles with more grace than many of my friends did, and focus earlier on working on their goals and dreams for their future.

The story of DDT and Malaria (History Essay) Essay - 1

The story of DDT and Malaria (History ) - Essay Example At the end of World War II the technological advancements that were a product of the war began to filter into the commercial economy. The growing demand for food brought about the need for chemicals to grow, preserve, and package food products as agriculture moved from the family farm and into large-scale operations. This era witnessed the introduction of DDT at a time when its long-term effects were unknown, and in 1950 the US House of Representatives opened hearings to investigate the use of chemicals and additives to food products.3 In 1962 Rachel Carson wrote her landmark book Silent Spring, which brought about public scrutiny in regards to the safety of the fertilizer, insecticide, and pesticide programs that were being used in domestic agriculture. Since that time the US has escalated their drive to monitor the use of chemicals in the food chain and have maintained a policy of the evaluation and licensing the use of hazardous chemicals with the goal of creating safer consumer p roducts. While this policy has brought thousands of products under the scrutiny of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), DDT was one of the first and most visible victims of this program. During the 1950s the World Health Organization (WHO) pursued a policy of widespread use of DDT in Asia, Latin America, and Africa in an effort to eliminate the mosquitoes that transmitted the deadly disease of malaria. By 1971 the WHO estimated that as many as 1 billion people had been freed from the risk on contracting malaria.4 However, there were dangers lurking in the shadows of this success. Because there was a chance of the insects building up a resistance to DDT over time, it was necessary to spray the infected areas on a regular and diligent schedule. In addition, the WHO failed to account for several variables that worked against the program. Local bureaucratic governments failed to spray regularly, infected individuals imported the disease,

Combating Compassion Fatigue Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Combating Compassion Fatigue - Essay Example Work related signs of compassion fatigue include frequent absenteeism from work, reduced empathy towards the patients and avoidance in dealing with certain patients. Serious signs of compassion fatigue include feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, gastrointestinal complaints, and hypertension (Miller, 2012). Physical exhaustion that is also referred as burnout is an initial sign of compassion fatigue. Some signs of physical exhaustion include irritability, feelings of anxiety and excessive emotional numbness. Other signs that accompany burnout include difficulty in sleeping and reduced empathy. Some causes of burnout include the attitudes towards work such as the caregiver’s beliefs and attitudes towards the complex patients and lack of peer support (Hayes, 2009). This phase is usually preceded by idealism whereby the caregiver is always committed to working hard with little time for relaxation. The caregiver usually accepts many responsibilities and forms close relations hips with peers. The physical exhaustion is evidenced by both emotional and behavioral symptoms of the caregiver. The emotional signs include a decline in the sense of accomplishment while behavioral signs include withdrawal from responsibilities and alcohol abuse (Figley, 2002). The second concept of compassion fatigue is characterized by emotional exhaustion. Some warning signs include unreasonable expectations, and lack of emotional control whereby the caregiver is easily frustrated by lack of money or difficult patients (Figley, 2002). The caregiver usually experiences nightmares, and increased psychological arousal that leads to grief and sadness. Some other visible signs include changes in assumptions, decline in intimacy and detachment from social groups (Figley, 2002). The other concept of compassion fatigue is apathy which is the lack of interests or concern for patients or family members. The caregiver usually feels hopeless and isolated from the rest of society (Miller, 2 012). The caregiver will exhibit an active avoidance of all care giving situations and emotional disengagement even towards close relatives like spouses. The fourth concept of compassion fatigue for caregivers is depression. This is mainly caused by traumatic memories. Some warning signs of depression include constant memory flashbacks of traumatic events, feeling cynical, difficulties in sleeping and irritability of the caregiver (Figley, 2002). The last concept of compassion fatigue for caregivers is impaired judgment (Miller, 2012). Some warning signs for impaired judgment of the caregiver include constant absenteeism from work, low self-esteem and avoiding attending to difficult patients. Physical exhaustion and emotional disillusionment coupled with negative attitudes towards work will contribute to impaired judgment of the caregiver. The long-term effects of compassion fatigue include drug and alcohol abuse, diminished sense of personal accomplishments and reduced sense of per sonal control and safety (Figley, 2002). The caregiver may also experience somatic symptoms such as sweating, pains, headaches, and impaired immune system (Hayes, 2009). Some of causes of physical exhaustion include stressful work whereby the caregiver tries to accomplish many roles within limited resources. Other causes include

