Independent Reading Book Preferences

In the past semester each student read a memoir or autobiography of various writers and learned about each of their lives.  We all understood how each event affected each author’s entire life. After we all presented our projects on the context of every book, I understood that I could enjoy reading some but not all of the books. One book I would really enjoy reading would be Lucky by Alice Sebold. A book about rape, one of the most dehumanizing crimes imaginable, the story is about how Sebold was emotionally affected.  Lucky is an important book because it exposes the terrible aftermath of rape and other sexually violent actions. I would enjoy reading this book because I am interested in learning about the perception of a person who ahs been forced into an act like this. There is no question that I would never blame her for what happened because I understand that in a situation like that, girls are not physically strong enough to fight back. Knowing myself, I would enjoy listening to the victim’s story and how her life changed because of it.  Moreover, if I ever had the chance I would support her to forget about the incident.

            A book I will not be likely to read is Crocodile Hunter: The Incredible Life and Adventures of Steve and Terri Irwin. This book is about a person who spent his entire life with animals. Even though it is interesting how a person has the bravery to confront the most dangerous animals, I do not believe that understanding the nature of animals will shape a person’s life. This man did what he loved to do, but he did not make a huge change in the world. He will only be remembered as the person who died from doing what he loved to do. Another reason for my disinterest in this book will be that I am not a huge fan of the animals he usually observes and talks about, especially crocodiles. However, I respect his job and the fact that he loved animals. 

Shooting Trainings

On January 11,2013, in an article called, “Oakland County Teachers Will Receive Active Shooter Training” from The Huffington Post, Kristin Bull reported that teachers and the school staff in Rochester and Oakland will receive training for active shooter situations. In the next two months, the entire training will teach them on how to react if such an event was to happen. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and the county’s Homeland Security Division will conduct five training sessions in the next two weeks. Sheriff Michael Bouchard will give active shooter presentations in addition to the training because he believes that it will further prepare the schools. He stated, “Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly, which requires people on the scene to be prepared both mentally and physically while waiting for law enforcement to arrive” (The Huffington Post). Moreover, in Rochester, the schools have implemented a locked-door policy, which means that all school doors, including the main entrance doors, are to be locked during school day.

This important training is in response to the shooting tragedy last month at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, which took away the lives of about a couple dozen innocent younglings.  It is exceedingly important to be prepared in such a situation because no one will ever know if there is a person with that intention out there. All schools, in all states have to receive training for not only situation like this, but also for any form of crimes and emergencies.

Teen Contraceptives

Our nation's teen pregnancies have declined over the last twenty years. However, the incidents are still the highest in the developed world. Physicians and experts are struggling to reduce the nation's high birthrate among adolescents, and it looks like a possible solution to this issue has been brought up. On December 2, 2012, an article called, "Doctors Urged to Prescribe Teens Plan B Before They Have Sex" from the Los Angeles Times, Amina Khan reported that The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends prescribing emergency birth control pills to reduce teen pregnancies. Nearly eighty percent  of teen pregnancies are unintended and occur after unprotected sex. Emergency birth control pills, like levonorgestral, can prevent teen pregnancy if taken within three to five days. It stops the ovary from releasing eggs or prevents the sperm from fertilizing an egg. They are sold under the brand names Plan B and next Choice, and possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. There are no federal or state requirements that parents of teens need to be notified when they purchase these drugs. They are most effective if used twenty four hours after unprotected sex, and teens are ready to use them when they are readily available, which is why its important to give them prescriptions ahead of time. Dr. Jamie Lipeles, an OB-GYN Marina Del Rey Hospital stated, "Given that teens aren't likely to visit gynecologists for advice, pediatricians must be ready to provide as much information about contraception options as possible" (Los Angeles Times). The doctor is correct on her suggestion because not only will the doctors provide options, but will also use the opportunity to educate the teens about abstinence. 

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.