My First Breath free essay sample

I am a teenage girl. But I am not an average teenage girl; I do not participate in the sleepovers where we paint each other’s nails, talk about boys, and watch Legally Blond, I do not go to the mall hoping to find those fabulous shoes on sale, and I do not get manicures. I am still repulsed to this day by the color pink and I shiver at the idea of a classic ‘girls night out.’ I want to sit by the river and discuss whether there is meaning to life or if we create our own meaning. I want to lie on the grass in a T-shirt and shorts, dig my toes into the grass, and play â€Å"New Slang† on my Acoustic Trans Blue Ibanez. I want to put a basketball in my hands, scrimmage with a friend, and make layup after layup. I want to curl up on the couch in front of a blazing fire, wrap myself in a fleece blanket and lose myself in the world of dragons, Harry Potter, or Richard Feynman. After the long walks and the crackling of fires, enter Math and Science, stage left. There’s nothing like knowing that 300 trillion neutrinos are passing through us every second to get you going in the morning. Who needs coffee when you have the perfect quadratic equation to factor or the mass of our solar system to calculate? I was raised to live and fight in a household where annihilation was a daily possibility. I entered the family picture as an uh-oh baby, at least six years behind my other six siblings. Throughout my entire childhood, food was hard to come by, with half a dozen ravenous teenagers constantly tipping the refrigerator upside-down to find the last scrap, devouring the stuffing and yams before it even reached me, and either stuffing all of the cake down their throats or into each other’s faces. But with the clothes of my sisters and brothers on my back, I grew older and stronger. As a twelve-year-old and a legitimate middle schooler, the last of my siblings filtered out of the house and forged ahead in her life. The house grew cold and barren when it wasn’t filled to the brim with hormonal teenagers and babies. A year later, the house ached with sorrow when it grew emptier still with the departure of my dad. A couple of judges, courtrooms, divorce decrees, and years later, my mom and I trekked up to Idaho for my sophomore year. New friends, new faces, new opportunities. I was brought to life in the middle of my junior year. This was the point when I became self-aware for the very first time. It is as if everything before that was a blur, an empty space, and a blank canvas. I do not remember most of my childhood, including the long, thin, and mysterious scar seared on my stomach or the warm embrace of my parents. I remember my pink, stucco house, the bunk bed in my room, my ever-rotating pack of family dogs, my siblings continually filtering in and out of the house, and the constant lack of food in the kitchen, but I don’t remember breathing. I don’t remember taking that one satisfying breath that testified to the fact that I am alive. I didn’t take my first breath until I was sixteen. I was notified one day after school that my friend had tried to kill herself; I would never look at a bottle of Tylenol the same way ever again. I didn’t understand the severity of that act. I didn’t visualize my friend grasping the bottle and emptying it into her stomach. I didn’t feel the pain and loneliness one must feel in order to commit such a desperate act. I didn’t think of her swallowing the pills one by one. Then†¦ I did. I did understand; I did visualize it; I did feel the pain. Halfway through a layup (literally), I stopped and shattered. The weight of my parents’ divorce slammed into me with full force. My mind slowly started to retreat and crawl into ‘the cave.’ That dark, moist cavern that became my home where I hid from the world, and myself. My trust, my soul, and my existence were painfully destroyed and I was left to rebuild the rubble. A warm, welcoming, and forgiving hand rested on my shoulder and helped me pick up the small pieces that were my essence. One by one, I pinched the small pebbles with my thumb and forefinger, carefully laid them back in place and continued the slow, necessary process. Months passed and the constricting snake, wrapped tigh tly around my chest, loosened with reluctance. I remember the feeling, that incredible sensation of the first breath because I now experience it everyday. The snake shed its skin, ate its fill, unwound itself from my body, slithered down my leg and kept gliding down the path. The pressure released from my lungs and oxygen flooded my system. Now, I repeat the practice with control and patience. I close my eyes and the rich, plentiful, and beautifully clean air slowly and steadily fills my lungs, filling every rib’s crack and organ’s crevice until I can take no more. I inhale until a fire is raging in my lungs and my body rejects even a molecule more of air. Then I hold it in. I keep the sensational air inside me, refusing to release this miracle; a miracle that is taking place inside my very soul. The air rushes into my blood stream and creates life. Those rejuvenating air molecules mix with my red blood cells and reenact the Big Bang. It takes two to tango, and the duo’s performance is inspirational. The oxy gen and the blood embrace and guide the way. I am powerless to resist their lead. Then, after letting the energy sink into all of my bones, my skin, my toes, my fingernails and lastly, my heart, I relinquish the air. It steadily drifts from my body. I am alive. And every day, after repeating that magical ritual between brushing my teeth and washing my face, I am reminded of that. Life is good with a guitar in my hands and a fresh supply of air.

