University education Essay Example for Free

University education Essay Topic: Universal education (should all higher education be free) Archer, W. (2011, September 16). Negative Effects of Tuition Expenses. Other Essay. Retrieved September 27, 2014, from http://www. booksie. com/other/essay/wilmarie_archer/negative-effects-of-tuition-expe nses Summary: This website told us some negative effects of tuition expenses, especially the university expenses. There are three sentences he said I think are reasonable and make me feel sad about the phenomenon. â€Å"Many individuals within society have dreams, even minority students. However, one major factor that prevents them from  accomplishing their goals is money. â€Å"Money isn`t everything, but in this century, without it, you can`t survive,† stated Eric Banshee. † It is sad that we are missing some geniuses or and the people who have a beautiful dream, but because they cannot afford the university tuition, they have to give up. The author thought that the low –income family should get help to let them have the opportunities to accomplish their goals. Should higher education should be offered to all for free?. (n. d. ). The Premier Online Debate Website. Retrieved September 28, 2014, from http://www. debate.org/opinions/should-higher-education-should-be-offered-to-all-for- free Summary: This website is very interesting because I can see not only the benefits of free education, but also the shortcomings of it by many people. Some people think it is necessary to have free education because knowledge should not come with a price tag and people should all have the opportunity to attend the university. However, some people think it is unpractical because some tuition is gave to the professors and free education may make the education quality become lower because people might not value the opportunity of studying then.

The Most Tragic Othello :: Othello essays

The Most Tragic Othello    William Shakespeare has written many plays.   His most tragic play is Othello. Othello is also the name of the main character in the play, he is quite hard to understand. In order to have a better understanding of Othello's character, examining his changes throughout the play, flaws and why he is considered a tragic hero will give the reader an insight of his overall personality.   Othello changes many times throughout the course of the play.   At the beginning of the play Othello trusts Desdemona with everything, but throughout the play he loses confident in her because he listens to Iago's suggestions about her.   "'Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it That he would sneak away so guilty like, Seeing you come.'" (Shakespeare 105).  Ã‚   He shows disrespect to Desdemona in front of other people.   "'Devil' he strikes her 'I have not deserved this.'"   (141).  Ã‚   Othello changes even more dramatically because of the poison suggestions that Iago has given him.  Ã‚   He goes out of control and eventually kills Desdemona thinking that she has did something wrong.      Othello has many tragic flaws.   He is a really gullible person, for example he was tricked by Iago; thinking that Desdemona was really having an affair with Cassio.   " ` Did he confess it?'" (134).   He trusts Iago too much and totally relies on Iago therefore making him really vulnerable to Iago's evilish schemes.   Othello's gullibility causes him to be jealous.   He let's his jealousy take over, he looses control of himself and acts on his jealous emotions, he let's his jealousy clutter his mind and good judgment.   "`Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her, damn her! Come go with me part.   I will withdraw To furnish me with some swift means of death.   For the fair devil.   Now are the my lieutenant'" (122). Othello's other flaw is his anger.   Othello acts upon his anger and therefore ends up doing the things he regrets afterwards. "`It is too late.' `O Lord, O Lord, Lord!' he smothers her"(168).   Therefore by examining those points Othello has many tragic flaws in him.      Othello is considered a tragic hero because he fights for the people in Venice in Cyprus.   "'The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes for Cyprus.

Animism

The term â€Å"animism† is defined as the belief of a life-force existing within non-human forms. In other words, according the this idea, non-human forms such as thunder, rocks and trees are possessed by spirits and souls. The term, first developed as â€Å"animismus† by chemist/physicist Georg Ernst Stahl in 1832, defined as the â€Å"doctrine that animal life is produced by an immaterial soul†, was reintroduced in 1871 by English anthropologist Sir Edward Burnett Taylor to be defined as the â€Å"theory of the universal animation of nature†. The mass majority of animistic belief systems holds that the soul within the non-human form will be able to survive physical death. It is believed in some systems that the soul must journey to pass through to an easier world. In other systems, it is said that the soul would remain on earth as a ghost. There are also situations where it would return to earth in order to avenge its death. If murdered, the spirit would either assist in discovering the identity of its murderer or wreak vengeance for itself. A widespread belief of those who die a violent death is that the soul would become a dangerous spirit and endanger the lives of those who approach the haunted area of the its death. In literature, animism is most often used in mythology and folklore. The myths and folklore generally contain a magical or spiritual sense to the story. An example would be of the tale of the Pontianak. The Pontianak is a type of vampire in Malay folklore and Indonesian mythology. It is said that a woman who has died during childbirth becomes undead, seeking revenge and terrorizes villages. The use of animism is applied because the Pontianak is not human and has a spirit within. Many Urarina myths apply animism into their myths by portraying plants, inanimate objects, and animals as personal beings. An example would be of a Urarina deluge-myth, a myth of a great flood sent by a deity to destroy civilization as a punishment. It is said that a man had saved himself from the flood by climbing a tree. The man's wife had transformed into a termites' nest and was clinging onto the tree and their two sons had transformed into birds. Though the man's wife and sons are not in their human bodies anymore, their souls are still intact within their new form. Therefore, this myth applies the use of animism.