Euro-Definition, History, & Facts Research Paper

Euro-Definition, History, & Facts - Research Paper Example Part II presents the effects of the euro in international business and trade as the second largest currency in the world economy. It also looks into the use of the euro outside the euro area and the Iranian Oil Bourse. Part III presents differing views on the effects of the euro on the economies of the member states in the euro area. It also presents the effects of the euro on the different stock markets of the member states. Empirical data on the effects of the euro are discussed in Part IV, presenting data from 2002 to June of 2006. Parts VI and VII look into the stand of the United Kingdom (UK) on the adoption of the euro. It discusses the criteria set by the UK which the euro has to pass before its adoption. Also discussed are the possible effects should the UK adopt the euro, presenting the different sides of the issue. The European single currency may trace its origins back to the vision of an even more united Europe enjoying economic prosperity, where the people, services, capital, and goods move freely across member countries. This was first translated into words in the Treaty of Rome in 1957. The Marjolin Memorandum, a European Commission document, issued in 1962, was the first Memorandum to open possibilities toward Community level "economic and monetary union". The idea of a distinct monetary identity once again surfaced in the Barre Plan submitted by the European Commission in 1969. Taking this vision a step further, the Single European Act (1986) and the Treaty on European Union (1992) introduced the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), the third phase of which begun with the setting of the exchange rates of the different currencies (European Central Bank, 2004). Also, the proponents of the Single European Act introduced the Single Market which is seen to promote greater economic integration among member states. However, it is seen that this can only be fully achieved with a single currency. A single currency is expected to ensure price transparency, eradicate exchange rate risks, reduce transaction costs and ultimately increase the economic development of the euro area. (European Central Bank, 2006) Also, having been beset with poor economic growth since the 1970s, the launch of the euro as the single currency of the EMU member states was expected to address the causes of the problems of high inflation, high interest rates, and unsustainable public finances which are characteristics of exceedingly regulated and fragmented markets. The EMU was expected to pave the way for greater macroeconomic stability and improved economic efficiency in the euro area. (European Commission DG-EFA, 2004). On 01 January 1999, the common currency is adopted by Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, and Finland, with Greece subsequently joining on 01 January 2001Two years hence, on 01 January 2002, euro notes and coins were introduced.  Ã‚  

Criminal Law U5IP Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Criminal Law U5IP - Research Paper Example in interstate commerce through a pattern of racketeering activity; 3) participating in the conduct of a business engaged in interstate commerce through a pattern of racketeering activity, and 4) conspiring to violate any of the above (section 1962). In order for a RICO claim to succeed the plaintiff must show that the conduct of the enterprise or business is through a pattern of activity connected to racketeering. Prior to the enactment of the RICO Act it was difficult to combat racketeering activities (Batista 2007). It was only possible to convict lower ranking members in the rackets as they were directly involved in illegal activities. This meant that racketeering activities still affected businesses and the economy as the higher ranking members were harder to prosecute since they were not directly connected with the illegal activities. The RICO Act provides prosecutors with a tool to fight organized crime (McNeill 2009). The RICO Act is remarkably effective in combating organized crime as it does not require proving that the suspect committed an illegal act but rather that the individual owns or manages an enterprise that regularly conducts an illegal activity prohibited by the Act (Batista 2005). The RICO Act is given a ve ry wide interpretation, and as such legal issues will always arise out of its interpretation and application. The RICO criminal defense practice will, therefore, remain relevant as long as the Act is in use. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), Title IX of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, Pub. L. No. 91-452, 84 Stat. 941 (Oct. 15, 1970), codified at 18 U.S.C. Ch. 96,