Racism - The Future Essays - Discrimination, Racism, Hatred

Racism - The Future Racism People see it everyday across America. A group of whites burn down a black church, someone gets hurt or murdered from a racial slur, or fights break out at school or in public. These are the extremes of racism. Racism is definitely not a good thing, it's a power that has taken over through the last two years. In doing research on Racism, I hope that my feelings towards blacks would improve and they have. What will the future bring for Racism? What are the main problems of racism? Can we get a hold on racism throughout America or will we self-destruct in our own hate? Racism is everywhere, as much as today tries to hide it or say that we resolved it forty-to-fifty years ago. Racism is still all over the place. Racism first showed it teeth in America, when the segregation of blacks and whites came along. The segregation shut down all activities or actions from whites and blacks. It absolutely separated whites and blacks from being close to each other in public and blacks having no rights. Then the movement took place when Rosa Parks wouldn't give up her seat to a white man on a bus. At the time she was tired of the treatment her and fellow African-Americans were getting. She said she was tired and on this fateful day she bgan the turning wheels of the Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Movement took place and gave blacks their future as they have now. It gave them the freedom that they deserved and needed. They were given the ability to vote; not having to be separated in such insane ways against whites, as they were. Positive helpers in the role of black's rights were Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. King had a dream that little black boys and girls would be able to join hands with little white boys and girls. His dream came true. On April 4th 1968, King was leaving his motel room. When he was shot and killed (Schulke). 2 Everybody knows what racism is, but there are so many other factors that tie in with racism. If someone is a racist they are of course, prejudice. Prejudice is when someone doesn't like someone for the way they look. A big problem with racism is many live in racist conditions and don't even see it. It flies right over their heads. Schools, the workplace, our community, our friend's house, even our homes. We hear a racial slur, oh well, it's just a joke. Hardly. If you think racist joke are harmless than you should take a reality check. Racist jokes are just the start of it. Many people think the jokes are funny. Maybe they are, but they still hurt the people the jokes are about. Some of the worst racists are the ones who think that they are not racist, and they really are. They really have to come to grips with reality. Why are they some the worst racists? They are, because they can't comprehend what is happening. They don't realize what they are saying and doing are racist. Until t hey come to grips with it, there is no problem. No problem, in their minds. They say that they aren't racist, even when they don't hire the East Indian employee who was the most qualified of the candidates. Even when the basketball team that they coach is all white. And even the time when they moved from their seat at the movie theater because of the black person next to them. Well, gee, they could have been a criminal. A robber from "the hood." After all, isn't that what most of "them" are. No one deserves to be prejudged like that. The prejudice of people in the world is disgusting. The worst part of it all is that they don't even know that they are doing it. They think it's normal behavior, it doesn't even phase them when they do it. Born of the civil rights movement three decades ago, affirmative action calls for minorities and women to be given special consideration in employment, education and contracting decisions. In its modern form, affirmative action

