A Short Story By O’ Henry Essay

Themes: Death and Dying: Last leaf is a short story that entails the treasury of life and the existence of faith and hope. It need to the importance of living and how we deal with the hindrances we battle through our life story. It is a moving story across the traps that come across us in the most significant parts of our lives, the value of life is the centerpiece of story, where all the things go back and revolve†¦Apart of this story gives us a hint that God is the only one who knows that whether we ride on with life and chances or trail on and be drawn against the judgment, the melodramatic and picturesque setting of the story connects to the negative status of main character facing life and death subject matter. Pessimism: Johnsy the main character seems to be a very pessimistic person. She has lost the entire positive attitude in life due to her disease and she is waiting for her death. â€Å"Your little lady has made up her mind that she’s not going to get well. Has she anything on her mind† That is the first step of Jhonsy that she has made up her mind that she will die when the last leaf fall. That signifies the mental and psychological conditionn of her and is describing the theme of pessimistic. â€Å"She was looking out of window and counting -counting backwards† The psychological disturbances shown by O’ Henry in these lines as she is tired of waiting that when the last leaf falls, she will be near to death. â€Å"When the last one falls I must go, too.† Here in these lines Henry has showed extreme pessimism. It is the last one, said Johnsy â€Å"I thought it would surely fall during the night. I heard the wind. It will fall today, and I shall die at the same time.† These words literated by jonsy again show her desperate and chaotic state of mind. She has supposed the things which have no logic and waiting for her death, or waiting for the last leaf to fall. Self-Sacrifice: Mr. Behrman risks his life for Johnsy. He has sacrificed his own life, to give life to Johnsy the painting he made at the wall, shows his self sacrificing, kind and noble nature. He himself catches the pneumonia and  dies, but he didn’t let Johnsy to die. With the character of Mr. Buhrmann, O’ Henry is showing the sacrificing mature of a man and it gives us a message that self sacrificing is a great deed and one has to kind and gentle towards others. â€Å"Mr. Buhrmann died of pneumonia today in hospital.† Hope: Theme of hope is very nicely presented in this story. Doctor is a very optimistic person and he tries to make Johnsy realized that is she has made her mind that she will die when the last leaf fall that could be harmful for her. He told her that he can only provide her medicine and that is effective as 50 cent, the next situation is in her hand. â€Å"I subtract 50 percent from the curative power of medicines.† If you will get her to ask one question about the new writer styles in cloak sleeves I will promise you one-in-five chance for her, instead of† So O’ Henry conveys message one never let go for hope and optimist approach in life. It is out state of mind which can bring worse or better for us in our lives â€Å"Sadie, someday I hope to point the bay of Naples† These lines show Johnsy’s desires and aspirations. It gives the picture of hope and this hope in life gives us the spirit of living in this world. Love and Friendship: In last leaf O’ Henry describes friendship and bondage between two friends. They care and love each other, and she supports Johnsy morally when she falls ill. She proves to be great support for Johnsy and she tries her level best to bring back Johnsy towards life and in the world of optimism. â€Å"Dear, Dear!† said she, learning her won face down to the pillow † think of me, if you won’t think of yourself. What would I do?† These lines show the effective relationship between two friends. Mr. Behrman also shows great deal of love for these girls. Although he is bit careless person but he really cared for Johnsy and his love is shown by his painting for the sake of Johnsy’s life. What is the theme of The Last Leaf by O Henry? The theme of this story is definitely self-sacrifice. Mr. Behrman sacraficed his own health for Johnsy. — One theme of this story is that you should never judge someone by what they appear to be, but by their actions. Behrman acts fierce and aggressive, but his actions show how much he cares about Johnsy. I learned to judge people, not by their looks, but by their actions, because ultimately, actions are the things that make an impact — Passion, hope and personal sacrifice. O Henry gives people hope in a quickly transforming world where big bussinesses and technology were taking over artsy New York. it is about the love between those friends

Congress grills execs on ‘cascade of failures’ behind Gulf oil spill

On 15th may 2010, Congress conveyed a meeting with executives from BP, Transocean and Halliburton companies, and the executives were grilled on why better measures were not put in place to stop oil spewing along the Gulf of Mexico. Congress demanded an explanation for the â€Å"cascade of failures† behind the spillage, concentrating mostly on the vital events at the deep-sea wellhead just before a blast devoured the rig and set off an appalling rapture.BP America chairman, MacKay Lamar said that their main obligations were to stop the spillage, clean up the mess and compensate the impacts of the spillage but not to play a blame game with the partners. Policymakers compared the tragedy to some historical catastrophes from sea to space. The hearing was also attended by environmentalists who were clad in black T-shirts saying â€Å"Energy shouldn’t cost lives† with some wearing black teardrops symbolizing agony caused by the spillage.Chairman of the Energy and Natur al Resource committee, Jeff Bingaman, said that they were likely to discover a cascade of failures and technological and human and regulatory errors if the calamity was anything like other catastrophic failures of technological systems in modern history. Senator Murkowski admonished that everyone one was intertwined in the process of trying to shut off the leakage and finding a safer way of exploiting energy.She added that the incident has reminded everyone that production of energy is never without risks or environmental costs. Murkowski added that if operators are found to have violated the law they will not be excused. Failure to cap the spillage has caused anxieties everywhere from congress to the Louisiana beach which is anticipating the hurricane season. Congress required pledges that BP and its partners would pay what could amount to billions in economic and environmental reparation.The spillage is thought to have been caused by a methane gas surge from deep within the well. The executives did not disclose why a heavy â€Å"mud† compound was replaced with much lighter sea water thereby reducing the wells’ downward pressure. MacKay told congress that a key piece of safety equipment suitably called blowout preventer which was owned by Tranoacen failed to work. Steven Newman the president of Transocean disclosed that Halliburton was in the process of tipping cement into the pipe to plug it but the final cap had not yet been put in place.Tim Probert, the executive that was representing Halliburton indicated that his company followed BPS drilling plan, industrial practices and federal regulations. Work cited Harry, R. , Matthew Daly and Frederic J. Frommer. â€Å"Disasters†. 11th may 2010. Fox News. 24 May 2010

The Economic Impact of Race and Gender in Relationship to differences Essay

The Economic Impact of Race and Gender in Relationship to differences Occupations - Essay Example According to the 2007 census, the blacks appeared to have invested significantly in businesses. The census marked a rise of 60.5% to close to 1.9 million black managed businesses. This shows that blacks are innovative. They do not wait for opportunities to come their way they go for the opportunity. The black business areas of concern included: health care and social assistance; repair department; maintenance department; and personal and laundry service sectors. Their involvements confirm that the black’s level of education is low. Despite the later fact, the population creates an income of 27.4 % from trade, retail and social assistance sector in the same year. The blacks prefer the residence around New York City constituting close to 8.1 % of the nation’s black owned business. The blacks’ least settled in Detroit, with 1.7% business of the total black owned businesses. Blacks also tend to be aggressive as evident a prominent figure like; in the field of service comprising, Oprah Winfrey who is a billionaire in the television industry, Kobe Bryant, who earns close to $27, 849 in the sporting industry, and the President Barrack Obama, topping the political scene. The black population tends to be distributed evenly though in small percentages to almost all sectors of the economy. The highest field of attendance is education, health care and social assistance with 291% of the total population; whilst least participative in the Agriculture forestry, hunting and mining industry comprising 0.6 % by 5ythe years 2011 (Glauber, 15). The population of the whites/ Caucasian in the market tends to be divided by gender; that is men and women in different disciplines. The male population in the management field appears as 34.8% and appears least in number, in the field of service comprising, up to 13.6%. The rest of the field occupied by

Charismatic Leadership Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Charismatic Leadership - Research Paper Example In the past Kurt Lewin has introduced three major styles of leadership, i.e. Authoritarian or autocratic, Participative or democratic and Delegative or Free Reign. However with the changing times and changing needs, there have also been a number of newer leadership models that have been developed. Some of these include the transactional, transformational, creative, corrective, change, multicultural, Pedagogical, Servant, and last but not the least Charismatic leadership. The leadership strategies adopted by an individual defines the leadership style of the person. The main aim of this report is to identify and discuss about the newer leadership styles and how they impact the real life organization problems. The main style in focus here is Charismatic leadership. The report will include a brief overview of the traditional concepts and approaches to leadership. A thorough analysis of the concept of charismatic leadership, history of the method, and how charismatic leadership relates to general theories will be made in the paper. Over the years, there have been numerous theories that have been developed for the different leadership approaches. Authors and experts in the field have provided a range of different styles and techniques of leadership. Here a brief overview of these styles has been developed followed by a detailed study of the charismatic leadership. Over the years, leadership literature has evolved and gained a number of schools of thoughts. These have grown from Great man theory and trait theory to the transformational leadership theory. These theories were developed with focus only on the characteristics and behavior of the leaders however; this has not begun to also take into account the role of the followers in terms of the leadership. To understand to a greater extent, the following table provides a clear presentation of the journey from the Great man theory and trait theory to the transformational leadership theory. This

The Practice of Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Practice of Management - Essay Example The manager I am going to write about in this paper is the person whom I used to report while working in the marketing department of a reputed company. I used to work for that company as a marketing executive. In my whole professional career I worked under quite a few mangers, but this particular manger was undoubtedly the worst. He lacked all essential managerial skills. The most basic skill a manager should have is the ability to lead a team. Not surprisingly, this particular manager also seriously lacked this skill. I am now going to explain all the requisite skills a good manger should have in relationship to the manger I used to work under who seriously lacked all those skills.   Planning is surely the first step in achieving a goal. Planning is a holistic activity that requires a lot of thinking. It can be defined as setting goals and determining a course of action for attaining those goals. While planning, a manger must take the available resources, time and objectives into consideration. Planning marketing strategies call for scanning the competitive environment. Environmental scanning can be done through research and marketing intelligence. Without a clear understating of the competitive environment, a successful planning can not be formulated. Moreover, planning also requires allocation of resources and time for implementation of the plan. The success of a plan is measured how effectively and efficiently a goal has been achieved. This particular manager had a complete lack of skill in planning.