Super Keyword Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Super Keyword - Research Paper Example However, other languages have a liberal approach, which allows redefinition of keywords for purposes. Keywords refer to identifiers or symbols which stand for functions or variables. This means that keywords have a characteristic of self evaluating and self quoting interned in the KEYWORD package. They have their application in labeling named opinions to functions, and they represent symbolic values (Savinov, 2008). Programming languages vary on the provision of keywords and library routine. For instance, some languages have provisions for keyword output or input operations, while other languages offer library routine. Languages such as Python and Basic dialect use, print, as a keyword, while Lisp and C use, format and printf, in their standard library. When a programmer applies keywords to functions or variables name, this triggers a compilation error. Most of the current editors have keywords automatically set in different text color for the purposes of indicating that they are key words. Super keywords have their definition and application in Java, where they play a crucial role during inheritance. Programmers use super keywords when accessing members of the super class. Super keywords have their application when a subclass needs to define or refer to an immediate super class. The super keyword can be invoked when a method overrides one of the super class’s methods. The super keyword in this case can be invoked to override the method. As a result, the super keyword in java indicates the super class of the classes in which the super keyword has recently been used (Leahy, 2011). Super keywords are also standalone statements used in calling the constructor of super classes in the base class. The super keyword has two forms. The first form calls the super class constructor, while the second form accesses members of the super class that have been hidden by members of a subclass. A super keyword can be illustrated as; Public class Super class { Public void p rintMethod () { System.out.println (â€Å"printed in Superclass.†); } } Purpose of the Super Keyword The super keyword can be used when referring to a hidden field. This will enable the access of hidden variable data of the original class. For instance, class A has two instance variables; float b and int a. Class B, expands to class A, and it has its own data members with similar names, (a) and (b). In this instance, class B will be hiding the variables in class A. The super keyword is used in accessing the hidden variables. This can be done by using the super.member; syntax. This gives the super keyword a function of identifying the super class of its identifiable subclass. In this case, members can take the form of an instance variable or a method (Leahy, 2012). The program will display (a) in super class 1 and (a) subclass 2. The instance variable (a) in B conceals the (a) in A, hence; super keyword allows access to (a) defined in the super class. Therefore, the super keyw ord can be used in calling methods hidden by a subclass. Another purpose of the super keyword is in calling class constructors. Super keywords are used when calling super constructors in a subclass. This is done using the super(parameter-list); syntax. The parameter list includes parameters that the constructor needs in the super class. For instance, the super keyword can be used to cite a super class constructor. The mountain bike can be considered as a subclass of a

Irish Educational System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Irish Educational System - Essay Example This is a situation that could escalate unless dealt with. They also say though that the situation is so variable from place to place that it is difficult to generalize either as to the current situation or ways to deal with any problems. The Irish educational system is many ways very similar to that found in other western European countries. It provides primary, secondary, further and higher or tertiary education with children spending 6 hours a day or more in school 5 days a week, a high proportion of a child's waking hours, though they spend even more time out of school than in it. Nevertheless it has a massive influence upon the way children think and behave, especially if the values a child finds at school are reflected in their family and in the wider society. Education is compulsory for those between the ages of 6 and 15, though many 5 year olds attend school and further and higher education is on the increase, with some 50 per cent of students going on from school to further studies varying from adult literacy courses and those for the unemployed to formal university courses. Education in primary schools follows the 1999 Primary School Curriculum as described on the Irish Education web site. This curriculum document is unusual in educational circles in that it does not provide a religious curriculum, but leaves this to the churches that control the various schools. Its aim is to make the most of each individual's character:- as it is expressed in each child's personality, intelligence and potential for development. It is designed to nurture the child in all dimensions of his or her life -- spiritual, moral, cognitive, emotional, imaginative, aesthetic, social and physical... This idea of making the best of each child is contained within the Constitution of Ireland as laid down in 1937. In article 41 section 1 it states clearly that the people of Ireland feel that the family is 'the primary and natural educator of the child' and that it is both the right and the duty of parents to see that their child recieves an education religious, moral, intellectual, physical and social. There is provision for education at home, but rather oddly no minimum standards for this are laid down, though there is provision for the state to see that a child recieves education when , for whatever reason, the parents are unable to do this. If one looks at the curriculum in an Irish Primary School it is clear that social education is given its place alongside such traditional subjects as mathematics, languages and science. In fact it appears twice in the list provided on the Education Ireland web site. There are a number of different types of primary school - state-funded primary schools, special schools and private primary schools. State funded schools include religious schools, non-denominational schools, multi-denominational schools and Gaelscoileanna i.e schools which operate in the Irish language, but which are outside the usual Gaeltacht, i.e. the area where Gaelic is the first language. Social education is linked to environmental studies and science as well as to personal and health education. It is of course in the earliest years of a child's school life that correct behavior and values must be reinforced if a positive school career is