Isabel Allende?s ?Two Words :: essays research papers

Loss and Survival in Isabel Allende’s â€Å"Two Words† Because Belisa Crepusculario had such a difficult childhood in which she experienced so much loss in her life, she is forced to become a stronger person both mentally and physically to survive such devastating circumstances. It will ultimately be this strong sense of survival that she develops through these experiences of great loss, which will guide her through the survival of life threatening situations. Belisa had a rough childhood. She was born into a family that was very poor. On top of dealing with poverty, Belisa also had to deal with living in a place that wasn’t suited very well for inhabitants. This quote explains her childhood quite well. â€Å"Belisa Crepusculario had been born into a family so poor they did not even have names to give their children. She came into the world and grew up in an inhospitable land where some years the rains became avalanches of water that bore everything away before them and others when not a drop fell from the sky and the sun swelled to fill the horizon and the world became a desert. Until she was twelve, Belisa had no occupation or virtue other than having withstood hunger and the exhaustion of centuries† (10). I believe that this quote sets up the rest of the story about Belisa because it portrays her as someone who endured many hardships as a young child and those are what helped her become a stronger person for those hardships. Belisa also had to endure great loss of family members as a young child. She was the only child out of her five siblings to survive a horrible drought that swept through the area where she lived, that claimed her four siblings. This quote explains those circumstances. â€Å"During one interminable drought, it fell to her to bury four younger brothers and sisters; when she realized that her turn was next, she decided to set out across the plains in the direction of the sea, in hopes that she might trick death along the way† (10). I believe that her strong will to survive is what made her leave home, because she did not want to just whither away into death like the rest of her family had done. She wants to live and that was quite evident. While Belisa is making her way toward the sea, she encounters others who are doing likewise, to avoid the great drought.

Youth Substance Abuse: A Comprehensive Overview and Proposal for National Education Campaign

