Self Assessment Essay Example for Free

Self Assessment Essay â€Å"The greatest success is successful self-acceptance† (Ben Sweet). I am a twenty-seven year old single mother to a two-year-old healthy boy. I was born in Monterey Park, California and raised in the city of El Monte. Growing up, my parents always kept me busy. I danced and performed â€Å"La Quebradita† a Mexican dance and played soccer since the age of six. I attended Nativity Catholic School then graduated from El Monte High School with a GPA of 3. 78. I was involved with student government, sports such as volleyball, soccer, and softball, and received a couple of scholarships upon graduating. I received my Associates Degree from East Los Angeles College in 2008 where I continued my soccer experience by playing for their women’s soccer team. I am the first sibling in my immediate family to try and pursue a college degree. I grew up with a younger sister and brother who look up to me dearly. My parents taught us to stay by each other’s side so we could take on the world together when times got rough. My mom is an instructional aid while my dad works in the construction industry. My parents worked hard to raise and instill good values and morals for their three children. Five of my greatest strengths, which I have acquired throughout the years, are harmony, consistency, significance, discipline, and responsibility. Regardless of my strengths and accomplishments, my greatest challenge in life is successful self-acceptance. I am always pushing myself to do my best to satisfy others rather than myself. I cannot accept myself if others do not approve. Slowly, I am realizing it is impossible to make the whole world happy if I am not truly happy. I am learning to take time for myself and follow through with tasks that make me feel skilled. Furthermore, the best word that describes me is generous. I am an individual who puts others’ needs before my own. For example, if I am driving and stop to buy food, regardless of how hungry I may be, I will kindly give my food away if I see someone who might need it more than I do. I enjoy assisting people without expecting a reward in return. A good deed is a reward within itself. It makes me feel content about my character. In fact, you will never know if one day it will be your turn on the other side of a bad situation. Time is priceless. Many people get caught up in their daily routines and forget about the little things that at one time had a significant amount of importance in their lives. I try to set up my days to make time for family, old friends, new friends, and everything else in between. Keeping open connections with many people can save your life one day. Therefore, there is no such thing as being too generous. You give of yourself what you can, when you can, and however you can in the best way possible. On the other hand, my generosity sometimes gets in the way of the important issues I might have to resolve in a day. There are a few challenges I will have to work at during this program. For instance, learning how to prioritize and stay on task in order to be able to be successful. Particularly, when studying and completing homework is at stake. In fact, I am trying to establish a routine for myself to allow a couple of hours per day on homework so it will not be over whelming. Another challenge I have to work on is my time management skills. Due to my motivation to give my son a better life, I need to learn how to balance my time with my son, schoolwork, and job. On the whole, I want to succeed in raising my son and continue to give him the attention and love he depends upon, finishing my school work so it can be acceptable at the university level, and be well rested to be able to function properly during my job hours. In addition, I would like my professor to know that I am not only motivated but can also be intimidated by the events going on in my life. I am motivated to show people who gave up on me along the way my capabilities as well as for myself. I am determined to finish this cohort with a minimum of a â€Å"B† grade average. However, I am not perfect and there will be times when I oversee an assignment or be overwhelmed. I will do my best to stay on task at all times but in case if I slack off I may need a reminder as to why I am putting in all this effort into obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree. As well as completing my Bachelor’s Degree, I am in the Liberal Studies program because I have a passion for working with children. I believe the early years of a child’s life will determine their future; therefore I want to make their time in school an amazing one they can carry on. I appreciate a child’s laugh, take in a child’s fear, and comfort when it is needed. Young children are always absorbing situations around them. I want to be an honorable role model and learn to be a good communicator. I feel I can learn these concepts by majoring in Liberal Studies. Upon my graduation, my goals are to continue in the field of education. I plan to enroll in the Moderate to Severe Credential program for children with autism. This field requires patience and compassion, which I believe I possess. Next, I am aiming towards my Masters in Education and finally my Administrative credential. I believe with the help of this excellent school, I can achieve my goals in furthering my education.

