Category: Life Changing Experience

Before this, I never join any swimming programme or class. I’m just swimming to fill my leisure time but not too often. Besides it, I am an easy person to feel nervous and panic when I am in a pool deeper than my height. Also, I don’t know much about technique and others knowledge about swimming.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO SWIMMING

Swimming is one of the most popular activities around the world that can be done either at indoor or outdoor. This activity can be used as competition that we can do either individual or in grouping whether old and young people. Not for competition only, but it also can be as a career. At the same time, there are several parts of the body that involved during swimming which is shoulder, chest, arms and legs. Then, there are several types of swimming technique that we can do and practice. For example, Breaststroke, Backstroke, Freestyle and Butterfly stroke. Furthermore, we are no allowed to swim in the cold weather to avoid unwanted accidents.

IT’S BENEFITS

I. IMPROVE BODY COORDINATION

Swimming can enhance coordination and balancing of the body, so that we can do a proper technique during swimming. It can be seen that when we do breaststroke technique, the main parts of body that involved is arms, shoulder, chest and legs. When we are usually to practice the technique, we should able to adjust or accommodate all parts of body while swimming. In addition, it also increases the body’s flexibility, because flexibility is important to decrease the risk to get injury during performance.

II. IMPROVE OUR FOCUSING & RELEASE PRESSURE

During swimming, our heart will be an important role that is by pumping oxygen and blood to the whole body efficiently. When blood and oxygen has been up to the brain, it enables to our bodies to become more active and calmer to enhance our focus to do swimming activity. Furthermore, when we return from work, usually we feeling tired and easy to be angry, so at that time we can spend time with family or friends, so that our mental and physical health are balance.

III. IMPROVEMENT OF THE HEART MUSCLE LAYER

Swimming is an activity that involve high cardiovascular use. When we do physical activity consistently, the effect is, it will enhance the size of the heart, improves blood flow to the whole body and increase the amount of blood pumped by the left ventricle or also known as stroke volume.

DO’S OF SWIMMING

There are a few things that we have do in swimming. One of them is we must know about the situation and the depths of the pool. Usually, the corner of the pool has different depths. Besides, we have swimming with a friends or family who are good swimmers, so they can watch and teach us during swim. We should use goggle to prevent from accidental eye contact, sometimes we don’t know the level of cleanliness of the pool. At the same times, we cannot run and play around the pool. It will increase the risk to falling and getting hit at the pool. In addition, we must know our level of ability during swimming. If we don’t have any basic skill about swimming, we have make sure that we swimming in shallow areas and wearing a life jacket.

DON’T’S OF SWIMMING

There are also the things that we cannot do in swimming which is don’t eat big meal too much. If we eat a lot big meal, our body will be feeling tired during performance, because at the same time, the digestive system will begin to digest the food that we eat. It will involve the use of energy which will cause us easy to feel exhausted. The recommended diet before high intensity activity is, eat 2 or 3 hours before that. Then we are not encouraged to go to pool for unclear purpose, it will waste a lot of time include thinking what we have to do and what we have to learn when arriving at the pool, so , that why we have set what we want do before heading to the pool. Also, for the beginner swimmers, we don’t have to be nervous and scared while swimming, it will make us easy to lose the focus and can cause us to will drown. Lastly, we are no allowed to swim the cold weather for too long as it can cause cramps and increase the risk of death.

Every person has a story that makes them who they are, and even still, we continue to change more and more every day.

Back at my high school, the Integration Revolution project that I coordinated had clear core values which were to develop participants’ soft skills so that they become more encouraged and confident characters who could view the world differently. In particular, we used coaching as a method towards these goals by telling them ‘ You can do it, we believe in you, we know you will make it’.

Also, when I was accused of something I did not defend my ego, that is not what a leader should do, I used to show vulnerability to make them feel we are all the same and to make them know what equality means. That gave good results and great impacts because, at the end of the project, I ran a survey with questions about how far this project was useful to them and the replies were so good that the majority of participants replied with ‘ I feel more encouraged now, I’m no longer shy and I feel more sociable ‘, that project was in 2014, meanwhile, those participants are running now their own projects. During this project, I discovered more about my leadership skills, when I found participants listening to my words, taking it into consideration that made them work actively to reach the project goal, Integration Revolution helped me to see the world with a better perspective even to see myself in a better way to appreciate and learn from everything.