The following document represents a comprehensive overview of one of the main societal problems in America today: youth substance abuse. Drug and substance abuse among teenagers is substantial.Among youth age 12 to 17, about 1.1 million meet the diagnostic criteria for dependence on drugs, and about 1 million are treated for alcohol dependency.[1] Because of this epidemic we need to institute a more effective national school campaign along with a national health care campaign that will promote education, prevention, early detection, and rehabilitation.Youth substance abuse is a major epidemic currently plaguing the youth and needs to be immediately addressed to protect the future generations of our country. Without an immediate proposal to help eliminate substantial increases in substance abuse, we are setting ourselves up for a sharp decline in a solid civic foundation and substantial increases in health care costs.The research divides itself into six sections covering the social fa ctors that may lead to increased substance abuse, the meaning and experience of illness as related to the changing focus to a health belief model for substance abuse, health care systems and funding on a national level that are aimed at promoting education and rehabilitation of behavior and mental understandingÃ'Ž.Health care providers, providing resources to educate families on youth communication and doctors and nurses on effective mental rehabilitation based on the health belief model, revealing a national education campaign that focuses on physical dangers instead of morality and values violations,   and finally educating youth on health literacy through the national education campaigns.In order to elaborate on more in-depth discussion of substance abuse, first it is important to define our terms. Substance abuse can be defined as an overindulgence in and dependence on a psychoactive leading to effects that are detrimental to the individual's physical health or mental health, or the welfare of others.[2]In a medical sense, if we are to classify substance abuse as an illness, there must be a physiologic dependence on the substance, whereby the person develops a of high amount of tolerance leading to withdrawal symptoms once the substance is removed. Mosby (1998) differentiates between abuse and dependence, stating that both â€Å"are distinct from addiction which involves a compulsion to continue using the substance despite the negative consequences, and may or may not involve chemical dependency.†Ã‚   The textbook definition goes on to state that â€Å"dependence almost always implies abuse, but abuse frequently occurs without dependence, particularly when an individual first begins to abuse a substance. Dependence involves physiological processes while substance abuse reflects a complex interaction between the individual, the abused substance and society.[3]A definition of substance abuse that is frequently cited is that in DSM-IV, the fourth e dition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) issued by the American Psychiatric Association.[4] The DSM-IV defines the term as:A. A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by one (or more) of the following, occurring within a 12-month period: Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, suspensions or expulsions from school; neglect of children or household) Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile or operating a machine when impaired by substance use)Recurrent substance-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for substance-related disorderly conduct   Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerb ated by the effects of the substance (e.g., arguments with spouse about consequences of intoxication, physical fights)B. The symptoms have never met the criteria for Substance Dependence for this class of substance.The government began studying substance use among youth in the mid-70s, and have documented a fluctuation in substance abuse since that time. Interestingly, over the past 5-10 years, the level of substance use has remained relatively stable, yet research suggests that the types of drugs being used among youth are changing.While many young people are using alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit drugs, recent data show an actual decline in substance abuse for the first time in nearly a decade. According to the annual PRIDE survey (National Parents' Resource Institute for Drug Education) , which is the nation's largest independent survey of adolescent drug use and violence, there has been a 12.9% decrease in annual illicit drug use among students in grades 6-12 — the str ongest one year decline in overall drug use since 1990-1991. Alcohol use fell by 6.3 percent to the lowest levels in 12 years and cigarette smoking fell by 15.6% to the lowest levels in 8 years.Youth in grades 6 to 8 reported the most significant reductions, whereas the smallest changes in reported substance use were found at the 12th grade level. Among high school seniors, one in four students report using illegal drugs on a monthly basis and over 8% report daily use. Further, more than 24% of 12th graders report drinking alcohol weekly and 23% smoke cigarettes daily.[5]Another report from a Monitoring the Future Study of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders found similar declines in youth substance use, but also noted increases in the use of MDMA (ecstasy) in each grade along with increases in the use of steroids among 10th graders. [6]Social factors that lead to substance abuse Substance abuse in youth, a problem that may lead to later addiction or substance dependence in adult years, oft en times originates within a social incubator encompassing many specific characteristics that may lead to increased tendencies towards substance abuse.And while no panacea of understanding is claimed in regard to the exact reasons why young people turn to substance abuse, we can look into studies that correlate certain components to an increase in youth substance abuse.   Different social factors that lead to substance abuse affect youth at different stages of their lives. One example is the correlation of aggressive behavior in early childhood to later substance abuse.[1] From the National Institute of Health, 2007 [2] Mosby's Medical, Nursing, & Allied Health Dictionary. Edition 5. (1998) [3] (1998). Mosby's Medical, Nursing, & Allied Health Dictionary. Edition 5.[4]Writings from the American Psychiatric Association   (2006) [5] â€Å"Major Progress in Reducing Teen Drug Use, Cigarette and Alcohol Use, Gun Carrying, According to 13th Pride Survey.† Press Release, Septem ber 5, 2000. http://www.pridesurveys.com/[6] Johnston, L. D., O'Malley, P. M., Bachman, J. G. & Schulenberg, J. E. (December 21, 2006). Teen drug use continues down in 2006, particularly among older teens; but use of prescription-type drugs remains high. University of Michigan News and Information Services: Ann Arbor, MI. [On-line]. Available: www.monitoringthefuture.org; accessed MM/DD/YY.