The Hygiene Hypothesis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Hygiene Hypothesis - Essay Example fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasitic microbes) and allergens hinders the normal development of a natural immunity. Consequently, this condition makes an individual to be vulnerable to infectious diseases and allergies. The hypothesis has been put forward as an explanation to the occurrence of many preventable diseases and allergic infections. The following is an analysis seeking to establish accuracy of the hypothesis with the use of a context that features several case studies in the world and the relevant deductions. Accordingly, it is important to note that the immune system develops from repeated attempts to keep off disease from the low level of pathogens found in a normal environment; as such, when the germs invade the body in life threatening amounts, the immune system successfully wards them off. The need for this exposure in developed nations some decades back saw to larger families than today. This is because parents believed that the elder child would expose the younger one(s) to pathogens, hence harden their immunity (Ascherio &Munge, 2007). It has also been observed that children who are taken to baby care institutions are less susceptible to allergies and immune diseases. The research has indicated that, children who had earlier been exposed to measles or hepatitis A are also quite resistant to allergies. Autoimmune diseases are those that the body should be able to naturally protect itself from, as per the hygiene hypothesis. Such include acute lymphoblastic leukemia affecting young people in the developed world. This is a region where young children are less likely to be exposed, and thereby develop the needed immunity. Unconfirmed evidence also links the hypothesis indirectly to autism, suggesting that an immune disease causes it (Lang, et al. 2010). However, extensive research shows that the hypothesis is of more significance to allergies than to immune diseases (Christensen, 2010). Some of the common allergens, i.e. substances that cause al lergic attacks, include pollen, dust, hay, household chemicals, synthetic material, pet fur, some foods and some food preservatives. When these come into contact with the body of the allergic person, his/ her system activates the white blood cells in response to the foreign negative stimulus. (These cells normally help us to fight disease-causing microorganisms). Once released, the white blood cells cause an inflammatory reaction (Christensen, 2010). This reaction is exhibited in various ways e.g. itching, swelling, coughing, asthma, sneezing, running nose, tears etc. Asthma is a chronic condition in which the victim, when exposed to allergens, is unable breathe due to blockage of air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. If no medical attention is availed, patient may collapse or even die. Drugs and inhalers are normally used to control the situation (Christensen, 2010). However, not all scientists concur with the hygiene hypothesis as there is an antithesis to this which is the exposure th eory. The exposure theory suggests that the higher the level of exposure to allergens, the more the possibility for allergies incidence. This theory is based on an observation that people living in urban areas have a higher percentage of allergies than their rural counterparts, and they are more prevalent in the developed than the developing world. Modern day people are more allergic as compared to people who lived some centuries back. While this appears at a glance to be true, large portions of the global population prove otherwise, hence the need for a more comprehensive and convincing explanation (Antony et al., 2006). On the other hand, some scholars support the hygiene hypothesis. A health researcher based in Germany, Dr. Erika Von Mutius investigated the

Business in Context. UK Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Business in Context. UK Economy - Essay Example This essay stresses that political factor have a huge influence upon the economy as the policies and legislatures are drafted and implemented by the political parties are mostly related to the business trade practices. It not only has a political influence upon businesses but also the businesses create an attempt to influence environmental policy by endeavouring to position the political programme and to influence regulations and legislations. This paper makes a conclusion that the population tends to rise and the consumption habits too. The culture and the society generate demand for certain merchandises and services which are offered by the business houses as per the consumers demand. UK has shown a rise in the GDP. This is due to the socio-cultural affect. Consumers are the central point of the business. The technological advancement has made the consumers expectation more. This creates the gap between the expectation of the consumers and the predicted expectation of the business towards the consumers. The new changes in immigration law and intellectual property law stated by the UK government have gained international attention and many international corporations are looking forward to this policy. The policies have been able to attract many foreign players like Google, Intel and many other corporate. Technical advancement for any country aids in development of the business houses.

Why are ethical considerations important in contermporary social Essay

Why are ethical considerations important in contermporary social research - Essay Example This essay will attempt to give explanations as to why ethical considerations are important in contemporary social research. In the ethical guidelines from the Social Research Association (2003), a social scientist has a sense of obligation to certain key stakeholders of the research they are undertaking. This means that the social scientist must fulfill these obligations. They include an obligation to the society in which the research is taking place. A researcher has to ensure that information collection is done under scientific methods and without subjectivity that the researcher may feel towards the society. The second obligation is to the sponsors or employers of the researcher, where the researcher is required to ensure that the relationship is well defined and do not influence the findings of the research being undertaken. The third obligations fall to the colleagues in the field of the social research. This duty is fulfilled by the researcher ensuring that high standards of collection of data and analysis are maintained for the benefit of all researchers who are involved in the field. This promote s trust in the research findings because of the high level of professionalism. The fourth obligation is to the subjects that will take part in the research the e4thical consideration dictates that the subjects should be made aware of all that entails being part of the particular research. This information is necessary so that the subjects can be able to make informed decisions about their participation. Following the broad aspect of ethical guidelines stated above, it is clear that for a contemporary social research to be undertaken, there are a couple of things that need to be fulfilled to ensure that the findings are not tainted in anyway by using un-scientific methods. These are the ethical considerations that need to

Social Issues Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Social Issues - Research Paper Example However that is not the case. On the contrary has been the cause of radical growth in the middle class population in these countries, which in turn has caused a huge income disparity that has succeeded in swelling the ranks of those individuals living below the poverty line. According to many research studies carried out by the United Nations 25% of the world’s population either owns or controls 75% of the total world income while the poorest 75% of the population has access to the remaining 25% of the world’s income. 42% of the world population mainly living in countries like India, China and Brazil, earned less than $1000 dollars a year (â€Å"United Nations†, 2004). . This 42% made up 2.4 billion individuals worldwide, which is almost half the world population and they earned or had access only to a meager 9% of the world’s income (Cornia, 2004). Through the study the author found that some of the key reasons for income disparity in the developing world was the lack of skills and educational opportunities to the poorer segments of society when compared to those opportunities that were available to richer segments. Factors such as politics, corruption, exploitation and simple ignorance were also cited as causes for income inequalities in the developed world. While it can be argued that the globalization and off shoring has indeed helped to spur growth in these economies and create the â€Å"middle class†, it is still vital to remember that the income earned from such ventures by the bulk of the individuals working in these offshore plants is minimal in comparison to the salaries earned by their counterparts in the developed countries (Ming, 2001). If we take for instance a company like Marks and Spencer Clothes Manufacturing or Clothes suppliers to Walmart and George (ASDA’s name brand), the individuals working in the factories in China that produce these products amount

Understanding how asset classes and systematic strategies behave and Thesis

Understanding how asset classes and systematic strategies behave and perform during different macroeconomic environments - Thesis Example Generally, the business cycle phases are distinguished by various economic changes. These economic changes characterizing the cycles may include employment changes, interest rate changes and industrial productivity. Therefore, the business cycle can be referred to a pattern of fluctuation in the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) which affects employees, investors and employers. For instance, a business cycle significantly affects investors, employees and employers who work for a living in the production of services and products, which are in demand (Black 100). The demand for more products fuels inflation and at the same time wages increases. In due time, the demand for products and services decreases as consumers view the prices as unaffordable, this in turn forces the prices to decrease and causes recession. At the end of the cycle, the demand rises as a result of the declining prices as lower prices fuel demand. Therefore, the cycle starts at the beginning once again. When the business cycle is hugely affected by economic factors and does not run smoothly, it can result in the Great depression. Hence, this is the reason behind governments drive to intervene and manage economies (Piros & Pinto 284). Tracking the cycles assists experts in determining the direction and trends of the economy. The business cycle can be beneficial in the equity sector as it can track equity market returns over a given period from months to years (Black 100). In a given period, the economic cycle may differ from one cycle to another; however, there are some trends, which are repetitive and thus are critical in analyzing the fluctuation in determining economic changes. The changes in the economic cycle are vital transformation in the rate of development in the market especially declining and increment in rates of growth in inventories, employment, corporate profits and

