Childhood Memory

Every person would wish to only remember happy memories because they are the positive ones. Ironically, sometimes looking back at the happy times makes a person feel sad, especially if returning to that moment is impossible. As a natural progress in life, we need to learn to accept the fact that some things can never be the same as before. There are certain childhood memories that I can never forget in my life. However, the most important memory I have is with my step grandpa, my dad’s step dad, in Armenia. He was a man that deserved this world’s honor and respect because of his humble and simple personality. As a doctor and creative author, he had a philosophical and inspiring side to him that I will never forget. I visited my homeland three times, and my third time was the last time I saw him because he passed away shortly after I came back to Los Angeles. He loved me just like he loved his biological grandchildren. The third time I visited Armenia was when he changed my life. When I was at his house, something had happened and I was extremely angry and raged. As I prepared to leave the house because I did not want to stay there another second, he called me in. We went in the larger living room of the house, and he asked me to sit down around the table, where there was a chessboard, with all its pieces neatly lined up at its places. After telling him that I do not know how to play, he said that it does not matter at this point. We started to play and I made my unsuccessful moves, which he corrected the entire time. I was still confused at why he was making me play if I did not even have the slightest clue on how to play. After my confused questions, he explained that chess is a battle, just like life. He told me that one must be careful at what move he or she makes in life because it can either hurt or benefit them, just like moves in chess. After this moment, I was careful to not make any mistake that I will regret later on. It has been about five years since that day, and I have not forgotten one life lesson he has taught me. I am truly thankful that this man was part of my life. Unfortunately, he is not here with me today, but his spirit will always stay with me forever.

Statins Used for Possible Cancer Prevention

At the present time, numerous technological and medical advancements are gradually leading to a complete cure to cancer. On November 7,2012, in an article titled, “Statins May Lower Risk of Cancer Death” from The Huffington Post, Monte Morin reported about a possible treatment for cancer. Statins, a class of drugs, are used to lower cholesterol levels in the liver. Research suggests that this drug may also be lowering a person’s risk of death from cancer. Thousands of Americans already use statins to improve their cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol levels. Cholesterol helps to build and maintain cell membranes, and is essential for their proliferation. Therefore, when cholesterol production is limited, the ability of cancer cells to uncontrollably reproduce is diminished. The National Cancer Institute warned patients to not use statins for cancer prevention purposes unless they have participated in a clinical trial. Sune F. Neilson, a biochemist, made an analysis of more than 5.5 million people in Denmark. He concluded his findings by stating, “Regular statin use before and after a diagnosis of cancer could theoretically reduce cancer-related mortality” (The Huffington Post). This article is important because not only does it inform about new treatments for cancer, but also it introduces a new class of drugs, statins, as a treatment for other medical troubles. Based on a study in a clinical trial, it is believed that statins can help treat melanoma. 

My Three Virtues

Throughout this three-day period the virtues I attempted to master were temperance, industry, and cleanliness.

Temperance: Temperance is a virtue that consists of not eating or drinking too much than necessary. I chose this because I have been a vegan for months and I know how it feels. Even though for a period of time I ditched my vegan diet for vegetarian, I did not escape my portion control. I eat a little bit of everything and finish my meal before I feel like I am full. Through the course of these three days, I was completely successful in practicing this virtue because it was easy. Regarding drinking, it was easier because I do not consume any drink besides water and a decent amount of tea everyday.

Industry: This virtue meant that I had to cut all unnecessary activities, including watching television, listening to music, and texting. I chose this virtue because I have a tendency of listening to music and texting often. Therefore, I selected this as a challenge to even higher levels of productivity. Even though I strongly attempted in trying to complete this virtue, I still failed. On Thursday, instead of completing make-up work for my absence, I listened to music and downloaded new songs into my I-pod, wasting a whole lot of time. On Saturday I texted my friends and we chatted for hours. Because of that I did not finish my loads of homework and left it for Sunday night.

Cleanliness: The goodness of cleanliness means that a person should be clean, sanitary, and hygienic. I chose this because I love being neat and clean. Also, I had a flu and I had to make sure that no other person got it from me. At home I used plastic utensils for everything, and at school I refused to share pomegranates with Anna. I also used hand sanitizer every twenty minutes. Ever since I could remember I have loved keeping myself clean AT ALL TIMES. Thus, throughout this time, I was entirely successful with this virtue.