The History of Alcatraz - 789 Words

Life on Alcatraz Prison was not as bad as the people described it to be. For the prisoners Living on Alcatraz was similar to life on other American penitentiaries of the era. It wasn’t the brutal hellhole many movies made it look like it was. Each prisoner swept his cell clean, dressed, and then stood ready for head count. Then all marches to the mess hall for break feast before moving on to work out in the docks in the laundry area, or out in any of the other buildings in the island. The food on Alcatraz was better than other prison foods in America. The prisoners wore also given the advantage of having their on cell. Having their own cell gave the prisoners safety and gave them personal space. It also helped keep the prisoners safe from being raped by other bigger inmates. They wore also given the privilege of one visit per month. It wasn’t much but it was better than nothing. They got one haircut per month, and took showers twice a week. They wore also given recreational hours out in the courtyard. Many dangerous men wore inside of Alcatraz. Al Capone was a famous inmate of Alcatraz. Al Capone was a master at manipulating his environment at the federal prison in Atlanta, and tats what got him into Alcatraz. He started to pimp his prostitutes before he even hit puberty. He was born and raised in the harsh streets of Brooklyn. Despite being a powerful gangster, he opened up soup kitchens and feed the poor. Machinegun Kelly was also a famous inmate of Alcatraz. He belongedShow MoreRelatedAlcatraz Island: A Brief History1608 Words   |  7 Pagesprison officers (Mahaney, Erin. History and Facts about Alcatraz. About.com). Closing The Great Depression of the 1930s resulted in the already pricey expenses to run the army barracks to almost double. The current prisoners were departed to other prisons in Kansas and New Jersey. In 1933, the Army deserted the prison.\ Alcatraz would continue as a prison for more than 100 years, but just under a different control†¦ Federal Penitentiary Establishing Alcatraz was obtained by the federal bureauRead More The History of Alcatraz Island Essay4099 Words   |  17 PagesThe History of Alcatraz Island Alcatraz Island has quite a distinct history. Many people know that Alcatraz served as a federal prison, but most are reluctant to know that this island served as fort. Built before the Civil War, it served two main purposes. First, that it was to guard the San Francisco bay area from enemy ships against a foreign invasion, and second, to hold hostage prisoners of war or POWs as they were called. In this report, Ill show you how this fortress came to be a federalRead MoreDid Anyone Ever Escape Alcatraz? Essay1000 Words   |  4 Pagesthere escape from Alcatraz, but it cannot be proven. It has been fifty years since their escape and we still have no evidence as to whether or not they ever even lived. Alcatraz has become one of the most haunted places in America and was home to some of Americas most notorious criminals. Some will choose to believe that the ghosts of Alcatraz exist, but others may not. So, why did Alcatraz shut down? How did the prisoners escape and are they alive? The famous Alcatraz Island is located inRead MoreSpeech : Devil s Island 1390 Words   |  6 PagesSpecific Purpose: To inform my audience about Alcatraz. Thesis: This morning, I am going to tell you about the purpose of Alcatraz, some of the famous criminals that were sent there, escape attempts, and the living conditions in the prison. Introduction I. Attention Grabber: Have any of you, if you are open to