Resume Revision Essay Example for Free

Resume Revision Essay FINANCIAL ANALYST Goal-oriented, Financial / Business Analyst with experience in Residential and Commercial Lending. Quickly learns new tasks and adapts to a changing environment. Solid leadership skills, pursuing a career with a well-established company in the commercial lending industry. Earned a solid reputation for being diligent, hard-working, and detail-oriented. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; solid command of the English language. Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of banking systems and providing clientele with business expertise in specialized loan application processing, booking, and servicing systems. Functional Areas of Expertise Personal Assets Records Document Management Credit Analysis Contract Administration Financial Revenue Residential Mortgages Real Estate Financial Analysis Report Management Loan Processing Commercial Lending Office Management Customer Service Excellence   Highly Organized Detail-Oriented Efficient / Creative Hard Working / Reliable Self-Motivated Team Player / Positive Attitude Results Oriented Excellent Time Management Skills Excellent Communication Skills Crisis/Problem Resolution Skills Excellent Interpersonal Skills Fluent in English Spanish PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Bank of America, Waltham, MA 2006-Present Collateral Loan Administrator II / Booking Coordinator Conducts credit and financial analysis and prepares summaries to determine credit-worthiness for commercial loan customers. Reviews loan documentation and determines if loan transactions are ready for AFS processing. Effectively resolves issues arising from the loan packages and ensures all transactions are prepared for funding. Expedite any loan disbursements and advances such as wire transfers, debits or credits to DDA accounts. Process check requisitions for recording fees. Accurately files Collateral Lien documentation including UCC’s, Mortgages or Deed of Trusts, Life Insurance Assignments, Vehicle Titles through Ilien submission of UCC-1. F. Forwards documents directly to the pertinent Registry of Deeds for recording. Implements exception tracking and standardization of collateral files, maintaining control of bank collateral. Inputs loans on the banks system of record, ACTION and AFS. Responsible for data accuracy and timely completion of the booking and the collateral process. Performs research and collaborates with line partners regarding loans. Maintains Real Estate, Letters of Credit, Business Banking and Commercial Banking deals. Leader Mortgage Company, Arlington, MA 2004-2006 Senior Loan Processor Reviewed and underwrote first and second mortgage loans approved by DU. Complied with Investor’s Underwriting Guidelines by assigning and signing off on conditions. Prepared 20 to 30 loans for closing from the company’s monthly pipeline adhering to company deadlines. Researched and gathered required information to process and complete loan files. Analyzed documents to ensure accuracy and compliance with existing underwriting guidelines. Continue†¦page 1 of 2 YENNIFERT ADRIANZA Page Two PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (Continued) Leader Mortgage Company, continued†¦ Prepared loan application packages, including Truth in Lending, Good Faith Estimate, and all necessary disclosures. Ordered and reviewed appraisals to ensure compliance with DU and Investor’s requirements. Conducted credit analysis and DU’s for loan applications. Citizens Mortgage Corporation, Woburn, MA 2003-2004 Assistant Loan Officer Identified and assisted prospective clients in the loan application process. Verified applications and approved loans utilizing Loan Soft in collaboration with clients during and face-to-face interviews. Prepared pre-approval letters and loan packages for qualified candidates for Residential Mortgages with products such as Soft-Second, FHA, MFHA, Conventional 30, 15, and 20 year Mortgages, Acorn, Aurora (Adjustable Mortgages), and all programs ruled by Fannie Mae Guidelines. Boston Federal Savings Bank, Burlington, MA 2001-2002 Investor Loan Specialist Maintained and serviced Investor Loans such as Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and other outside Banks, and internal Home Loans. Performed excellent customer service and prepared monthly reconciliation of investor accounts. Trained new employees, and prepared daily reports required by Freddie Mac. State Street Bank, Boston, MA 2000 Loan Administrator Maintained collateral records for bank loans and performed system to system and cash reconciliation on a daily basis. Calculated clients’ monthly payments to match the custodian bank’s records and company records. EDUCATION BOSTON UNIVERSITY, Boston, MA Master of Science in Administrative Studies, 2004 Concentration: Financial Markets Institutions NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY, Boston, MA Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, 2001 Concentration: Finance COMPUTER PROFICIENCIES Microsoft Office†¢ Outlook Email †¢ ACTION †¢AFS †¢ Internet FDES †¢ BA Direct†¢ Ilien†¢ Calyx Point †¢ DU †¢ Empower Datalink †¢ Bankers Window†¢ Mortgage Links (for Fannie Mae Loans)†¢ Microsoft Project Midanet (for Freddie Mac Loans) †¢ AS 400 †¢ Project 2000

