Overcoming Adversity Essay Example for Free

Overcoming Adversity Essay Throughout every person’s life, there always stands an obstacle to overcome. While some choose to retreat from the challenge, others choose to surmount whatever it is holding them back. I have always believed that if someone wants something bad enough, they will work however hard they have to in order to achieve their goal. I can honestly admit that through years of determination, research, and self-motivation I have been able to prevail over my adversity: stuttering. Many people try to mask this speech impediment with flowery terminology such as â€Å"blocking†, â€Å"bumpy speech†, or â€Å"mild disfluency. † To a stutterer, no matter how specialists or professionals refer to this disability, it is far from trouble-free. Each and every day I deal with stuttering with the conviction and determination to speak well. I can say with confidence that my stutter has never held me back from doing anything. Even as a young boy, I knew I could not let this road-block stand in my way of success. This isn’t to say that my stutter at times did not go undetected. There have been many moments of ridicule and embarrassment throughout my life, but I have learned to simply brush them off and move forward. Quite frankly, these uncomfortable situations gave me the strength to work harder, attain more, and help me gain a greater sense of compassion. I feel that an important quality is emotional intelligence. For example, as a class representative and peer mediator, it is important to empathize with others and display this sense of compassion. I believe my stuttering has made me more resilient. It has given me the confidence to know that I can prevail even in the toughest of times. Whenever I am presented with something that is deemed inconceivable, I never back down from the challenge. For example, in wrest ling, whenever I was told someone was â€Å"unbeatable,† I never stopped. In fact, it motivated me to do everything I could to succeed and prove that the title given to my opponent was in fact overrated. Stuttering can be an obstacle only if a person makes it one. In my case, this disorder has only driven me to become the best I can possibly be. I feel that in many situations, whether it be school or athletics, I have overcompensated for what many may see as a deficiency. I have used it as a  stepping stone to success, rather than an anchor to failure. I can remember the countless oral presentations that I would lose sleep over during the previous night. Only a person who stutters can feel the anxiety that one goes through prior to speaking. It was not long after one of my sophomore English class oral presentations that I decided to take an alternative measure. I was either going to let my handicap take hold of me, or strive to plow through this blockade. For years, I had been researching an expensive device made specifically to improve the speech fluency of a stutterer; however, I was raised in a middle class family, where one does not throw around $5,000 for an â€Å"experimental† device. In order to pay for this device, I decided to become a certified lifeguard and work in the summer. I now use the device whenever I have to present anything orally. Stuttering has made me the person I am today: determined, ambitious, and compassionate. Along with the difficulties that I have encountered, I believe it has been instrumental in taking away my sense of complacency. Each and every day I set my expectations high, and know that my tenacity is the essential prerequisite to my future success.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Essay -- essays research papers

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Sensitive Gut (Harvard Special Health Reports) In consultation with Lawrence S. Friedman, M.D. Stanford, CT   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In this article, you are informed about a disease that is occurring more often in our society. It is commonly referred to as â€Å"heartburn† but is more appropriately named acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Most people suffer from this disease, but think nothing of it. Perhaps they have felt it after a big meal, lying down after eating, during pregnancy, or even when bending over. Most people feel that GERD occurs after eating spicy foods, when in fact the major cause of GERD is fatty foods and the quantity of foods eaten.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The main causes of GERD occur because your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), or the sphincter that closes off the esophagus to the stomach becomes weakened or stops functioning correctly. Scientist are finding that different nutrition habits affect the workings of the LES. Things like dietary supplements, drugs, or anything containing caffeine will actually cause the malfunction of the LES.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A common condition that is associated with GERD and LES problems is having a hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia is when you have a larger than normal opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus passes through. Since this opening is larger, the stomach begins to enter this opening. When you eat, the stomach and esophagus ... Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Essay -- essays research papers Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Sensitive Gut (Harvard Special Health Reports) In consultation with Lawrence S. Friedman, M.D. Stanford, CT   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In this article, you are informed about a disease that is occurring more often in our society. It is commonly referred to as â€Å"heartburn† but is more appropriately named acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Most people suffer from this disease, but think nothing of it. Perhaps they have felt it after a big meal, lying down after eating, during pregnancy, or even when bending over. Most people feel that GERD occurs after eating spicy foods, when in fact the major cause of GERD is fatty foods and the quantity of foods eaten.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The main causes of GERD occur because your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), or the sphincter that closes off the esophagus to the stomach becomes weakened or stops functioning correctly. Scientist are finding that different nutrition habits affect the workings of the LES. Things like dietary supplements, drugs, or anything containing caffeine will actually cause the malfunction of the LES.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A common condition that is associated with GERD and LES problems is having a hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia is when you have a larger than normal opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus passes through. Since this opening is larger, the stomach begins to enter this opening. When you eat, the stomach and esophagus ...