admit it, ever been to prison? A. Well, I have, but not in the way you would think. B. I went voluntarily on a tour and the prison was actually Alcatraz. II. Credibility and Goodwill: I have alwaysRead MoreMen Who Were Sent to Alcatraz Essay722 Words   |  3 PagesAlcatraz began in 1850 as a military prison. Later it became a federal prison. Then on the verge of 30 years it was closed. Then for a while Indians used the island. Alcatraz was used to house the criminals who provoked problems at other jails. The island was located off the coast of California. The island has had many uses over a span of 122 years. Alcatraz was first used as a Military prison. They used it as a Military prison from 1850 to 1934. In 1934 it was changed to a federal prisonRead MoreInformative Speech on Alcatraz1097 Words   |  5 PagesPurpose: To inform the class Specific Purpose: To describe to the audience a brief history of Alcatraz. Thesis: Alcatraz has been a popular social topic because of the mystery that surrounds it and the stories exaggerated in movies and television shows. INTRODUCTION I. If you disobey the rules of society, they send you to prison; if you disobey the rules of the prison, they send you to Alcatraz. II. Alcatraz has been a popular social topic because of the mystery that surrounds it and the storiesRead MoreInformative Speech Outline on Alcatraz1081 Words   |  5 Pages* Alcatraz Informative Speech Outline General Purpose: To inform the class Specific Purpose: To describe to the audience a brief history of Alcatraz. Thesis: Alcatraz has been a popular social topic because of the mystery that surrounds it and the stories exaggerated in movies and television shows. INTRODUCTION I. If you disobey the rules of society, they send you to prison; if you disobey the rules of the prison, they send you to Alcatraz. II. Alcatraz has been a popular social topicRead MoreThe Perfect Escape1382 Words   |  6 Pages Ever since the creation of Alcatraz, it was made apparent that it would be the best prison ever constructed due to its location and the way it was built. Many people attempted to escape the so-called inescapable prison, but only few people’s efforts came to fruition. John and Clarence Anglin, Frank Morris, and Allen West carefully planned and executed the perfect escape. To this day, this escape is considered a mystery. The origin of Alcatraz dates back to 1775 when an explorer named Juan ManuelRead MoreInformative Speech Outline on Alcatraz Essay1090 Words   |  5 Pages* Alcatraz Informative Speech Outline General Purpose: To inform the class Specific Purpose: To describe to the audience a brief history of Alcatraz. Thesis: Alcatraz has been a popular social topic because of the mystery that surrounds it and the stories exaggerated in movies and television shows. INTRODUCTION I. If you disobey the rules of society, they send you to prison; if you disobey the rules of the prison, they send you to Alcatraz. II. Alcatraz has been a popular social topicRead MoreAlcatraz Would Continue as a Prisoner but Under a Different Control1702 Words   |  7 Pages The military prisoners that were on Alcatraz at the time would build the new military prison from 1909 through 1911. The new cell house was equipped with 600 cells, â€Å"†¦a hospital, a mess hall, and other prison buildings† (history.com). Research around this subject states, that when the prison was completed it was the world’s largest reinforced building (NPS). The Alcatraz lighthouse’s view of the Golden Gate Bridge was blocked during the construction of the cell house, â€Å"[the] beacon became obsolete†