Colonialism, Imperialism, Symbolism, and Materialism in Heart of Darkness :: Heart Darkness essays

Imperialism, Symbolism, and Materialism in Heart of Darkness In Conrad's Heart of Darkness Marlow, the main character, symbolizes the positiveness of Imperialism. Marlow, as a character realizes the evil that negative Imperialism has caused and decides it is truly unnecessary. When Marlow states, "I had got a heavenly mission to civilize you," he expresses his good intentions to help the Africans progress and advance. Furthermore, when he says, "I was an impostor," Marlow recognizes the fact that he is an invader into a foreign land, yet he sticks to his moral values. Marlow observes many kinds of abuse of power by other whites, simply because they have better weapons of war. When the manager severely battered a young black boy for the burnt shed Marlow disapproves. However, when he sees abuses and unjust treatment he does not physically try to stop it. Instead, he just turns away and accepts that it is happening. That is one of Marlow's flaws, he does not support his convictions. Marlow also symbolizes the uncorrupted men that traveled to foreign lands to help the 'uncivilized' become cultured, but unlike the others Marlow does not become indoctrinated by an alternative motive. He is able to see through the materialistic ideals that had plagued the men before him. Marlow has the open-mindedness and sensitivity that was absent during Imperialism, but doesn't have the courage or power to stop the abuses that where ongoing. Marlow is proof that when confronted a man's evil side can be both informative and perilous. The manager is the epitome of the negative effects of the institution of Imperialism. He is corrupt, uncaring, arrogant and self-centered. He symbolizes the arrogance of Europeans as they encountered native Africans. His good health symbolizes the everlastingness of Europeans who invaded Africa and their ability to continually come to Africa and rape it of its natural resources. He is the true symbol of the evil and cold-heartiness of imperialists. The manager was an illustration of an established imperialist power. He was well settled in, as demonstrated by the fact he controls all the stations. An example of his power over others was when he had the black boy thrashed for the burning of a shed. In addition, he is expansionist and wishes to destroy Kurtz and gain a monopoly on the ivory trade. The manager's discussion with his uncle is yet another example of his ruthlessness and amoralness. Colonialism, Imperialism, Symbolism, and Materialism in Heart of Darkness :: Heart Darkness essays Imperialism, Symbolism, and Materialism in Heart of Darkness In Conrad's Heart of Darkness Marlow, the main character, symbolizes the positiveness of Imperialism. Marlow, as a character realizes the evil that negative Imperialism has caused and decides it is truly unnecessary. When Marlow states, "I had got a heavenly mission to civilize you," he expresses his good intentions to help the Africans progress and advance. Furthermore, when he says, "I was an impostor," Marlow recognizes the fact that he is an invader into a foreign land, yet he sticks to his moral values. Marlow observes many kinds of abuse of power by other whites, simply because they have better weapons of war. When the manager severely battered a young black boy for the burnt shed Marlow disapproves. However, when he sees abuses and unjust treatment he does not physically try to stop it. Instead, he just turns away and accepts that it is happening. That is one of Marlow's flaws, he does not support his convictions. Marlow also symbolizes the uncorrupted men that traveled to foreign lands to help the 'uncivilized' become cultured, but unlike the others Marlow does not become indoctrinated by an alternative motive. He is able to see through the materialistic ideals that had plagued the men before him. Marlow has the open-mindedness and sensitivity that was absent during Imperialism, but doesn't have the courage or power to stop the abuses that where ongoing. Marlow is proof that when confronted a man's evil side can be both informative and perilous. The manager is the epitome of the negative effects of the institution of Imperialism. He is corrupt, uncaring, arrogant and self-centered. He symbolizes the arrogance of Europeans as they encountered native Africans. His good health symbolizes the everlastingness of Europeans who invaded Africa and their ability to continually come to Africa and rape it of its natural resources. He is the true symbol of the evil and cold-heartiness of imperialists. The manager was an illustration of an established imperialist power. He was well settled in, as demonstrated by the fact he controls all the stations. An example of his power over others was when he had the black boy thrashed for the burning of a shed. In addition, he is expansionist and wishes to destroy Kurtz and gain a monopoly on the ivory trade. The manager's discussion with his uncle is yet another example of his ruthlessness and amoralness.