Types Of Sports Related Concussion Essay Example For Students

Types Of Sports Related Concussion Essay When one hears â€Å"concussion,† he is quick to imagine a boxer, a football player, a soccer player, or other athletes. Concussions can occur in other situations but because of the frequency of sports related concussions, these are studied more closely. The two general categories are sports-related concussion (SRC), which occurs while engaged in game-like situations, and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), which occurs outside the sports arena, such as a car accident. Concussions result in numerous short term and long term physical and psychological symptoms as a result of physical damage to the brain in people of all ages. Physiologically, SRCs and mTBIs result in similar damage to the brain. We will write a custom essay on Types Of Sports Related Concussion specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Within the protective skull, the brain floats in a substance called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which cushions and allows the brain some resilience against mild forces. When one experiences blunt force trauma to his head, the brain moves within the CSF and hits the rough walls of the interior of the cranium. The brain matter can then twist, stretch, and rotate, damaging or completely destroying neurons of the brain. The neurons can be squeezed and be unable to cause an action potential in the next neuron. â€Å"It has become clear that, in the minutes to days after concussive brain injury, brain cells that are not irreversibly destroyed remain alive but in a vulnerable state.† This vulnerable state can lead to damage that would normally have no effect on a healthy neuron. Also, in this vulnerable state, second impact syndrome becomes a risk that must be carefully guarded against. As the name suggests, second impact syndrome occurs when a young person (usually an athlete), receives another blow to the head within a few days or weeks of the his origi. .ckily, these same researchers found that â€Å"†¦concussed athletes in team sports seem to have fewer long term problems.†7 This follows logically from the previous findings that an individual athlete feels more hopeless than a team sport athlete. A supportive group hoping for a patient’s recovery can boost mental health, which can prevent a decrease in physical health. This is vital for those who have had numerous brain injuries in the past. Concussions, whether from sports-related events or not, cause both short and long term psychological effects as the result of physical damage for people of varying ages. Brain injuries are not to be taken lightly and should be treated with the utmost care. A person only gets one brain and whether they are a professional athlete or not, they will need it for the rest of their lives. Hopefully, it is psychologically sound by the end.

Eradication of Marijuana essays

Eradication of Marijuana essays The use of illicit drugs is subject to much public concern and contention. Of the most popular and widely used is marijuana. Derived of the plant Cannabis sativa, the growing acceptance of marijuanas medicinal purposes as well as the continuing government campaign against drugs has created a renewed awareness of marijuana. By definition, marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug; considered a soft drug, it consists of the dried leaves of the hemp plant; smoked or chewed for euphoric effect1. In the past thirteen years, the number of people fifteen or older, who have used the drug, has nearly doubled in Canada2. The debate over legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana in Canada has been on-going since 19723, but still there has been no verdict. There have been several debates between the political parties about legalizing marijuana, but at this time there are still significant concerns about the issue and the focus has been on the eradication or limiting the use of marijuana. While the social views and border policies will potentially serve to lower the criminal rates of marijuana use, it is the judicial system and government of Canada that will ultimately determine its role in Canadian society. It is this area which truly reflects the concerns about marijuanas effect on the nation as a whole, either as a harmful substance leading to greater crimes or as an accepted drug of choice, like alcohol. An examination of each of the three areas, including border policies, influences of lobby groups and foreign nations, current laws and social outlooks will determine that the push for eradication of marijuana use is the direction the Canadian government needs to go in order to limit or accept this drug into society. Canadas first object that has played a small role, but has had an impact in reducing the use of marijuana in Canada, is society. Lobby groups all over Canada have been educating people on the risks of mar...