Multiple Sclerosis Essay examples - 1988 Words

Most illnesses are unexpected and can lead to life changes. A chronic illness can lead to a life altering illness. While some chronic illnesses can be cured in a few weeks or months many last a lifetime. Chronic illnesses typically have a significant impact on clients, like treatments, coping, and dealing with possible side effects. When the chronic illness progresses to death then the illness would be life altering. According to webmd.com Multiple Sclerosis or MS is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord resulting in loss of muscle control, vision, balance, and sensation. I chose Multiple Sclerosis because it can affect daily activities and can have a negative impact on the person’s well-being (Tamper Lindh 197-199) Learning†¦show more content†¦What causes MS is unknown; Scientists believe there are several factors that cause MS including immunologic, environmental, infectious, and genetic. MS is 2 to 3 times more common in women than men. MS is not inhe rited but genetics plays an important role in who gets the disease. While most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, young children and teenagers may develop this life altering illness. MS is more common in northern latitudes that are further from the equator and less common in areas closer to the equator however, known in all parts of the world. MS occurs in most ethnic groups, including African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics/Latinos, but are more common in Caucasians of the northern European ancestry (â€Å"What is Multiple Sclerosis†). According to Margret Vickers the Sociologists have been concerned about the inequality of patients that have a chronic to life altering disease especially at work. A person with a disability is categorized as being other, different, and outside the norm, faces obstacles of trying to fit in to the working environment. Furthermore, employees who don’t possess the physical, emotional or cognitive attributes that others pr esent maybe stigmatized or discredited. The workplace remains difficult for people with a life altering illness to negotiate and be secure furthermore employment has actually decreased worldwide.Show MoreRelatedMultiple Sclerosis835 Words   |  4 PagesMarkel Franklin Professor Idziak Speech 1311 March 27, 2012 Multiple Sclerosis Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about multiple sclerosis by exploring various facts of the disease including what causes it, types of the disease and how it is treated. General Purpose: To make people aware of the autoimmune disease. Introduction I. Greeting- Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen. It is always a pleasure to stand before such an enthusiastic crowd and to talkRead MoreMultiple Sclerosis Essay824 Words   |  4 PagesMultiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder where the myelin sheath within the Central Nervous System is attacked (National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2017). The myelin sheath protects the axon of the nerve cell. When the myelin sheath is intact, the axon is able to carry impulses away from the neuron’s cell body, and the message carried is clear. With Multiple Sclerosis, the myelin sheath becomes scarred, hence the word â€Å"sclerosis†, and distorts the nerve impulses traveling over the CNS (NationalRead MoreThe Mechanics Of Multiple Sclerosis Essay1689 Words   |  7 Pagesthe real expressions of Multiple Sclerosis. These neurological symptoms were first identified in the early 14th and 15th centuries. The immune system attacks the myelin of the brain spinal cord causing a cessation or misinterpretation of communication with the rest of the body. Due to this destruction or damage to the myelin, scar tissue forms and there central nervous system cannot communicate with the body effectively. This is the mechanics of Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that affectsRead MoreEssay Multiple Sclerosis583 Words   |  3 PagesMultiple sclerosis is a complex, autoimmune disease caused by damage of the fatty myelin sheaths around axons of the brain and spinal cord which leads to demyelination, lesions (scaring) and inflammation1, 2, 3. This damage leads to disruption of nerve impulse along axons resulting in the many symptoms seen in multiple sclerosis patients. Although its exact etiology is unknown, current research indicates that multiple sclerosis is a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors. It hasRead MoreWhat Is Multiple Sclerosis?1341 Words   |  6 PagesWhat is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Jessica Zelenak American Military Public University Abstract Multiple Sclerosis affects 2.3 million people worldwide. Multiple Sclerosis patients diagnosed are in the age range of twenty to fifty. Multiple Sclerosis effects the myelin in the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information that is sent to the brain. This disruption effects your vision, mobility and bodily functions. Multiple Sclerosis has a wide variety of people it canRead More Multiple Sclerosis Essay1724 Words   |  7 PagesMultiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is one of humankind’s most mysterious diseases. No one knows the exact cause and there is no exact treatment. Still multiple sclerosis has the ability to affect nearly 3 million people worldwide and at least 500,000 people in the United States (Boroch). This disease tends to be more common in individuals of northern European descent and women are more than twice as likely to develop multiple sclerosis as men. Of those 3 million people, most of them are betweenRead MoreAn Overview Of Multiple Scle rosis2234 Words   |  9 PagesAN OVERVIEW OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS 1 An Overview of Multiple Sclerosis: the Disease, the Challenges, the Symptoms, and the Treatments Meiying Li AN OVERVIEW OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS 2 Abstract Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. The characteristics of MS are demyelination and axonal loss. The etiologyRead MoreEssay Multiple Sclerosis1206 Words   |  5 PagesMultiple Sclerosis The primary objective of this paper is to raise fundamental questions in regards to multiple sclerosis, and to explore possibilities that attempt to answer these inquiries. Second, the prospective outcome is to provide a solid knowledge base for which my peers may begin to understand the relationship between multiple sclerosis and neurobiology and behavior. The first question to address in the general schema of this essay is: What is Multiple Sclerosis? Multiple SclerosisRead MoreMultiple Sclerosis Essay1328 Words   |  6 Pages Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that can impact many different parts of the body. It starts out by the immune system attacking the myelin that surrounds the nerve fibers in the Central Nervous System. Once the myelin tissue is damaged, it forms a type of scar tissue that essentially causes the sclerosis. It then sends nerve impulses back and forth between the brain and spinal cord that can cause many different ranges of symptoms. Scientists are still researching the cause for this disease; howeverRead More Multiple Sclerosis Essay2039 Words   |  9 PagesMultiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system. It most commonly occurs in individuals between the ages of twenty and forty (1) and in higher numbers of women than men (2). In Multiple Sclerosis (or MS) a loss of the nerves axon coating myelin prohibits the nerve axons from efficiently conducting action and synaptic potentials. Scar tissue (called plaques or lesions) forms at the points where demyelination occurs in the brain and spinal cord, hence the name