SERVQUAL Model Summary and Evaluation

SERVQUAL Model Summary and Evaluation 1.1 Introduction Service quality has taken into consideration in providing and accomplishing customers satisfaction recently (Hishamuddin Fitri Abu Hasan, Azleen Ilias, Rahida Abd Rahman Mohd Zulkeflee Abd Razak, 2008). Besides, there is a very obvious trend towards a growing concern that customers satisfaction is one of the valuable assets in building up a brand image (Srivastava et al., 2001), so brand image is very crucial in service industry, by which this element is critical in influencing customers perceptions and thus their loyalty to a company. Simoes and Dibb (2001) stated that brand image plays an important role in service industry due to the strong brand image persuades customers with a sense of acceptance and trustfulness. Research finding based on Bloemer et al. (1997) and Jones et al. (2002) also pointed out that there is a direct relationship between service quality towards customers perceptions, which in turn contributes to the brand image of a product or company. Based on the findings from Parasuraman et al. (1994) and Zeithaml et al. (1996), service quality is directly related to customer satisfaction and loyalty and thus on brand image, by affecting customers perceived value (service quality à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ perceived value à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ customers satisfaction à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ customers loyalty à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ brand image of a company). At first, there will have a brief explanation pertaining to the principle of the SERVQUAL model in this literature review; by which the dependent variable and independent variables of this research will be discussed in detail, followed by the findings from the previous research and studies. Lastly, this literature review will be ended up with a conclusion. 1.2 Theory of SERVQUAL Model Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1985) developed service quality model which is named as SERVQUAL model or PZB model. They had conducted focus group interview in order to develop the first version of SERVQUAL model. They had created ten dimensions of the service quality by determining the similar criteria in the evaluation of customer. The ten dimensions of service quality included tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, competence, access, courtesy, communication, credibility, security and understanding. In this research, Parasuraman et al. (1985) stated that the overlapping among these ten dimensions of service quality maybe occurred and suggested that further research should be conducted. Therefore, SERVQUAL model was further developed and emerging the modified version of SERVQUAL model. In 1988, Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry had conducted an empirical study to measure the service quality towards the customers perceptions by using the ten dimensions as a basic structure. The results indicated that some variables in these ten dimensions were overlapped with each other. In the ten elements of service quality, tangibility, reliability and responsiveness remain constant while the remaining seven determinants were categorized into the last two dimensions which are assurance and empathy (Parasuraman et al., 1988). As a result, there are five service quality dimensions in the modified version of SERVQUAL model that affect customers satisfaction and thus brand image: Tangibility is related to the physical environment, facilities and the employees appearance. Reliability is the ability to carry out the services consistently and accurately. Responsiveness is the willingness of the employees in helping the customer to solve the problem. Assurance is the adequate knowledge that the employees possess and the ability of the employees in entrusting the confidence. Empathy is associated with the organization provide the caring and individualized attention to their customers. Buttle (1996) mentioned that SERVQUAL model is been used widely in measuring customers perceptions towards various types of services. Due to this reason, we are likely to choose SERVQUAL model to measure customers perceptions on brand image in our study. 1.3 Dependent variable 1.3.1 Brand image Service quality has significant effect on customers perceptual toward brand image, due to the statistics shown that strong brand image is needed to distinguish from competitors brands or products (Boltan and Drew 1991). At the same year of 1991, Schiffman and Kanuk also stated that customer will perceive brand that match and suit their images. As a result, service quality added value to customers by helping them differentiates the brand from competing brands. This means that customers perception of service quality is be associated brand image and customers are more likely to purchase the brand that provides the superior service quality. Keller (1993) supported the previous findings and stated that brand image is the customers perception that held in customer memory. Strong brand image is set in customers mind through their consumption experiences and their perceptions towards service quality provided by the product or company. In the year of 1996, Agarwal and Rao continued the study and mentioned that brand image is based on superior and favorable brand rooted in consumers memory. In 2003, Keller repeated the theory and reinforced that brand image refers to strong, positive and favorable brand association in memory which result in a positive effect, attitude and overall perceived quality. Holbrook and Batra (1987) stated that the perceive quality affect the brand loyalty and thus also influence the images of a brand. Meanwhile, service quality is clearly defined as the customers judgment about a brands excellence or superiority (Zeithaml, 1988; Aaker and Jacobson, 1994). Dobni and Zinkhan, (1990) assumed that brand image is refer to the reasoned and emotional perceptions consumers attach to specific brands. Zeithaml (1988) suggest that brand image is built through consumers consumption experiences with the excellence or favorable of service being provided. Therefore, the service quality perception is core dimension that help to create a high value of a strong brand image in which directly influences consumers purchase evaluation. According to Alba and Hutchinson (1987) and Walker et al. (1987), although brand image, brand attitude and service quality act independently, however, under some conditions, three of dimensions are interrelated with each other. Keller (1998) supported the brand image is multidimensional, by which it includes the attitude and behavior according to the brand and the perceived service quality. The process in order to develop a trusted brand image is based on the customers experiences towards the brand through both direct and indirect interaction with the brand (Keller, 1993 and Krishnan, 1996). Direct contact with brand involves usage; trial and satisfaction in consumption while indirect contact with brand involves advertising, word-of-mouth and brand reputation. In 1996, another researcher Meldan also mentioned the introduction of innovative products and services quality is to improve the positive perception of brand image. She supported the theories which were held by Park, Jaworski, Macinnis in 1996 and Fatt in 1997, by which they stated the service quality is very important in influence the image of a brand through the level of customers familiarity, experience and trust of a brand. Based on these theorie s, Aydin and Ozer (2005) concluded there is reciprocal relationship between both customers perceptions and brand image. There are five dimensions of brand image being identified by Aaker (1991) which included perceived service quality, brand awareness, brand association, brand asset and customer base. However, perceived of service quality have the most significant impact toward brand image among those five dimensions. Keller (1993) indicated that the service quality may improve brand image by enhancing customers loyalty and thus increasing the probability of brand choice as well as reducing the competitive marketing. Service quality can affect the brand image of particular products or companies directly and indirectly (Kirmani and Zeithml, 1993). The study held by Kirmani and Zeithml in 1993 shown that the dimensions of service quality tangibility, reliability and empathy are basic clues for in constructing a strong brand image (Bailey and Ball 2006). 1.4 Independent variables 1.4.1 Tangibility Tangibility is one of the dimensions in the SERVQUAL model. It can be defined as the physical evidence in the service industry (Parasuraman et al., 1988). It is the physical facilities and equipment, employees appearance, physical representations of services and the physical environment. Wakefield and Blodgett (1999) also mentioned that physical environment will significantly influence the customers perceptions towards brand image. Same theory goes to the size or the number of facilities and equipment provided by a company in judging customers perceptions (Umbach, 2002). One of the examples to support the dimension of tangibility can be seen in servicescape, by which it is the physical places where services are delivered (Chua, Mohhiddin Othman, Boo, Muhammad Shahrim Abdul Karim, and Sridar Ramachandran, 2009). It can be said that tangibility has a significant impact customers perceptions towards brand image. However, services is intangible, therefore, customers can only see and experience the tangible services provided by the company, such as the facilities and equipment, as well as the appearance of the employees. Those of the tangible services are known as clues (Zeithaml, Parasuraman, and Berry, 1992). The clues are the capabilities of the company and the quality of the environment. Berry (1980) stated that the way of managing the tangibles services will directly affect customers satisfaction, due to the reason that those tangibles services are critical elements in shaping brand image. According to the research finding of Kayaman, R. and Arasli, H. (2007), there is a significant relationship between service quality and brand image. They were mentioning that tangibility is associated with the physical characteristics provided by the company. This variable serves as a key element by which it may be able to attract more and more customers and thus gain competitive advantage over the competitors. Besides, element of tangibility is able to deliver both direct and indirect result on brand image. As a result, most of the companies nowadays are likely to formulate and implement strategies that are useful in grabbing potential customers and maintaining current customers by using eye-catching physical structures and providing a unique and comfortable environment for the services delivered. 1.4.2 Responsiveness Another independent variable that will affect customer perceptions towards service quality is responsiveness. The meaning of responsiveness is the willingness to help the customers, to provide prompt and well service to the clients, problem resolution when the customers faced and complaint handling (Reichheld and Sasser, 1990). Responsiveness should be expanded and this is because they believed that this variable is very important (Parasuraman et al, 1988). Previous studies suggest that the responsiveness is critical not only as a measure of service quality but can use as a best tool for uncovering areas of service quality strengths and weakness (Kettinger and Lee, 1997, 1999; Pitt, Watson, Kavan, 1995; Van Dyke et al., 1997). By knowing the strengths and weaknesses, the organization will enhance the service quality in order to increase the brand image in this competitive market (Bedi, 2010; Kassim and Abdullah, 2010; Kumar et al., 2010). Furthermore, good customer service is part of the responsiveness. Employees responsiveness takes customer service a step further (Lovelock, 1983). By using technology, including websites, email and telephone systems, it enables the customers to quickly get the information that they need is one of the aspect for responsiveness (Lovelock, 1983). It generally refers to being responsive to the service subscribers (Heeter, 1989). The employees also have to prepare the aptitude and desire to provide the customers with effective resolutions on the first contact whenever possible (GroÈnroos, 1982; Oliver, 1981). A high level of responsiveness, representing and expressing as a trust cue, can convey the trustworthiness to the customers (Corritore et al., 2003). There is a significant relationship between the service quality and customers perception on brand image (Moliner and sanchez, 2003). Attachment theory suggests that beyond knowing who or what a brand stands for, strong attachments only mean when the brand is responsive to the consumer needs. In fact, psychologists argue that responsiveness is one of the critical element that keep relationships is going (Bebko and Prokop, 1996). Employees should quickly respond to the customers request at the same time, eliminating all the unnecessary errors and cannot make the customers to spend lots of time to wait (Guseman, 1981; Levitt, 1981; Murray and Schlacter, 1990). A responsive brand fulfills consumers relevant needs or goals. The goals can be many and varied for depending on the consumer and the situation (McDougall and Snetsinger, 1990). They may include broad level needs, such as needs for status, stimulation, belongingness or individuality, all the way down to situation specific goals (Parasuraman et al., 1985, 1988; Zeithaml et al., 1990; 1993). Of course, being responsive means that there must be something in the product and the marketing behind it that creates the perception that the brand uniquely in order to achieve these needs and goals (Anderson and Zeithaml, 1984; Garvin, 1982; Tse and Wilton, 1988). Hence, it is crucial for all the employees to exhibit a courteous and friendly behavior when delivering services to the customers in order to increase their satisfaction towards the brand image (Firdaus Abdullah, Rosita Suhaimi, Gluma Saban Jamil Hamali, 2011). 1.4.3 Reliability According to Word Net, reliability indicated the trait of being dependable or reliable. Reliability indicates the employees are able to provide the services accurately, consistently and dependably (Parasuraman et al, 1988, LeBlanc Nguyen, 1997). In another way, reliability also means that the services are correctly performed and defined as the consistency of the services performance. Besides, reliability means the organization keeping their promises, trustworthiness toward the services quality of employees to avoid anything goes wrong. In product and service industry, it plays as a key component that will influence the customer behavior towards brand image and thus on their purchase intention. Therefore, different services that provided to the customers will bring different level of customer satisfaction based on the services provided by the product (Yuksel, 2001). Reliability is the driving force of the responsiveness of customers behavior (Antreas A. Spiros and Vlassis, 1999). It means that reliability of services is interrelated with the customers satisfaction and perception once the services are provided and performed (Antreas A. Spiros and Vlassis, 1999). It is associated with the services quality environment and delivery systems that work well with good quality of service which include staff attitude, knowledge and skill (Walker 1990). For example, it provides the service at the designated time. Parasuraman et al. (1991) predicted that reliability is concerned with the result of services as compared to other variables in SERVQUAL model. This theory is supported by Glaveli, Petridou, Liassides and Spathis (2006), by which they strengthened the element of reliability considers as the service providers ability to provide accurate and dependable services in which included items such as personnel training, interruption of service, absence of e rrors and punctuality. Berry et al. (1985) argued that reliability is the most important factor in guaranteeing both customers satisfaction and dissatisfaction. This assumed that managers and employees need to provide a reliable service and reduce unreliable service to the customers in order to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction. In 1990, Zeithaml et al. also held that service reliability is one the most significant variables in the SERVQUAL model. As a result, most of the organizations are likely to include the issues of reliability in setting their mission statement and the standard of services to be provided (Malhotra, Ulgado, Agarwal, Shainesd Wu, 2005). So, both employers and employees must aware to the importance of reliability and find ways to improve the reliability of services. Reliability is one of the important dimensions that will lead to customers satisfaction through customers perceptions and thus affect the image of the brand (Patrick, Karl J., John E. 1996). A consistent measure is needed when working out with employees so that services can be performed adequately. In addition, the frequently changing of work procedures will improve the service performance as well. Again, this ensures customers perceptions towards service quality and consequently building up a strong brand image towards a product or a company. The administration and examination of departments have provided the reliable and accurate services also known as the reliability services (Muhammed Ehsan Malik et al., 2010). It held true when the brand image of an organization which is associated with excellence reliability services is considered as one of the means to attract customers purchase intention through good brand image. The study from Parasuraman et al. (1991), Muhammed Ehsan Malik et al. (2010), Ham and Hayduk (2003) proved that reliability has the strongest impact on consumers judgment, as among the five determinants of services quality. This philosophy was again proved by Hishamuddin Fitri Abu Hassan et al. in the year of 2008. 1.4.4 Assurance Another dimension in SERVQUAL model is assurance. Assurance shows the knowledge that the employees posses and how the employees conveys the trust and confidence (Parasuraman et al., 1988). Assurance can also be known as the organization offers the credible and secure service to its customers (Donnelly, Wisniewski, Dalrymple Curry, 1995). Initially, according to the research findings of Parasuraman et al. (1985), there were ten dimensions that regrouped to the five dimensions of service quality. In those five dimensions, there are three original determinants which are tangibles, responsiveness and reliability while another two determinants were assurance and empathy which, were derived from the other seven dimensions of service quality. Assurance is derived from the competence, courtesy, credibility and security of the service. This is because those four dimensions have overlapped with each other and the new dimension of assurance is formed. According to the research findings of Aydin and Ozer (2005), there is a significant relationship between customers perception about service quality and brand image. They were mentioning that assurance has a significant positive impact on brand image. Employees give an expression of the service quality in customers eyes (GroÈnroos, 1994). It means employees give the customers the greatest concept of what the brand really is. Employees competence and abilities in delivering the service performance is also very important so that the customers know their roles and willingness in performing those services otherwise their inevitable frustration will destroy the brand image (Davies, 1996). Not only the actions or behaviors of employees but also the morale of employees influences the service quality and it will impact upon customers perception on the brand image accordingly (Schneider and Bowen, 1993). Besides, a strong brand image is a part of brand strength measurement model that based on how the customers putting trust on a particular brand over other competitors (Lassar et al., 1995). One of the high-level associations that consumers can accommodate a brand is credibility (Keller, 2003 b). The importance is also supported by another statement from Aakers study (1997) on the basic brand personality factor analysis, and she state that sincerity was the highest eigenvalue factor. In Olivers service quality theory (1980) states that the customers will judge that the service quality is low if the service performance does not meet or either exceed their expectations. Ultimately, customers are willing to commend the specific brand to other people when their perception of service quality is high (Parasuraman et al.s, 1988, 1991b). This is supported by the statement from cf. Keaveney (1995) that there is a positive correlation between high customers perception on brand image and word-of -mouth communication. In short, a strong brand not only increases the customers trust so that they are better in observing and understand the intangible but it also reduces customers perceived monetary, social and security risks Simoes and Dibb (2001). 1.4.5 Empathy Empathy is one of the dimensions which out of five dimensions of SERVQUAL model that is created and derived from the accessibility, communication and understanding. Parasuraman ct al., 1988 said that empathy is originate from approachability, communication and understandable in the ten dimension of service quality as well as the essential of caring given to the individual special attention and caring to the customers. Besides, approachable services that are provided by organization are also known as empathy to meet or identify the needs of specific customers (Donnelly et al., 1995). In order to improve the empathy in service quality, one of the approaches is by collecting the feedback from customers after they experienced the service performances (Soutar MeNeil, 1996). For psychology today, what is empathy and how its related to our livelihood? Empathy means the capability to be comprehensive to another peoples condition, point of view, feelings and perceptions. When we are facing or experiencing the feeling of empathy, then we are able to catch out someone internal feelings of empathy. Some people especially with mentally disorder, antisocial personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder and so forth, they have intimate link with the ability to empathize. (Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD, 2010). According to Bowman and Narayandas (2001), the value perceptions of loyal customers are normally related to empathy and sincerity due to they are devote for creating the sense of interactive fairness. Individualized attention offered by the organization to meet the customers need also consider as empathy (Salvador-Ferrer, 2010). Shoeb (2011) summarized that the willingness of organization in listening to what customers had said is the empathy services that organization has provided to individual pleasantly as well as concerned with the individual by treating them well and respecting them. It can be said that empathy services concerned with how the employees approach and behave towards the customers. Hanaysha et al. (2011) mentions that there is a moderately and optimistically relationship between the empathy and customers perception on brand image. There is another research shows that there is a significant relationship between the empathy with the satisfaction (Nawaz. et. al., 2011). It means that empathy reflects how does the organization treats and cares the individual by identify their needs and wants as everybody must be treated fairly by providing the same services. 1.5 Conclusion At first, we had proposed our title of The Impact of Service Quality towards Customer Perceptions on Brand Image. The purpose for our research is used to identify the new knowledge that have not done by the previous studies. The concept of the service quality and brand image had been review in this study. In this research, SERVQUAL model is used as the applications in our study. This model is essential in our study as our research framework is derived from this model. Based on the findings, we found out that five dimension of the modified version of service quality model have the strongly impact on brand image. Service quality has the strongly correlated with the brand image. This research study is to increase our understanding of service brand from the customers perspective. Moreover, it provides the people especially service marketers the understanding of the associations that may exist and how they impact on the brand image. By understanding these associations and the inherent ris ks associated with service procurement, they will be able to manage the brand strategies well and to make better branding decisions.