Indeed, this life-changing experience got the best out of me and made me realize that I succeeded to leave a positive impact on others.

Finally, I realized how empowering it is to recognize how tons corporation you have in your very own lifestyle and how beautiful it is to share that with others in hopes of them discovering it themselves.

I learned how giving human beings are, even when they don’t have lots to give. I discovered how one of the largest equalizers of our society is storytelling and the sharing of self. We open limitless doors of understanding, compassion, education, and empathy when we let the chaos and speed of the cityscape subside, and take time to actively listen and communicate with our community members. Our community is a numerous cloth of human beings, and we all have a voice in enacting change, enhancing the lives of our neighbors, and promoting an extra just and verdant world.

I discovered that local nonprofit businesses have the achievable to enlarge their outreach to colleges, and young human beings in general, thru matching passions with skills. You as businesses need to purposefully perceive for us why promoting carrier and civic engagement is no longer solely important, but integral if we choose to enhance our lives, the lives of others, and the dilemmas and misfortunes our world faces each day.

The relationship between young people and nonprofits can be the beginning of a good-sized trade in our community, and ought to be a reciprocal and powerful educational experience. An open-minded and encouraging glide of conversation between groups and neighborhood participants can be the launch pad for the social and environmental trade organizations to discuss and attempt every day. Together, we can make alternate – not just a semblance of idealism, but reality, as well.

True Grit is a classic Western-themed novel. It uses several themes and language features to portray the message “that resilience is an important part of a character which helps them achieve goals and personal obstacles and challenges” The message is illustrated through Mattie’s Physical and mental resilience as well as her determination and conviction. These traits help her surpass obstacles and achieve her goals

Mattie illustrates how her mental resilience and determination have helped her throughout the journey, she faces many obstacles as she is constantly tested by her peers and enemies, whether she can break through this life-changing experience. One of the very few major events that portray the message is when she crosses the River to prove herself to her team. Charles Portis uses symbolism portray the message. The river symbolizes Mattie’s struggles and the risks of her journey, when Mattie crosses the river it illustrates how she is overcoming her fears so that she can find Chaney. The author describes this scene as “they hit the River running…going like blazes over a sandbar” This quote communicates Mattie’s mental resilience as it shows that she refuses to give up and is determined to avenge her father. In this section of the novel Portis uses the setting to portray his message, Mattie must make her way through a challenging environment filled with mountainous climbs and freezing temperatures. Mattie pushes through the struggle with her physical resilience, this is portrayed on page 113 when it states “I was hungry and aching but I kept my pace” Portrayed in this quote, Mattie pushes through her struggle and illustrates the message that resilience is needed to surpass obstacles.

Without her resilience, Mattie would not have been able to complete this treacherous journey. Since Mattie met Rooster and La Boeuf, both men were determined to not let Mattie join as she “couldn’t” because as well as being a girl she was very young. Multiple times in the book Rooster tries to get rid of Mattie, but her conviction and moral code assist in her continuing her Journey and not giving up. This is reflected on page 169 when Mattie proposes that “rooster was trying to get shed of me…. but I saw right through the scheme” In this scene, Mattie refuses to be left behind and defies the female stereotypes with her mental resilience and conviction. A common occurrence in the Western genre includes violence, in the novel Mattie experiences the death of many people firsthand. In one scene Mattie experiences the death of Moon and Quincy. This is exemplified on page 135 which states, “hot blood to spurt out on my face…I’m better out of this” This quote uses imagery to show the audience how Mattie easily overcame a horrific experience with her mental resilience to help her focus on the task ahead.

Throughout the novel, Mattie faces a challenging environment filled with villains and her struggles. Unlike other characters, Mattie uses her resilience to face struggles and achieve her goal of finding Chaney. She demonstrates the message that “resilience is needed to achieve goals and face personal obstacles and challenges”  

I subconsciously found myself assuming a leadership position and taking charge of activities which led to me being elected the captain of my class through my school days where I was involved in both the organization of the class affairs and the resourcefulness of my mates. I became conscious of this attribute of leadership and influence when I was fourteen years of age so I started galvanizing this potential by moving closer to mentors and getting acquainted with diverse motivational books.