Poverty And Poor People And The Rich - 1364 Words

The crevice between poor people and the rich has extended to its vastest levels since time remembrance. Financial imbalance likewise alluded to as the hole between poor people and the rich, riches uniqueness or wage disparity comprises of the distinctions in the pay and riches appropriation. Ordinarily, the term the hole between poor people and the rich alludes to disparity among gatherings and people in the general public, however can too allude to imbalance among nations. The crevice between poor people and the rich is identified with the idea of value: opportunity equity and result fairness. This paper investigates diverse angles identified with the developing hole between poor people and the rich. There are a few reasons why there is†¦show more content†¦Nor in savage life is there anything like the destitution that putrefies in our progress (Henry George). Celebrated American political financial expert Henry George is the writer of blockbuster Progress and Poverty (1879), a book about monetary imbalance; According to his perceptions, people are the main species to have a wide monetary hole between people. In today s general public, the uniqueness of riches and wage among the well off and poor people is available as well as expanding at a quick rate. Annie Lowrey, a financial writer for the New York Times, states, the main 10 percent of workers took the greater part of the nation s general pay in 2012, the most astounding extent recorded in a century. Due to this imbalance, the main 10% of the U.S. populace has acquired half of the nation s salary, bringing about a vast monetary crevice between the rich and poor people. This broadening monetary hole amongst well off a nd poor people is brought about basically through an instruction framework that supports the affluent, expanded accessibility of occupations for rich individuals through social associations, and an economy that is one-sided toward the rich. A noteworthy reason for monetary imbalance in the United States is the instruction framework Wealthy understudies can improve in school than their less well-off partners using coaches and extracurricular advancement exercises. This as a generally speaking, givesShow MoreRelatedThe Cause And Causes Of Poverty1325 Words   |  6 Pagesissue of poverty. According to the Business dictionary, poverty is a â€Å"Condition where people s basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter are not being met†. Due to the serious effects and causes of poverty, it has always been an important issue throughout the world. Causes of poverty vary from country to country but the biggest and most common causes are things such as national debt., disabilities, health issues, war, social inequality, lack of education, and natural resources. Poverty comes withRead MoreTrying to Erradicate Poverty and Extreme Poverty1351 Words   |  5 PagesThe very poor suffer from lack of access to safe food and water , basic education, and medicine. For many of the world’s countries, poverty is prevalent. While almost half of the world lives in poverty, the rich continue to get richer. In 2005, the poorer 10% only accounted for 0.5% of the world’s share of private consumption, while the richest 10% accounted for 59% of consumption (Shah 1-4). There is an increasing inequality gap. The world has enough resources to feed and shelter the poor but peopleRead MorePoverty : A Economic Disparity Between The Rich And Poor1361 Words   |  6 Pagesdisparity between the rich and the poor. Adam Smith reflects on the income gap in his quote: â€Å"No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable.† Due to Saudi Arabia’s vast oil wealth, there is a large amount of the population who live well and fruitful, but more than 20 percent of the population lives in crippling poverty (Baker, 2013). Poverty is usually define d in either absolute or relative terms. Absolute poverty refers to the standardRead MoreThe Need to Address Poverty in Canada990 Words   |  4 PagesPoverty is a serious issue in Canada needs to be addressed promptly. Poverty is not simply about the lack of money an individual has; it is much more than that. The World Bank Organization defines poverty by stating that, â€Å"Poverty is hunger. Poverty is lack of shelter. Poverty is being sick and not being able to see a doctor. Poverty is not having access to school and not knowing how to read. Poverty is not having a job, is fear for the future, living one day at a time†. In Canada, 14.9 percentRead MoreRich And Poor Countries : The Economic Conditions Of The World1245 Words   |  5 Pagesthe industrial revolution and technological advances, while other countries stagnated in poverty. These actions defined the current socio-economic conditions of the world. Today, there is a considerable difference between rich and po or countries. That is, developed countries do a very good job in providing the basic necessities for their populations such as food, education, healthcare and more. Meanwhile poor countries lack of these resources and they do not even have the technical system toRead MorePoverty Is A Grave Issue837 Words   |  4 PagesPoverty is a grave issue that many people face worldwide that is caused by political and economic instability, discrimination, war, and a history of colonialism. Poverty is a social and economic problem characterized by a lack of income and therefore lack of access to adequate resources like food, housing, and services. This problem is widespread and is fatal; the malnutrition and disease that comes along with poverty kills millions of people. Especially in developing countries, diseases, such asRead MoreEssay on The Root Causes and Solutions to Poverty676 Words   |  3 PagesThe same common question comes to us all at one point,†Why are people poor?â⠂¬  Whether you are liberal, conservative, or have had previous experiences that pull us to believe more strongly in certain things, all of our ideas on poverty fall on the same path. Unfortunately, as reality points out, is that inside the walls of the White House, where it is commonly believed that actual progress is happening, ideas on poverty revolve around stock exchange, whose ideas only benefit those who get electedRead MoreHow India s Rich Poor Divide Affects It1302 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction In my Global Perspectives Project I will be talking about how India’s rich-poor divide affects it. I chose this subject because I truly find it fascinating how India’s poverty and wealth is so fart apart. India’s population escalates from multi million airs to an unbelievable amount of people under the poverty line. I believe that this issue can be solved but over centuries. Of course this isn’t the only problem in India but I find it the most intriguing. Another reason why India isRead MoreThe Gospel Of Luke Acts963 Words   |  4 PagesPoverty and human deprivation have been recognized as the most central challenges to the development of human society ever since the dawn of history. Alongside them is the issue of wealth, and our attitude towards it. Needless to say, Jesus talks about wealth and poverty throughout the Bible, however, more specifically in the Gospels of Luke and Acts in the New Testament. The Gospel of Luke-Acts is considered as the Gosp el having an immense concern on the socio-economic background of the peopleRead MoreEconomists Estimate Wealth And Poverty1736 Words   |  7 PagesBrian Curtis English Comp 2 April 23, 2016 Wealth and Poverty Economists estimate wealth and poverty in many ways. The most three common measures are income, possessions (accumulated wealth in the form of money, securities, and real estate), and socioeconomic metrics. Actions in the last category go beyond financial data to account for health, food, infant mortality, sanitation, and other phases of human well-being. Usually, wealth and poverty measured regarding income. Information on income is readily