Problems Of The Aging Health And Social Care Essay

Problems Of The Aging Health And Social Care Essay for death from cancer, Management of the elderly cancer patient becomes complex because other chronic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease, must also be considered in their care. The attitude of health care providers towards older adults affect their health care. Unfortunately, research indicates that health care professionals are significantly more negative in their attitudes towards older patients than younger ones. This attitude must change if the health care provider is to have a positive interaction with the elderly patient. These attitude appear to be related to the pervasive stereotyping of the elderly, which serves to justify avoiding care and contact with them, as well as being reminders of our own mortality. Ageism is a term used to describe the stereotyping of and discrimination against elderly persons and is considered to be similar to that of the racism and sexism. It emphasized that frequently the elderly are perceived to be repulsive and that a distaste for the aging process itself exists. Ageism suggests that he majority of elderly are senile, miserable most of the time, and dependent rather than independent individuals. The media have also influenced on going stereotypical notions about the elderly. Health care providers must learn to appreciate the positive aspects of aging so that they can assists the elderly in having a positive experience with their imaging procedure. PHYSICAL, COGNITIVE, AND PSYCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS OF AGING The human body undergoes a multiplicity of physiologic change second by second. Little considerations is given regarding these changes unless they are brought on by sudden physical, psychological, or cognitive events. Radiographers must remember that each elderly person they encounter is a unique individual with distinct characteristics. These individual have experienced a life filled with memories and accomplishment. Young or old, the definition of quality of life is an individual and personal one. Research has shown that health status is an excellent predictor of happiness. Greater social contact, health satisfaction, low vulnerable personality traits, fewer stressful life events have been linked to successful aging. Self-efficacy can be defined as the level of control one has over ones future. Many elderly people feel they have no control over medical emergencies and fixed incomes. Many have fewer choices about their personal living arrangements. These environmental factors can lead to depression and decreased self-efficacy. An increase in illness will usually parallel a decrease in self-efficacy. The elderly may experience changing roles from life of independence. The family role of an adult caring for children and grandchildren may evolved into the children caring for their caring aging parents. It is also a time of loss. Losses may include the death of a spouse and friends, as well as loss of income due to retirement. The loss of health may be the reason for the health care visit. The overall loss control may lead to isolation and depression in the elderly. Death and dying is also an imminent fact of life. The aging process alone does not likely alter the essential core of human being. Physical illness is not aging, and age-related changes in the body are often modest in magnitude. As one ages, the tendencies to prefer slower-paced activities, take longer to learn new tasks, become more forgetful, and lose portions of sensory processing skills increase slowly but perceptibly. Health care professionals need to be reminded that aging and disease are not synonymous. The more closely a function is tied to physical capabilities, the more likely it is to decline with age, whereas the closer a function depends on experience, the more likely it will increase with age. Joint stiffness, weight gain, fatigue and loss of bone mass can be slowed through proper nutritional interventions and low-impact exercise. The importance of exercise cannot be overstated . Exercise has been shown increase aerobic capacity and mental speed. Exercise programs designed for the elderly should emphasized increased strength, flexibility, and endurance. One of the best predictors of good health in later years is the number and extent of healthy lifestyles that were established in earlier life. The elderly person may shown decreases in attention skills during complex tasks. Balance , coordination, strength and reaction time all decrease with age. Falls associated with balance problems are common in the elderly population, resulting in a need to concentrate on walking. Not overwhelming them with instructions is helpful. Their hesitation to follow instructions may be fear instilled from a previous fall. Sight, hearing, taste and smell are all sensory modalities that decline with age. Older people have more difficulty with bright lights and tuning out background noise. Many elderly people become adept at lip reading to compensate for loss of hearing. For radiographers to assume that all elderly patients are hard of hearing is not usual; they are not talking in a normal tone, while making volume adjustments only if necessary, is a good rule of thumb. Speaking slowly, directly, and distinctly when giving instructions allows older adults an opportunity to sort through directions and improves their ability to follow them with better accuracy. Cognitive impairment in the elderly can be caused by disease, aging, and disuse. Dementia is defined as progressive cognitive impairment that eventually interferes with daily functioning. It includes cognitive, psychologic, and functional deficits including memory impairment. With normal aging comes a slowing down and a gradual wearing out of bodily systems bit it does not include dementia . Yet the prevalence of dementia increases with age. Persistent disturbances in cognitive functioning, including memory and intellectual ability, accompany dementia. Fears of cognitive loss, especially Alzheimers disease, are widespread among older people. Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia. Therefore health care professionals are more likely to encounter people with this type. The majority of elderly people work at maintaining and keeping their mental functions by staying active through mental games and exercises and keeping engaged in regular conversation. When caring for pati ents with any degree of dementia, verbal conversation should be inclusive and respectful. One should never discuss the patients as through they are not in the room or are not active participants in the procedure. One of the first questions asked of any patient entering a health care facilities for emergency service Do you know where you are and what day it is? The health care providers need to know just how alert the patient is. Although memory does decline with age, this is experienced mostly with short-term memory tasks. Long-term memory or subconscious memory tasks show little change over time and with increasing age. There can be a variety of reasons for confusion or disorientation. Medication, psychiatric disturbance, or retirement can confuse the patient. For some older people, retirement means creating a new set routines and adjusting to them. The majority of elders like structure in their lives and have familiar routines for approaching each day. PHYSIOLOGY OF AGING Health and well- being depend largely on the degree to which organ systems can successfully work together to maintain internal stability, With age, there is apparently a gradual impairment of these homeostatic mechanisms. Elderly people experience nonuniform, gradual, ongoing organ function failure in all systems. Many of the body organs gradually lose strength with advancing age. These changes place the elderly at risk for disease or dysfunction, especially in the presence of stress. At some point the likelihood of illness, disease and death increases. Various physical diseases and disorder affect both mental and physical health of people of all ages. They are more profound among elderly people because diseases and disorders among older people are more likely to be chronic in nature. Although aging is inevitable, the aging experience is highly individual and is affected by heredity, lifestyle choices physical health, and attitude. A great portion of usual aging risks can be modified with positive shifts in life style. In elderly, the aging of the organs systems is one of the process where they need to understands and there are as list below: Integumentary systems disorders Nervous systems disorders Sensory systems disorders Musculoskeletal systems disorders Cardiovascular systems disorders Gastrointestinal system disorder Immune system decline Respiratory system disorder Hematologic system disorders Genitourinary systems disorders Endocrine systems disorders. THE RADIOGRAPHERS ROLE The role of the radiographer is no different than that of all other health professionals. The whole person must be treated, not just the manifested symptoms of an illness or injury. Medical imaging and therapeutic procedures reflect the impact of ongoing systemic aging in documentable and visual forms. Adapting procedures to accommodate disabilities and disease of geriatric patients is a critical responsibility and a challenge based almost exclusively on the radiographers knowledge, abilities, and skill. An understanding of the physiology and pathology of aging, in addition to an awareness of the economic the social, psychologic, cognitive, and economic aspects of aging, are required to meet the needs of the elderly population. Conditions typically associated with elderly patient invariably require adaptations or modifications of routine imaging procedures. The radiographer must be able to differentiate between age related changes and disease processes. Production of diagnostic image s requiring professional decision making to compensate for physiologic changes, while maintaining the compliance, safety, and comfort of the patient, is foundation of the contract between the elderly patient and the radiographer. RADIOGRAPHIC POSITIONING FOR GERIATRIC PATIENTS The preceding discussions and understanding of the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial effects of aging can help radiographers adapt to the positioning challenges of the geriatric patient. In come cases routine examinations need to be modified to accommodate the limitation, safety, and comfort of the patient. Communicating clear instructions with the patient is important. The following discussion addresses positioning suggestion for various structures. The common radiography examinations for geriatrics are: Chest Spine Pelvis/hip Upper extremity Lower extremity CHEST The position of choice for the chest radiograph is the upright position; however, the elderly patient may not be able to stand without assistance for this examination. The traditional posteroanterior (PA) position is to have the backs of hands on hips. This may be difficult for someone with impaired balance and flexibility. The radiographer can allow the patient to warp his or her arms around the chest stands as a means of support and security. The patient may not be able to maintain his or her arms over the head for lateral projection of the chest. Provide extra security and stability while moving the arms up and forwards. When the patient cannot stands, The examination may be done seated in a wheelchair, but some issues will affected the radiographic quality. First, the radiologist need to be aware that the radiograph is an anteroposterior (AP) instead of a PA projection, which may make comparison difficult. Hyperkyphosis can result in the lung apices being obscured, and the abdomen may obscure the lung bases. In sitting position, respiration may be compromised, and the patient should be instructed on the importance of a deep inspiration. Positioning of the image receptor for kyphotic patient should be higher than normal because the shoulder and apices are in a higher position. Radiographic landmarks may change with age, and the centering may need to be lower, if the patient is extremely kyphotic. When positioning the patient for the sitting lateral chest projection, the radiographer should place a large sponge behind the patient to lean him or her forward. Sitting Chest PA Chest Standing SPINE Radiographic spine examinations may be painful for the patient suffering from osteoporosis who is lying on the x-ray table. Positioning aids such as radiolucent sponge, sandbags, and a mattress may be used as long as the quality, of the image is not compromised. Performing upright radiographic examination may be also appropriate if a patient can safely tolerate this position. The combination of cervical lordosis and thoracic kyphosis can make positioning and visualization of the cervical and thoracic spine difficult. Lateral cervical projections can be done with the patient standings, sitting, or lying supine. The AP projection in the sitting position may not visualized the upper cervical vertebrae because the chin may obscure this anatomy. In the supine position the head may not reach the table and result in magnification. The AP and open-mouth projection are difficult to do in wheelchair. The thoracic and lumbar spines are sites for compression fractures. The use of positioning blocks may be necessary to help the patient remain in position. For the lateral projection, a lead blocker or shield behind the spine should be used to absorb as much scatter radiation as possible. Lateral Spine PELVIS/HIP Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and injuries as the result of falls contribute to hip pathologies. A common fracture in the elderly is the femoral neck. An AP projection of the pelvis should be done to examine the hip. If indication is trauma, the radiographer should not attempt to rotate the limbs. The second view taken should be a cross-table lateral of the affected hip. If hip pain is the indication, assist the patient to internal rotation of the legs with the use of sandbags if necessary. Immobilization device are place to the patient foot. UPPER EXTREMITY Positioning the geriatric patient for projections of the upper extremities can present its own challenges. Often the upper extremities have limited flexibility and mobility. A cerebrovascular accident or stroke may cause contractures of the affected limb. Contracted limbs cannot be forced into position, and cross-table views may need to be done. The inability of the patient to move his or her limb should not be interpreted as a lack of cooperation. Supination is often a problem in patients with contractures, fractures, and paralysis. The routine AP and lateral projections can be supported with the use of sponges, sandbags, and blocks to raise and support the extremity being imaged. The shoulder is also a site decreased mobility, dislocation, and fractures. The therapist should assess how much movement the patient can do before attempting to move the arm. The use of finger sponges may also help with the contractures of the fingers. Hand Projection Lateral Wrist LOWER EXTREMITY The lower extremities may have limited flexibility and mobility. The ability to dorsiflex the ankle may be reduced as a result of neurologic disorders. Imaging on the x-ray table may need to be modified when a patient cannot turn on his or her side. Flexion of the knee may be impaired and required a cross-table lateral projection. If tangential projection of the patella, such as the Settegast method, is necessary and the patient can turn on his or her side, place the image receptor superior to the knee and direct to central ray perpendicular through the patellofemoral joint. Projections of the feet and ankles may be obtained with the patient sitting in the wheelchair. The use of positioning sponges and sandbags support and maintain the position of the body part being imaged. AP Ankle Projection Lateral Ankle Projection PATIENT CARE Patient care must be apply to geriatric patient because they all are all fragile where their bone can easily broke or they can be easily fainted during the examination. For communications, take time to educate the patient and his or her family, speak lower and closer, and treat the patient with dignity and respect. Transportation and lifting patient are also be need because geriatrics patient is not stronger than normal person. If possible, give the patient time to rest between projection and procedures. Avoid adhesive tape because elderly skin is thin and fragile. Provide warm blankets in cold examination rooms, use table pads and hands rails and always access the patients medical history before contrast media is administered. Take time with the patient Immobilization Device CONCLUSION The imaging professional will continue to see a change in health care delivery system with the dramatic shift in the population of persons older than age 65. This shift in the general population is resulting in an ongoing increase in the number of medical imaging procedures preformed on elderly patients. Demographic and social effects aging determine the way in which the elderly adapt to and view the process of aging. An individuals family size and perceptions of aging, economic resources, gender , race, ethnicity, social class, and the availability and delivery of health care will affect the quality of the aging experience. Biologic age will be much more critical than chronologic aging when determining the health status of the elderly. Healthier lifestyles and advancement in medical treatment will create a generation of successfully aging adults, which in turn should decrease the negative stereotyping of the elderly person. Attitudes of all health care professionals, whether positiv e or negative, will affect the care provided to be growing elderly population. Education about the mental and physiologic alterations associated with aging, along with the cultural, economic and social influences accompanying aging, enables the radiographer to adapt imaging and therapeutic procedures to the elderly patients disabilities resulting from age-related changes. The human body undergoes a multiplicity of physiologic changes and failure in all systems. The aging experience is affected by heredity, lifestyle choices, physical health, and attitude, making it highly individualized. No individuals aging process is predictable and is never exactly the same as that of any other individual. Radiologic technologists must use their knowledge, abilities, and skills to adjust imaging procedures to accommodate for disabilities and disease encountered with geriatric patients. Safety and comfort of the patient is essential in maintaining compliance throughout imaging procedures. Implementation of skills such as good communication, listening, sensitivity, and empathy, all lead to patient compliance. Knowledge of age-related changes and disease process will enhance the radiographers ability to provide diagnostic information and treatment when providing care that meets the needs of the increasing elderly patient population.