Abdominal Aortic Aneursyms Essay

Aneurysms were first described by the 16th century anatomist and physician Vesalius, who believed they were simply a widening of the vessel (Collin et al 2009). An abdominal aneurysm (AAA) is a condition in which the abdominal aorta (a large blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdominal, pelvis and the lower limbs) becomes large and ballooning leading to the development of several symptoms. The condition more often occurs in males compared to females. It occurs more frequently in above the age 60. When the aortic aneurysm is larger than size, it is more likely to rupture causing life-threating problems. This is a medical emergency requiring critical care. This complication is present in about 20% of the people affected with AAA. Another complication with AAA is aortic dissection in which the innermost membrane of the blood vessel ruptures due to the intense pressure causing blood to be filled within the wall of the artery. The exact cause of the disorder has still not been unders tood clearly, but several risk factors may be present including:- See more:Â  The 3 Types of Satire Essay * Hypertension * High cholesterol levels * Obesity * Emphysema * Genetic factors * Smoking (Albright JL. 2006 & Hallett JW. 2008) Individuals affected with AAA initially may not have any symptoms. Symptoms of the condition usually develop suddenly due to rupture of the wall or breakage of the innermost wall. Sudden rupture of the abdominal aortic aneurysm, often without prior medical warning, is the 13th leading cause of morality in the US (Li, Z 2006). Some of the symptoms that can develop in AAA include:- * Abdominal pain (which may be severe, consistent and radiates to the legs, groin and the buttocks region) * Pulsations in the abdomen & palpitations * Nausea and vomiting * Anxiety and agitation * Abdominal rigidity * Cold and clammy skin * Presence of the abdominal mass * Excruciating pain in the limbs and back, when the AAA ruptures * Fatal outcomes in the case of ruptured AAA(Albright JL. 2006 & Hallett JW. 2008) When the AAA is small in size (less than 5 centimeters), no treatment is required. Antihypertensive may be needed to prevent any further complications from developing. Besides, if the individual has any risk factors that can worsen the condition, it needs to be rectified immediately (such as giving up smoking, weight reduction, lowering cholesterol levels, etc.). Periodic evaluations have been recommended to ensure that any risk can be identified and immediately taken care of (Albright JL. 2006 & Hallett JW. 2008). Surgery is required if the AAA is larger than 5.5 centimeters in size, as the risk for rupture or dissection is present. The Aneurysmal defect is repaired by inserting a surgical graft. This can be performed by two method namely the conventional approach or the endovascular approach. In the conventional approach, general anesthesia is utilized. A surgical incision is made below the breast bone, the aneurysm defect identified, and the graft material sutured in position. The entire procedure takes about 5 hours and a stay of at least a week in the hospital is required. The second approach is the endovascular stent grafting in which regional anesthesia is administered and a catheter is introduced through the femoral artery present in the groin region. This catheter contains the stent graft. It is gradually guided into position using imaging techniques. Once it is position, the stent graft is opened ensuring a stable blood flow. The procedure takes about 3 hours can require a stay of about 3 days in the hospital (Albright JL. 2006 & Hallett JW. 2008). Several imaging techniques play a very important role in diagnosing and treating AAA. These include ultrasound, CT scans and angiography. Abdominal ultrasound is one of the preferred examinations for AAA. Ultrasound of the abdomen is also required following convention surgery to monitor the repaired AAA closely. It is usually performed as an initial imaging modality due to several factors including:- * Portability * Absence of ionizing radiation * Low costs * Easy availability (Radvany MG. 2006) Angiography involves administration of a contrast media into the femoral artery present in the groin region and then taking X-rays to determine the condition of the abdominal aorta. It is very useful before conventional and endovascular surgery for planning. It also seems to be very useful in the case of aortic dissection. However, angiography also carries a few risks including:- * Damage to the artery * Hypotension * Infection of blood vessel * Embolism and clot formation * Bleeding and heart attack (Bentley-Hibbert S. 2007 & Radvany MG. 2006). If the abdominal ultrasound and AAA greater 5 centimeters, than a CT scan of the abdomen is required. The CT scan can better help to plan the surgical intervention as the images provide a lot of detail (including involvement of the renal arteries, size of the aneurysm, amount of calcification, presence of mural thrombi, etc.). The accuracy of CT scans is said to be 100%. They provide a lot of details regarding the size of the aneurysm and also about distal and proximal issues. CT even with contrast media cannot be utilized to study dissection aneurysm or the presence of the extent of mural thrombus. They are also required following endovascular graft surgery for a period of 6 months as a post-procedural follow-up measure (Radvany MG. 2006). MRI scans of the abdomen are required when the side-effects of the contrast media used in other techniques could be potential damaging to the patient (in case of kidney or liver problems) or when radiation is contra-indicated. The images provide a lot of detail and are accurate. However, MRI cannot be performed in individuals with cardiac pacemakers. CT and MRI scanning also have other advantages including:- * Provides details regarding extent of involvement * Determine involvement of major blood vessels (Radvany MG. 2006) Reference list Albright JL. Abdominal aortic aneurysm. Medline Plus. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000162.htm Accessed October 20, 2012. Bentley-Hibbert S. Aortic angiography. Medline Plus. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003814.htm Accessed October 26, 2012. Hallett JW. Aneurysms. 2008. The Merck Manual. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec03/ch035/ch035b.html Accessed October 26, 2012. Li Z. Effects of blood flow and vessel geometry on wall stress and rupture risk of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Journal Of Medical Engineering & Technology [serial online]. September 2006;30(5):283-297. Available from: Computer Source, Ipswich, MA. Accessed October 24, 2012. Radvany MG et al. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Diagnosis. E-Medicine. 2006. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/Radio/topic1.htm Accessed October 24, 2012. Woodrow P. Abdominal aortic aneurysms: clinical features, treatment and care. Nursing Standard [serial online]. August 17, 2011;25(50):50. Available from: Advanced Placement Source, Ipswich, MA. Accessed October 24, 2012.