Oroonoko

Aphra Behn’s, â€Å"Oroonoko† is definitely a story that revolves around betrayal. Much of the conflict that resounds in Oroonko throughout the story is based on actions of betrayal. Oroonoko, the royal slave, is constantly surrounded by one betraying act after another. In the beginning of the story Behn portrays Oroonoko and Imoinda as beautiful creatures. They were destined to be together. The betrayal of the king by stealing Imoinda away from Oroonoko for himself was ultimately the utmost deceiving act a grandfather could portray against his grandson.The old king was so smitten by Imoinda’s beauty he wanted her for himself, despite knowing that Oroonko and Imoinda were privately vowed to one another. â€Å"He was therefore no sooner got to his apartment but he sent the royal veil to Imoinda, that is, the ceremony of invitation; he sends the lady he has a mind to honor with his bed a veil, with which she is covered, and secured for the King’s use; and à ¢â‚¬Ëœtis death to disobey, besides held a most impious disobedience†(Behn 2320).Next we read where Oroonoko meets back up with a captain and commander that he once had sold his own slaves. The captain â€Å"wines and dines† Oroonoko and entertains him so that Oroonoko fell hard in a trap the captain had decisively laid out to capture Oroonoko. Once the prince was drunk with wine he was curious to look over the ship. The captain quickly took the opportunity to seize him and forced him into great irons and thrown in with the rest of the slaves on the ship.The text reads, â€Å"and betrayed into slavery†(Behn 2332). In closing, Oroonoko faced many trials and betrayals in his life that were physically and emotionally malicious and ultimately destructive. From the betrayal of his own grandfather lusting after his one true love to being tricked by the captain, a man he trusted, into slavery. Oroonoko â€Å"resented this indignity, who may be best resembled to a lion taken in a toil†¦ and tired by rage and indignation, he laid himself down, and sullenly resolved upon dying†(Behn 2332).