Terry Tempest Williams Refuge :: Terry Williams Refuge Memoir Essays

Terry Tempest Williams' Refuge Everything known to man is held in some sort of balance. It is a delicate balance, one which swings rhythmically to the ebb and flow of this world. Many have studied it but it has proven too complex, too broad to understand everything that is at work. That is why it must be preserved. One such movement has recently begun which looks exclusively to preserve this balance, ecofeminism. Terry Tempest Williams is just that, an ecofeminist. In her memoir Refuge ¸ Williams attempts to examine the ecological and social worlds that balance on this pendulum. Refuge brings together a range of topics and ideas with her own mix of environmental, social, and cultural problems to present the reader with a clearly laid out stance for ecofeminism. There is an ecofeminist stance in Refuge because she believes women have a bond with nature that men do not, land has its own life, and all things were created equally. The roots of ecofeminism are credited to a rising interest in both the environment and women’s rights. These topics became hotly debated after the Victorian era but many scholars say â€Å"ecofeminism is a new term for an ancient wisdom† (Diamond & Orenstein). Ecofeminism combines ecological and feminist rights to generate a very virtuous cause. It aims to change human’s relationships with each other and also with the environment, but it of course encompasses much more than that. Ecofeminism can best be defined as an attempt to show that all life is interconnected (Baker). That humans and nature share a common bond and that bond is what each depends upon to ensure the other survives. There is a definite stance by Williams to assert that women are more connected with nature than men in Refuge. This is clear because Williams identifies each sex with different components of life. Men are matched with culture while women are connected to nature (Kircher). This is clear when Williams says, We spoke of rage. Of women and landscape. How our bodies and the body of the earth have been mined. ‘It has everything to do with intimacy,’ I said, ‘Men define intimacy through their bodies. It is physical. They define intimacy with the land in the same way.’ (10) This quotation shows that women understand the earth while men simply try to dominate and overcome nature. It is male doctors who diagnose and treat Diane.

The Poetry of Billy Collins Essay -- Billy Collins Poet Poetry Essays

The Poetry of Billy Collins In 2001 a new poet laureate was crowned and a new voice; the voice of a poetic everyman was heard by many for the first time. That voice belonged to Billy Collins. Collins was born into a working-class Bronx couple, and grew up in a typical middle-class neighborhood where he went to church on Sundays and listened to jazz music in his free time. This middle-class background and sensibilities are reflected in his poetic style and themes, and in his desire to bring poetry back into the American main stream by making it more accessible to the average reader. Billy Collins was born March 22, 1941 in Queens, New York. He was born into a middle class family. His parents were of Irish descent, and had deep roots in the Irish Catholic religion (Press). Both of his parents held steady jobs; his father was an insurance broker, and his mother was a nurse. During Billy Collins’ years up until middle school, he had received a below average education, attending a public school in the Bronx. However, his father became very successful and rather wealthy. Billy and his family then moved to Westchester County, a wealthy New York suburb, where he attended a prestigious private school. After high school, Billy attended Holy Cross College where he received his bachelors degree, then went on to get his Ph.D. in Romantic poetry at the University of California at Riverside. Billy began his Career in poetry as a writer for â€Å"Rolling Stones† magazine, selling his poems for thirty-five dollars each (Billy Collins). In 1970, after his job in â€Å"Rolling Stones†, he got a position teaching poetry at Lehman College, located in the Bronx, where he is still teaching. Along with his teaching career, he served... ...shows Collins’ love of music and familiarity with jazz. It can also be appreciated on two different levels. You can enjoy the dreamy description of a jazz club, but also the deeper discussion on the topic of beauty. Despite his upbringing in a middle class home, and his poor education as a child, Collins has become a very well known and highly respected poet, whose middle class backgrounds have had a large influence on his poetry, as well as his goal to make poetry more accessible to the average reader. Collins has had a very successful career, publishing several poetry books and being the Poet Laureate of the U.S. from 2001-2003. Collins has a very unique style of poetry that has appeal to both the average person, being both easy to read and humorous to the normal person, and the more sophisticated reader by having a deeper more complex meanings.