The stories of Decameron IV, 1 5 and Decameron V, 4 have...

The stories of Decameron IV, 1 5 and Decameron V, 4 have contrasting endings. The disparities of the endings are due to the relationship between social classes and family acceptance. These significant factors led to Decameron IV, 1 5 having a tragic ending. These two stories involved lovers being separated by family members due to social rankings. In Decameron V, 4 the opposite occurred; the father accepted the relationship because the family of the individual was distinguished in society. Decameron IV, 1 consisted of the love story of Ghismunda, a young widow that found a lover, named Guiscardo. Tancredi, the father of Ghismunda, discovers the relationship that his daughter is having with Guiscardo and knows he must punish them. In†¦show more content†¦She dies of grief when her brother takes away the vase. In contrast to these two stories ending tragically, Decameron V, 4 the love story of Caterina and Ricciardo ends on a fortunate note. Caterina’s father, Messer Lizio finds Caterina and Ricciardo naked in bed; contrary to expectations Messer Lizio didn’t become outraged as he by this and reacts with composure. Messer Lizio tells his wife, â€Å"Ricciardo is a noble and a rich young man; we have only to gain from such a match. If he wishes to leave this house with my blessing, he will have to marry her first; thus he shall have put his nightingale into his own cage and not into anybody else’s!† Caterina’s love affair with Ricciardo resulted in a marriage. This was due to Ricciardo having noble standards in society and the family acceptance from Caterina’s parents. The parasitic relationship between love and death is common to the first two stories as we see social ranking and family acceptance resulting in unsuccessful relationships. Society playing a