A simple convenient DNA collection and storage method for GWAS Essay

A simple convenient DNA collection and storage method for GWAS analysis using FTA - Essay Example Fujita (2006). It comprises of a cellulose-based matrix containing chemicals for cell lysis and nucleic acid preservation.   The chemicals are activated when a biological fluid contacts the surface.   An additional feature of this chemical treatment is bacterial and viral inactivation.   Not only are the biosamples protected from microbial growth contamination, but the user is also protected from any potential biohazards present in the biosample.   These features make FTA paper an ideal medium for transporting bioamples at room temperature without the requirement of a biohazard shipping label. FTA paper is a commonly used substrate for DNA storage in a number of industries such as pharmaceutics, law enforcement, agriculture and governmental regulatory agencies.   This medium has been available commercially for a number of years by Whatman Inc., who have demonstrated that DNA stored on FTA paper has a long, useful lifetime.   In fact, suitability for use of DNA recovered from up to seventeen year-old biosamples in human identification assays has been demonstrated, inarguably. and aniline dyes; or liver tumours and vinyl chloride). The high prevalence of limb malformations in newborns in the late 1950s was ultimately found to be due to the mothers’ ingestion of thalidomide during pregnancy. German National Ethics Council (2004). However genetic epidemiology studies not individuals but population groups. Biobanks serve as large molecular repositories where a large amount of data in the form of DNA from diverse sources can be compared. For example, the United Kingdom BioBank intends to archive the genetic material of 5,00,000 individuals as mentioned in UK Biobank literature. Large series of samples from donors (several hundred to several thousand) with a given multifactorial hereditary condition – such as hypertension, cancer, diabetes, asthma or epilepsy – are compared with corresponding series from healthy donors. The

Undertake an examination of the Marketing Environment of the UK book Essay

Undertake an examination of the Marketing Environment of the UK book retailing market - Essay Example y, being a highly competitive sector, also seems to have taken the cues and is bracing itself up in order to comply with the phenomenal rate of globalisation. According to the findings of Miyamoto and Whittaker (2005), â€Å"major UK publishers have been absorbed to huge media conglomerates, for instance, which pursue strategies to maximise profit through leveraging synergy effects of the publishing business and other media businesses on a global scale† (Miyamoto & Whittaker, 2005, P. 1). Owing to the basic fact that most business interests are centred on the need to maximise stakeholders’ value as well as corporate profit, British publishers are inclined towards inculcating this philosophy into their corporate goals. It is interesting to note that the UK market has gradually transformed from being cooperative to one that is predominantly free and competitive (Miyamoto & Whittaker, 2005, P. 3), and as a result the market characteristics have also changed. In the present business context, the British publishing industry is driven by corporate philosophy, its primary objective being the pursuit of individual profit. The British publishing industry has been observed to have a rich heritage as â€Å"publishing guilds were formed in London by the 14th century, and developed with the progress of the printing techniques in the middle of the 15th century† (Miyamoto & Whittaker, 2005, P. 3). London plays an important role in shaping the course of business for this industry as far as the UK is concerned as most of the functions that are associated with this industry are concentrated in this area. The UK also precedes most other economies in terms of crucial developments that were made to this profitable industry and this may be justified by the fact that â€Å"the division of firms in the value chain of the publishing industry was formed in the UK by the middle of the 19th century† (Miyamoto & Whittaker, 2005, P. 4). The UK publishing as well as book retail industry has gone

Policy Process Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Policy Process Paper - Essay Example pts are presently being made to counteract the serious problems associated discrimination with youth justice and the following will explore how ending discrimination within the youth justice system can improve the overall operation of the criminal justice system. Discrimination is often described as the prejudicial treatment of others based upon certain real or perceived characteristics. It is generally done on the basis of race, colour, sex, age, language, sexual orientation, religion and disability. Negative terminology within the Youth Service System can lead to discrimination and ensuing levels of oppression towards youth. Labeling is a negative term which means defining someone based upon their appearance or behaviour (real or perceived). A young man with a Mohawk haircut could be labeled as a punk or skinhead solely based on the style of his hair. From a youth justice perspective, a young black man may be subject to more stops and searches by police, and be labeled as more likely to engage in crime, due to the colour of his skin (the UK’s Home Office reports that black and Asian men were more likely to be stopped and searched by police than their white counterparts, see Statistics on Race and the Criminal Justice System, 2006). Discrimination within the Youth Justice System can take a variety of forms. Visible minority youth (black, Asian or other) may be subject to more random police stop and searches, may be less likely to be cautioned by a magistrate and may face higher rates of incarceration. In a study commissioned to look at race and the criminal justice system – not solely the youth system – it was determined that although black residents account for 2% of the population aged 10 and over in England and Wales, their rates of incarceration stand at 12% of the total prison population. This is a whopping and disproportionate 600% increase relative to their total population size! Accordingly, black and Asians are more likely than whites to be