Being the assistant head boy of Radiance Boys and Girls College I was involved in the organization of inter and intra-school quizzes and football competitions. The month of February 2011 was one of those months that would forever live in my heart. I achieved an unprecedented feat in the organization of an inter-school quiz competition between my school and other private schools. My school was going through a financial hurdle then so there was no funding from the school but I never let the scenario take a negative toll on me. I sent letters to some parents and notable organizations requesting financial support to carry out the competition. Along with my team of other prefects, we forged ahead to source the best brains to represent the school. The teachers assisted in drafting the questions and a colossal success was achieved. My school was the first runner-up and prizes were awarded to all the schools that participated.

Immediately after high school, I worked in a private school named Tokafid group of schools where I taught the upper primary, in two months I was assigned a leadership role to be the headmaster of the primary school. I ensured all teachers were at their best and a cordial relationship was maintained between the teachers and the parents. I organized seminars and workshops for the teachers to be juxtaposed with the advanced world. I dedicated so much to making sure the population of the school increased one of which was liaising with the proprietress to give discounts on the first twenty parents who enrolled in their ward and any of the staff involved in the enrolment was duly appreciated.

I hail from an environment where the rate of theft, moral decadence, high level of illiteracy, and school dropouts are significantly humongous but the passion to make a difference made my friends create a drama group called Glorious Youth Drama Ministry which I was the director. We reach out to public gatherings, religious centers, and social events to sensitize youths on the negative impact of hooliganism, drug amongst many others. Ayinla Michael a school dropout who received a life-changing experience due to one of our presentations whom I mentored, today he can read and write also a graduate of a Christian theological college.

Chevening scholarship would widen my horizons and give me adequate exposure for seamless leadership which I would use to solve persisting problems ravaging my country upon my return.

Roots and Bones

I completed Structured Self Development IV while deployed to Afghanistan in 2012. There is little I remember from that course, and I certainly do not believe it changed me at all. The course painted in very broad strokes the history of the U.S. Army, the history of the Corp of Noncommissioned Officers, the evolution of Army Leadership, and Multi-Branch Multi-National Joint Operations. Additionally, most of the information presented is now out-of-date. While a good steward should know the history and evolution of their chosen profession, completing Structured Self Development IV was not a life-changing experience for me. Although the course did not change me, I cannot say that I did not learn anything. The most important part of Structured Self Development IV was the history of our great Army and the importance and evolution of the Corp of Noncommissioned Officers.

Roots

Since the arrival of my first unit, I have always been taught and have committed to the memory of that unit’s history. Out of the many units that I have been assigned, none have emphasized the history of our Army or the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers. Sure, we all know it was forged when George Washington was appointed to command all the Continental forces against the British (U.S. Army Center of Military History, 2022). However, most cannot tell you how we evolved from organized militias to the global powerhouse we are today. Nor can most tell you why our Army needed to evolve along the way. Structured Self Development IV provided me with the historical intricacies of our Army’s evolution.

Modus Vivendi

The gradual walk through history presented in this course fully illustrated the importance of discipline, organization, and standardization. This course first introduced to me Baron von Steuben’s Blue Book. TC 7-22.7 (Headquarters, Department of the Army, 2020) states that “Von Steuben is often called the “Father of the NCO Corps” because the Blue Book described the role of the NCO as being more than an extension of the officer.” Von Steuben’s Blue Book was the first doctrinal publication of our Army (Headquarters, Department of the Army, 2020). It illustrated the importance of Noncommissioned Officers being subject matter experts and proficient trainers.

Strong Bones

As our nation and our Army grew, so did our involvement in global affairs. Our nation’s involvement in these affairs shaped not only the structure of our force but also the Noncommissioned Officer’s role in the force. Noncommissioned Officer’s ranks and involvement rose and fell as our force swelled and depleted. Every new opposing force presented new challenges and new lessons. As technology evolved so did our training and tactics. The many nations our Army faced coupled with the various terrains we faced reinforces the simple truth that we must remain ready to always support anywhere. You never know who may be next or where they must be faced.