Infectious Disease :: science

Infectious Disease What is the stake of the American People and the Government by International Agencies to control Infectious Disease in Developing Countries? More people are at risk of infectious diseases than at any other time on history. Infectious diseases are worldwide problem requiring worldwide attention. Infectious diseases can weaken the strength of a nation's resources. In developing nations this poses even a greater threat. Diseases are threatening the economic stability of many developing nations. 50,000 people die everyday from infectious disease. Rift Valley Fever infects both livestock and humans. Rift Valley Fever is most commonly found in regions of eastern and southern Africa. It also exists in Madagascar and sub-Saharan Africa. The Bunyaviridae family includes the Rift Valley Fever disease. It is primarily spread from infected mosquitoes, who then infect animals. Generally they infect domestic animals, such as buffalo, cattle, sheep, camels and goats. Once the livestock are infected, other mosquitoes can spread the disease. It is also possible that the infection can be spread from other biting insects. The Rift Valley Fever outberak of 1997-1998 in eastern Africa killed both humans and livestock. It economically hurt trase in animals and the dairy indusrty.. the economy was crushed by trade imbargoes. Humans can get Rift Valley Fever in numerous ways. Humans can be infected from the mosquitoes or the bodily fluids of the infected animal. Contact such as slaughtering the infected animal can occur also. Symptoms include, an infuenza like illness, fever, liver abnormalities, muscle and back pain and vomitting. In the early stages of Rift Valley Fever, these symptoms are some times mistaken for meningitis. This fever may also perceive itself to be haemorrhagic fever. Fatalities occur mostly in patients who have developed haemorrhagic fever. In diagnosing Rift Valley Fever, tests have demostrated the presence of antibodies to the disease. Studies in animals have given antiviral drugs for the use of humans. Herdsman and animal workers in areas where Rift Valley Fever is present are at a greater risk of being infected. The risk of transmission can be reduced by, wearing gloves, insect repellent, the use of protective clothes, and avoiding outdoor activity during peak biting times. Surveillance is important to form effective measures for reducing the number of infections. Cholera is a diarrheal illness that is spread by contaminated water and food. It is caused by an infection of the intestine, and in many cases it can be very severe.

William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily”

William Faulkner's â€Å"A Rose for Emily† was originally published in the April 30, 1930, issue of Forum. It was his first short story published in a major magazine. A slightly revised version was published in two collections of his short fiction, These 13 (1931) and Collected Stories (1950). It has been published in dozens of anthologies as well. â€Å"A Rose for Emily† is the story of an eccentric spinster, Emily Grierson. An unnamed narrator details the strange circumstances of Emily’s life and her odd relationships with her father, her lover, and the town of Jefferson, and the horrible secret she hides. The story’s subtle complexities continue to inspire critics while casual readers find it one of Faulkner’s most accessible works. The popularity of the story is due in no small part to its gruesome ending. Faulkner often used short stories to â€Å"flesh out† the fictional kingdom of Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi, for his novels. In fact, he revised some of his short fiction to be used as chapters in those novels. â€Å"A Rose for Emily† takes place in Jefferson, the county seat of Yoknapatawpha. Jefferson is a critical setting in much of Faulkner’s fiction. The character of Colonel Sartoris plays a role in the story; he is also an important character in the history of Yoknapatawpha. However, â€Å"A Rose for Emily† is a story that stands by itself. Faulkner himself modestly referred to it as a â€Å"ghost story,† but many critics recognize it as an extraordinarily versatile work. As Frank A. Littler writes in Notes on Mississippi Writers, ‘‘A Rose for Emily’’ has been ‘‘read variously as a Gothic horror tale, a study in abnormal psychology, an allegory of the relations between North and South, a meditation on the nature of time, and a tragedy with Emily as a sort of tragic heroine. ’’

Las Dos Fridas (The Two Fridas) – Frida Kahlo Painting

Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo Calderon, or Frida Kahlo, was a painter born in Mexico in 1907 and died in 1954. Her father was German and her mother was Mexican Indian. From her childhood, she was diagnosed with polio, a disease that infects the spine, and the disease left her right leg distorted. At 18, returning from her art school, the bus she was riding in hit a tram and an iron bar pierced her abdomen/pelvis area. Her legs and vertebrae suffered serious damage. The accident was a turning point in her life. In her hospital bed, she installed a mirror above her bed. She painted many works, most of which were self-portraits.In 1928, Frida met Diego Rivera, whom she married a year later. She could not have children with him because of the accident. Frida was a huge part of the surrealism movement, and a good example of this would be her painting, â€Å"Las Dos Fridas† (â€Å"The Two Fridas†). This work was painted in 1939, shortly after her divorce from Diego Rivera. The painting depicts two different personalities, or versions of her, sitting on a bench. The Frida on the left is clad in a Victorian era wedding dress (this depicts the Frida that Diego left), and the one on the right wears a Tehuana, which is the part of Frida that Diego loved and respected.The hearts of the two Fridas are exposed. The one on the left’s heart is broken, and the one on the right’s heart is whole. The fact that she is holding her own hand could suggest that she wants us to see that she is her only companion. The composition of the foreground makes the two women the centre of attention, and the gloomy sky in the background could reflect inner turmoil. Despite the deeper meaning of the portrait, both Fridas look equally as confident and officious.Movement in this portrait is very little, the only thing we can see that is actively moving is the cut artery from her heart which is squirting blood. This is the first thing that caught my attention. I think, pai red with the scissors in her hand, this could imply self-destruction but giving the circumstances one would be right to assume heartbreak. The actual make-up of the painting is very pristine, with her use of oil on canvas. The brush strokes are delicate, precise and give a realistic effect. There’s a lot of depth in the painting, like in the folds of her dresses and the use of shadow.Frida has shown light and dark tones clearly by making herself the lightest and most vibrant subject in the area, which in contrast, is very dark and almost sinister. Despite the contrast, there’s still a sort of darkness all throughout the painting. The portrait gives an overall negative vibe; it makes me feel sympathetic towards her. The use of line is very subtle and is immaculately blended. The most colourful thing in the foreground is the happy Frida on the right, who wears blue, orange, and gold tones. There doesn’t seem to be an obvious colour scheme.Frida in the white dress is very neutral; it complies of subtle tones of olive and lilac, and overall the wedding dress is a blend of harmonious colours. The painting is, in my opinion, half cold tones and half warm tones. The representation of herself in the painting is realistic but her style of painting gives it an almost cartoon effect. I really adore this painting. I like it because it’s obviously something which holds much deeper meaning. It’s symbolic of heartbreak, despair and deceitfulness but, ultimately, is a representation of empowerment and sticking by your side when no one else will.