My Experience with Domestic Violence Essay - 1048 Words

I would shut my eyes because I knew what was coming. And before I shut my eyes, I held my breath, like a swimmer ready to dive into a deep ocean. I could never watch when his hands came toward me; I only patiently waited for the harsh sound of the strike. I would always remember his eyes right before I closed my own: pupils wide with rage, cold, and dark eyebrows clenched with hate. When it finally came, I never knew which fist hit me first, or which blow sent me to my knees because I could not bring myself to open my eyes. They were closed because I didn’t want to see what he had promised he would never do again. In the darkness of my mind, I could escape to a paradise where he would never reach me. I would find again the haven where I†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Did he hit it away from me?† I would ask, â€Å"Who am I?† It is difficult for a person to understand the feeling of not having any control over his or her body, until he or she has experienced domestic violence. When I came to realize that I had no say over my body, and the only thing left to soar free was my soul, I learned that it was a cruel world out there. However, after two years of unforgivable pain and torment, I decided to get my life back. I went to counseling sessions that my close friend set up for me. The counselor helped me realize that I needed to come to terms with the harsh reality of what was happening. After that, I learned that the abuse was not my fault. This was where I realized that I was not alone, and that I did not deserve the pain. Even now, I sometimes think he won, though, because he sleeps peacefully at night, while I wake up trembling with swollen eyes. But then I stop, absorb everything around me, and look at the world in another perspective. I look in the mirror now and see a different person, a woman who has survived the unimaginable. Some may judge, but it is so easy to fall into this trap. I was so alone, just as I know that there are so many women out there suffering from domestic violence who feel that no one understands. We must be strong, confident, and recognize our worth, in order to take hold of our lives. Domestic violence is a vicious cycle that occursShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Domestic Violence On Children1484 Words   |  6 Pages My sign had the phrase â€Å"It’s time to say eNOugh† and a butterfly that has a ribbon for a body, and its wings are filled with positive words about domestic violence survivors. I chose to put that specific phrase because I wanted to reach out to those who are currently experiencing domestic violence, but are afraid of asking for help. That certain group of people was my target because I wanted to shed some light into their lives. They are probably in a really dark place right now and feel vulnerableRead MoreDomestic Violence On Children Essay1221 Words   |  5 Pagesrelates to my question because these are just are a few steps used to empowers man and women to overcome their victimizations and look at themselves as strong and lovable individual but truly for them to understand that they are a strong survivor and ultimately see domestic violence is never because of them or their actions. Humphreys, C. (2001). The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children. Children in Society, 142-150. doi:10.1007/978-1-137-24714-8_15 The Impact of Domestic Violence on ChildrenRead MoreQuestions On Domestic Abuse And Domestic Violence913 Words   |  4 Pagesinstructor attempting to lecture on the topic of domestic abuse, Gagnà © would suggest that I first need to gain the attention of my students. To do this, I will need to provide a stimulus that grabs their attention. I will show a short YouTube video that shows different men and women’s experiences with domestic violence. The video then will end with domestic violence statistics and what you can do to help someone that you feel might be a victim of domestic violence. Second, I must inform the learners ofRead MoreWhat Does The Material Presented?964 Words   |  4 Pagesmyself. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Criminology emphasis Victimology. Throughout my 2 years of undergrad all I studied was victims. After obtaining my degree I was offered a position at Valley Crisis Center. Valley Crisis Center is a non-profit organization that ass ists victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Overall I have 3 years learning and educating myself about victims and have 1 years working with this population, provided services and bringing awareness. My overall goal in lifeRead MoreDomestic Violence And Foreign Violence1251 Words   |  6 Pages Domestic Violence and Intersectionality Domestic violence, as defined by The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence is, â€Å"The willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and emotional abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically, howeverRead MoreEssay on Research Methods Unit 9 Final1572 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract: Domestic violence against women happens around the world every day, but the main focus of location discussed in this paper is Washington State. Females are most likely to suffer domestic violence abuse from someone that they know. In such cases, it has been a spouse that is the attacker. Women escape these violent crimes and reach out for help, but not every time. Based off of the data collected, I strongly believe that females are more often victims of domestic violence than males. Read MoreBecoming A Social Worker, Values, Beliefs, And Theory Of Practice782 Words   |  4 Pagessocial worker practitioner the fields that interest me to work in is domestic violence and child abuse because I want to make change to the society. Also Mahatma Gandhi was my major inspiration through this quote â€Å"Be the change that you wish to see in the world†. Than an idea came to me, why not involve my contribution to the wide variety of communities. My communication with school counsellor s and social workers has impacted my choice of desiring to study social work. I realised that if I have hadRead MoreDomestic Abuse in American Colleges1548 Words   |  7 Pagesmight be the next victim of domestic violence on a college campus. Over the last year, reports of domestic violence have dramatically grown on the college campuses of this country. Nearly one-third of college students report being physically assaulted by a partner they have dated in the previous 12 months (cite!!). Domestic violence impacts a women’s mental , physical, and emotional health., It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of domestic violence. The more we understand. theRead MoreAn Informational Interview: Sarah Buel1041 Words   |  4 Pagesto determine an appropriate person for my informational interview. However, following the advice at Quintessential Careers, I focused on my possible career choices (Quintessential Careers, Unk.). What I found was that I was likely to be i nvolved in some type of work involving domestic violence, though I am still uncertain of the nature of that work. As a result, I decide to interview Sarah Buel. Sarah Buel is a noted attorney in the field of domestic violence. Currently a Clinical Professor and FoundingRead MoreThe Social Problems That Impact The Woman And Children1299 Words   |  6 Pageschildren in family violence, I chose this topic because I wanted to know why do women continue to stay in a domestic abuse situation. Domestic violence can be defined as a planned pattern of power and control carried out by your partner, it includes sexual violence, physical violence, emotional violence and psychological violence (UNICEF,2017). According to our textbook one spouse out of every six experiences domestic violence, and one kills a spouse because of domestic violence â€Å"six tines out of