Symbolism in The Grapes of Wrath Essay example - 1446 Words

Symbolism in The Grapes of Wrath John Steinbeck is an author known worldwide for his compelling stories and novels. One such novel is The Grapes of Wrath. This novel was written to expose the plight of those dispossessed from their lands by the Great Depression. Steinbeck uses several literary elements to help relate the story to the reader. In The Grapes of Wrath, as in his other works, Steinbeck relies on the use of symbolism to strengthen and enhance the plot. By far, the most involved example of symbolism is found in the character of the preacher, Jim Casy. Casy not only is a Christ figure but also embodies the belief of Transcendentalism. These are supported by many examples throughout the story. Some of these examples†¦show more content†¦The Transcendentalists, including such names as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, believed in the essential unity of all creation, the innate goodness of man, and the supremacy of insight over logic aand experience for the revelation of the deepest truths (Encyclopaedia Britannica, Vol 11, 894). Casy, by comparison, says in the story, All that lives is holy (Steinbeck 157), tying in the belief of the natural goodness found in man. As his beliefs develop, Casy begins to see that all of creation and humankind is united, and that he must not work for the improvement of the souls of individuals, but for the improvement of the total human condition. Transcendentalism differs greatly from mainstream Christianity, but Steinbeck chose to incorporate this belief into the character of Casy for a very important reason. In the time period when this book was written, the Great Depression, the worship of some distant God was not the first thing on the minds of the millions of people who were starving, barely earning enough to keep alive. Transcendentalism, however, was something with which these people could relate. If all humanity was united, then people should work together for the common good. If there was anything they needed, the poor of that era needed the rich to work toward the common good, by giving to the poor what theyShow MoreRelatedSymbolism Of The Steinbeck s The Grapes Of Wrath 2259 Words   |  10 Pages Symbols In The Grapes of Wrath, the Joad family experiences many hardships on the journey to and in California, ranging from dying family members to a lack of sufficient food. In the third chapter of the novel, author John Steinbeck introduces a determined turtle who attempts to make its journey across a highway. The turtle is apparently nearly run over multiple times, and is actually hit by a car. This causes the turtle to be flipped on its shell, until it catches its footing and â€Å"littleRead MoreThe Use of Symbolism in The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck1052 Words   |  5 PagesThe Use of Symbolism in The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck The Grapes of Wrath is a novel by John Steinbeck that in my opinion illustrates the terrible conditions under which the migratory farm families of America during the 1930s were forced to live under. This novel in a very descriptive and emotional way tells of one familys migration west to California from Oklahoma (the Joad family) through the great economic depression of the 1930s. The story revolves around the family having toRead More Symbols and Symbolism in John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath2004 Words   |  9 PagesSymbols and Symbolism in John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath      Ã‚   Symbolism in The Grapes of Wrath is extremely complex, with many images drawn from the Old and New Testaments.   However, Steinbeck as usual was eclectic in his use of symbols, and a great deal of the novel is given to either pagan and universal archetypes, or to highly original meanings unique to the authors own vision and experience.   While acknowledging the Judeo-Christian content, these other symbols are just as importantRead MoreSymbolism in The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck Essay2308 Words   |  10 PagesSymbolism in The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck Through such hardships as the Depression, the Dust Bowl summers, and trying to provide for their own families, which included the search for a safe existence, we find the story of the Joads. The Joads are the main family in John Steinbecks novel The Grapes of Wrath, which he created to give voice to the hundreds of families that found themselves at their absolute rock bottom during the Great Depression of the 20th Century in America. Read More Religious Symbolism in John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath Essay1765 Words   |  8 PagesReligious Symbolism in John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In his novel The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck portrays the movement of a family of migrant workers, the Joads, from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression. Steinbecks novel, though it is surprisingly lacking in surface-level symbolism, was conceived [on] simultaneous levels of existence, ranging from socio-economic determinism to transcendent spirituality (DeMott, xiii). One of the many levels on which thisRead More Comparing and Contrasting the Novel and Movie Version of The Grapes of Wrath968 Words   |  4 PagesComparing and Contrasting the Novel and Movie Version of The Grapes of Wrath John Steinbeck wrote the The Grapes of Wrath in 1939 to rouse its readers against those who were responsible for keeping the American people in poverty. The Grapes of Wrath tells the story of the Joad family, migrant farmers from Oklahoma traveling to California in search of an illusion of prosperity. The novels strong stance stirred up much controversy, as it was often called Communist propaganda, and banned fromRead MoreEssay on John Steinbeck and Upton Sinclair: a Comparison1138 Words   |  5 PagesJohn Steinbeck and Upton Sinclair: A Comparison â€Å"The Grapes of Wrath†, written by John Steinbeck and â€Å"The Jungle†, written by Upton Sinclair are two books that have and will forever be impactful on American history and literature. They are both considered very powerful novels. Although these books seem very different, they are much more similar than they seem. Steinbeck tells the story of a family making their way to California amidst the Great Depression and era of the Dust Bowl, while SinclairRead MoreEssay on Critical Response to the Grapes of Wrath616 Words   |  3 Pagesthe responsibility to convey the problem correctly. The Grapes of Wrath not only works as a call to action in favor of the masses of migrant workers that were forced to live in poverty, but also expresses several other messages about mankind itself. Steinbeck uses powerful imagery, unique and suspenseful structure, dramatic tone, and compelling symbolism to effectively squeeze a mountain of an issue into pages of text. The Grapes of Wrath is structured with short chapters pertaining to the wholeRead MoreEssay on Rhetorical Analysis- the Grapes of Wrath967 Words   |  4 PagesRhetorical Analysis- The Grapes of Wrath â€Å"You don’ know what you’re a-doin’,† were Casy’s last words before he died as a martyr. Casy died for his cause, his belief that the elite were not truly aware of how their greed was causing the suffering of the weak and that the weak could only surpass their sorrows if they worked together. Steinbeck uses chapter 25 of Grapes of Wrath to portray this very message. Steinbeck uses an array of rhetorical devices such as symbolism and the use of a instructiveRead MoreThe Grapes Of Wrath : The Great Depression1748 Words   |  7 PagesJamie LoConte Mrs. Viscosi AP Lang. Per. 4 5 April 2017 The Grapes of Wrath: The Great Depression â€Å"Man, unlike any other thing organic or inorganic in the universe, grows beyond his work, walks up the stairs of his concepts, and emerges ahead of his accomplishments† (Steinbeck). The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck is a classic book read by millions in high school due to its simple prose, clear symbolism, and its heartwarming story of perseverance against the odds. However, this novel is far more