American experiences since 1945

The course is designed to show in details the events that took place in America after the Second World War. That is the things that happened in America after 1945. There are many events that took place. The post war period start from 1945 when Manchukuo province was captured by the Soviet Union and the atomic bombs which were dropped by USA on the mainland of Japan. This essay is going to touch on the cold war ideologies and breakups of made during the time of the war.Also the policies that were made during the cold war time, I will also discuss the events that took place in the 1950s: Politics and Culture, the liberal reforms of 1960s, reason why USA crashed with southern Asia and elaborate on the conservatism and the consensus politics. I will also discuss on the happenings of the 1970’s: Nixon’s politics and achievements and finally, I will also discuss on the 80s events: the cold war, its end and the reasons that led to the fall of the communism. The immediate post war period. The period after 1945(Farber D. , 1994) was a golden time of capitalism in America.In 1946 the council of economic advisors was established. Its roles were to analyze and advice on various policies mostly in development and implementation of domestic and international economic policies. At around 1953 the council for economic advisors had come up with five policies. These were: economic quantitative targets were set. The â€Å"growth model† of economic replaced the â€Å"cyclical model†, full employment budget was drawn, fiscal drag theories were employed, taxation base and flexibility were widened and finally and a low aggregate demand replaced unemployment notion that had persisted.In 1945 there emerged a crash in the course implementation between Edwin Nourse and Leon Keyserkling. Nourse believed that guns were to be dispensed for butter but Keyserling thought that by expanding economic it would promote expenditure without compromising the standards of l iving. During the inter war period economic depended on massive spending , raw materials control and price controls as well as the draft of 12 million military men with these reforms the quality of the lives of Americans continued to improve(Leslie B. , 1995) Culture Emergence and some Politics of 1940s and 1950sDuring this period the quality of life was improved through social welfares. As the stock exchange market thrived uninterrupted from 1949 up to 1957 (Hardayal S. , 2001) the great depression status was reversed, the government embarked on social welfares and military industries complex as it was called by Dwight Eisenhower. It involved employing women in industrial places for manufacturing ammunitions. They were also employed in the military service. The war time experience of women working in military services shaped the future career of women.Many women who were in the war went back to their house hold chores. This past experience led to later integration of women in to th e working places in America. According to (Halliwell M. , 2007) the 1950s provides an account of the cultures in America. These were fiction, poetry, theatre, television and films performances, music, radio and visual arts. In this period the economic was still not good. For instance, there were about 3,288,000 people who were unemployed the average salary of the working class was 2,992 dollars.This is the period that saw many young people who serve in the war comeback home to pick up their lives start new families and new jobs. With this new phase of experiences, American industries rose up to the challenge of meeting the rising demands of items. Americans began buying things they could not buy during the wartime. 1960s: The Liberal Reforms and Kennedy’s Visions. In 1960 a presidential election was held. This marked the end of Dwight Eisenhower as the president of America. He served his nation for a period of two terms.At this time his vice president was Richard Nixon who ha d turned his office into a political base. In the elections of 1960s, John F. Kennedy- a democrat was the second one to have the presidential position as a Roman Catholic after a democrat Al smith . At this time the Soviet Union was far a head of America both militarily and economically. At this time Kennedy was young and inexperienced to be trusted with presidency and his victory margin was among the closest ever known in the history of America. This was attributed to his religious stand. It was believed that many Protestants did not vote him (Murray C., 1994) In 1950’s and 60’s both major political parties in USA were liberal and conservative factions. The Democratic Party had northern and Western liberals and on the other hand was the conservative Southern whites. For two decades the cold war liberalism was not that active and it only peaked in 1964 when Lyndon B. Johnson over Barry Gold water during the election. In 1948, Truman the then president of USA had outlaw ed desegregation in the armed forces and civil rights were strongly agitated for. These culminated in to the passage of 1964 civil rights act as well as the voting rights act of 1965.During 1960s the relations between white liberals and civil rights leaders intensified. The later accused the former of hindering the progress it was during this time that Kennedy put federal troops to protect the African Americans who were being admitted to the University of Mississippi. In 1962 (Sitkof H. , 2000) f James Meredita and Martin Luther King junior staged a march to Washington in 1966. This emerged to be a very strong movement which was called the black power. The blacks in this movement accused the whites of trying to control the blacks’ agendas.The opponents of the civil rights wanted blacks in America to stop following democratic machines and instead apply the ethnic model. The civil rights movements totally revolutionized the lives of blacks in America. Much of the credit goes to Martin Luther king. He was the leader of hundreds of Black people. He inspired the blacks greatly especially when he made his’ I have a dream speech’ to the multitude. It was all about racial harmony. This was done on the mail in Washington. In 1902, Kennedy announced that by the end of the 1960s decade USA would send a man on the moon in a spaceship and safety return him to earth alive.This was the height of optimism because at this time its space program was in its infancy stage It was also at this time that president Johnson of America promised his people that he would fight poverty and ensures that the Americans would enjoy descent lives. This promise was actualized when social security fund was increased and as a result millions of Americans received improved health care. This 1960s became the turning point in the history of American. A lot were achieved at this time (Suman K. and Bery G. F. , 1997) 1970s: Outcomes of Vietnam Invasion and Lifestyles Change.During the 1960s period, Richard Nixon in his presidential campaign promised to end the Americans involvement in the war again Vietnam if he was elected in office in 1969. This whole plan was called â€Å"Vietnamization† it meant that the United States would gradually withdraw itself from the Vietnam War and transfer its military duties to the Southern Vietnam. He wanted to reinforce the Eisenhower and Kennedy’s policies of helping the South Vietnamese but things did not go as they were expected. In 1969(Brad R. , 1991) the North Vietnamese communists intensified their attacks and through Laos and Cambodia supply lines.As a result of these events Nixon invaded Cambodia and bombarded Laos. This initially was done secretly but sooner than later it was made public by Nixon who on 1970 April 30 announced on the television that he invaded Cambodia and wanted to recruit some 150,000 new soldiers . This decision was not welcomed by many Americans in fact it provoked many ant-war pr otests especially from college and campus students. In 1970 on May 4th the National Guard fined shots in to a crowd of demonstration at Kent state university and killed four of them and about nine wounded. This only increased outrage to people who turned against Nixon and Vietnam War.Due to the increased pressure to put the war to an end an end (Goodwin J. , 2001) Nixon ordered the North Vietnam zone to be bombed. This act led to signing of an agreement which led to the termination of the war in March 1973. As America quit the war, it left the southerners to fight the northerners’ American indigence in the war caused it a big harm. About 55,000 American lives perished. Basically American gained very little from this war. It left Vietnam a devastated nation. 1980s: Cultural Influence and Economic Policies. In 1980s there was economic boom. The existing market was advancing in age and was financially becoming stable.The society’s face changed demographically. People coul d live longer and seemed younger. New technologies replaced old ones or we can say that there was a technological change. These changes were celebrated by Richard Nixon and his wife with a fashionable clothes accompanied by social events that displayed affluence of American society (Minarik J. J. , 1990) During this time the whole world was in perpetual change for instance the USSR eased their roles and gave in to private enterprise the famous Berlin war came down and Western cloths found their way in eastern, countries.There were some economic policies that were posed by the government. For instance it states that when market lack the in information on the quality of assets as well as true value of an institutions net worth then potential for crisis increased. 1990s: Revival of Cold War Period and Reagan’s Ideas. In the 1980s the cold war came to an end the eastern block had suffered economically. The cold war period of 1985-1991 came back to life with the ascension of Mikha il Gorbachev to power in 1991. In the same year on December 31, the USSR broke into 15 separate nations and this marked the end of the cold war period.Conclusion. Having seen the effects of every action that has been done in America since 1945 and Judging by the way things stand currently, we can say that in the past ten years the politics of America will move to greater heights as the democrats and the republicans become more vibrant in addressing the things that are affecting the Americans right now. Culturally, Americans are very dynamic people who keep on inventing new ways of life. So, it is hard to predict what exactly will happen in the next ten years to come. But socially it seems people will be more integrated, interactive and united.Americans are social and interact with their fellow people in a positive manner and that is why America is a united nation. Reference: Halliwell M. , 2007: American Culture in the 1950’s. Edinburgh University Press, United Kingdom. Farbe r D. , 1994: The Age of Great Dreams America in the 1960s, 1st Edition. USA. Goodwin J. , 2001: No Other Way Out: States and Revolutionary Movement 1945-1991 Cambridge University Press P. 5 Suman K. and Bery G. F. 1997: Preventing Banking Sector Distress and Crises in Latin America; Proceedings on a Conference Held in Washington DC, World Bank. Minarik J. J., 1990: Making America’s Budget Policies from the 1980’s to the 1990’s M. E. Sharpe. Murry C. , 1994: Loosing Ground; American Social Policy 1950- 1980, Basic Books 10th Anniversary Edition. Brad R. , 1991: Weapons Proliferation in the 1990s. MIT Press, Washington. Ciment J. , 2006: Postwar America: An Encyclopedia of Social Political Cultural and Economic History Sharpe New York. Sitkoff H. , 2000: Post War America a Student Companion, Oxford University Press. Leslie B. , 1995: The Cambridge History of Latin America, Cambridge University Press. Hardayal S. , 2001. Ambassadors of Culture. Princeton University Press.

Impacting moment in my Life Essay

It is difficult for me to explain a situation that has impacted my life. When God created the earth he decided that every person would be different, some big others small, some thick others thin. He also decided that everyone would have different behaviors. Some people would be shy and calm with little talking, while others the total opposite loud and more extravagant. Between all these categories I represent the shy and calm, for this reason it is very hard for me to express an impacting moment in my life. The most impacting moment in my life occurred many years ago when I started living my life fully and felt complete. My parents decided to register me to a public school in the city Guayama and I did not dominate well the language Spanish. For me this news was very impacting. One of the reasons I was scared of learning a second language I didnt dominate, another reason was losing all the friends I had made and had kept me company for many years but the major reason was leaving the house in the military base Roosevelt roads. Everything happened when my father decided it was time to retire the military service because he had given 20 years of his life and was tired of the same routine he had daily in the service. I counted on the short age of 13 and was enrolled in the 7th grade in the military base Roosevelt roads in Cieba Puerto Rico. I had been 6 years cursing in military schools; previously I had lived in different military bases in the United States and also Cuba. I always had fluent English teachers, and although I lived in Puerto Rico all my friends lived in the base and talked English. Due to the style of life I was accustomed to live was changing I started to feel panic and very scared. Read more:Â  Proudest Moment To find out that my parents decided to stay in the island for one more year because they hadnt thought of where to move in the United States made me worry. My mother decided to enroll me in a private school where English was the main language, but I opposed on her decision because I wanted to be in the same school as my cousin was. Due that I was afraid to express myself in Spanish since it was not my first language, I felt more secure having a family member close so it would be easier for me. My mother always showed us the importance it was to dominate 2 languages, but due to always being surrounded by people who spoke, read, and wrote English was easier for me to focus only in the English language. Arriving to the school in Guayama and seeing the school system and the environment of students was very different from what I was used of seeing I felt alone and lost. Due to how timid I was it was hard for me to make friends. Speaking Spanish wasnt the main problem, understanding what people tried to tell me was the problem. Reading and writing Spanish was also an obstacle in the school I assisted. The teachers were very patient with me and in some way they would always try to help me. My cousin was a very important factor that helped me overcome obstacles. Another reason that I felt sad and mad was having to leave my friends from the base. Practically I lived four years of my life where everyone knew each other and the register of the school was so small that every teacher knew each student. The majority of the military parents extended their orders because they felt safe and secure in Roosevelt roads. To have lived in that base for four years was magnificent and are moments I will treasure always with love. For this reason it was hard for me to proceed from leaving that place. I couldnt accept a drastic change of the commodities I had enjoyed. Finally I will mention that although the impact of changing schools, learning a new language, leaving old friends and a military base affected my life in that precise moment, it also helped me grow as a human and mature. After many years I understood why my mom pushed me in knowing two languages. I realized it when I started the university and saw how important knowing two languages are. Ive also lived it; since my mother is a teacher in Orlando and dominates two languages she has more opportunities in schools. Due that I wanted to expand my horizons educative I decided to come to Puerto Rico with the purpose of learning more of the language in Spanish. Today I thank God and my parents for the most impacting moment I had years ago because now my major interest is to dominate two languages so much in English as much in Spanish to become a bilingual teacher and help students that face the same problem I once did.