17 Years free essay sample

Seventeen years, two eyes, one heart, one brain. A kaleidoscopic of cars whizzes by me as I waltz from my bus stop in downtown Los Angeles to my home, a government-funded apartment complex. Seventeen years, two eyes, one heart, one brain. Seventeen years to slay apathy, stockpile verbal ammunition, doubt the status quo, and delay death through learning and living. Seventeen years, and all it takes is just one traitorous second for everything to disappear. As I linger on the curb, shifting my weight while balancing my AP textbooks, I worry about how easy it would be to enter â€Å"the undiscovered country† where â€Å"no traveler returns.† I worry about the insights I’ll never pocket, the pains I’ll never retain. Two eyes, one heart, one brain. Two eyes to judge. A black Honda swerves harshly, hissing at my mortality as it rounds the corner and barely misses my defenseless flesh. We will write a custom essay sample on 17 Years or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Startled, I stumble. Miscalculating my threshold for shock, I fall to the ground. My textbooks tango in descent as my backpack bemoans momentum’s pull. Impassive, the light changes. I pluck my books from the ground and cradle them in my arms before darting across the street. A homeless person who has witnessed my misfortune smiles and I smile back. Head held high and shoulders back, I hope my confident saunter is not nearly as comedic as I sense it is. One heart to feel. Paranoia pricks my skin darkened with years of outdoor basketball practice and running jaunts as I reflect on how young, female and distinctively pedestrian I am. Only dejected homeless people and doleful carless souls negotiate these paths, where one would be hard-pressed to find even the bravest of joggers. I routinely zigzag home alone since my mom works long hours as a seamstress and my dad works on-again, off-again at a factory. First, I cross the bridge overlooking the 101 Freeway. The second source of paranoia is the overpass I must walk under, embracing obscurity as I pray for light. Needless to say, I usually jog these steps. Third, is the gradual sloping upward of an unpaved sidewalk. In my seven years of walking home, I have seldom seen other pedestrians walking beside or in front of me, but with the California sky peering at me from behind folded arms, I am comforted in knowing I am not alone. One brain to feed. With the relief of passing each perceived danger, I scurry along. Assuming the lighthearted aura of Little Red Riding Hood, the tenacity of The Little Engine That Could, and the optimism of Dr. Seuss, I take a detour to my beloved library. There, I bask in the tranquil familiarity of books, knowledge, words and wisdom. Seventeen years, two eyes, one heart, one brain, one life.