Repose in Life Equals Repose Forever

The importance of a strong Noncommissioned Officer Corps that stands as the backbone of the Army was recently been portrayed when Russia invaded Ukraine. Despite Russia having a larger force and much better resources, they have been met with great opposition from the citizens of Ukraine. This is largely in part to Russia’s lack of a Noncommissioned Officer Corp. A lack of Noncommissioned Officers equals poorly trained Soldiers who are not technically and tactically proficient. That is why Russia has not yet obtained an overwhelming tactical advantage over Ukraine. This is a lesson America’s Army has had to learn over time as well. That is also why our Professional Military Education continues to evolve. It is important!

Opportunity Missed

Completing Structured Self Development IV while deployed in an austere environment hindered my ability to learn and thirst for presented knowledge. I was short on both time and patience. I will admit it was something I just wanted to complete so I could be finished with it. Amidst long patrols, Sergeant of the Guard shifts, rotations to a nearby Observation Post, rotations to our Combat Outpost, and partnered operations with the Afghanistan National Army, I just wanted to rest. However, the Army was changing, and I felt that I must change with it or be left behind by my peers. So, I did what I felt I must and clicked next for as long as I could each day. NCO’s make it happen!

Conclusion

Reflecting on my experiences in Structured Self Development IV has enabled me to find the value of that course and notice an opportunity I did not fully embrace. This opportunity showed me where the roots of my beloved Corp are seeded. An opportunity that exposed the importance of what I owe my Soldiers and what I must become to ensure their success. Knowing the history of where our Army began, how it evolved through conflicts, and how the Noncommissioned Officers were pivotal in the determination of success vs failure is crucial to understanding the importance of what we must do as Noncommissioned Officers. We must relentlessly train our subordinates to become proficient in their crafts to ensure their survival because they will soon stand in our place keeping the Army’s backbone strong.

Things in the healthcare system are changing every day as the demographic of our society makes shift. Our population is inevitably growing older. Because of this fact, the number of older adults continues to increase meaning that the same is true for the number of patients that are older adults. As future nurses, we need to know how to be there to support older adults in their achievement of living a quality life as independently as possible. However, this isn’t always the case. As demonstrated in the novel, Bettyville, sometimes, there is no road back to independence. Thus, it is important to know what to expect and how to prepare yourself to properly provide care. In this paper, I want to discuss the novel and how it pertains to this preparation. There are many obstacles in elderly care and it is important to have people you can rely on and how to deal with your feelings in the process.

In his novel, George Hodgman discusses what his life had become when he had to move home to take care of his sick and elderly mother, Elizabeth Baker Hodgman who is also known as Betty. George had left his hometown of Paris, Missouri, for New York City where he became very well known in the realm of writing, especially when it came to publishing and editing. When George’s mother’s illness gets to a point where she cannot be on her own, he dropped everything to move back home and take care of her. During their time together, they share many memories and laughs as they discuss where their lives are now and where they will be down the road. They also discuss the challenges George has faced and the topic of homosexuality.

George’s mother, Betty, was very vibrant as he remembered her, and having to deal with her decline was very difficult for him. Even so, he wants to make every day for her worth living and put a smile on her face if he can. While, he did consider placing Betty in an assisted living facility, at the end of the day, it was decided that her willingness to leave was absent to none and the care she needed would not be met satisfactorily if she was not at home.

Being in his childhood home brought back brutal memories of growing up and how hard it was to be homosexual. It felt to him as though he was reliving the cycle of bullies in school and not ever finding his place. Even his parents would not openly say he was gay and it made him feel unwanted and ashamed. While there were tough times though, he also remembered the good. George took his mother to many doctor’s visits, dinner, ice cream, and a beauty salon to keep a routine in her life and make everything seem as though it was okay and normal. However, it wasn’t normal. In his book, he talked about when she is afraid, repeating words and sentences, and repeatedly asking him the same questions even if she had just asked not too long ago. This makes him sad that she could never understand his new life and journey that he has in New York. The longer George remains with his mother, the closer they become and he is devastated when he finds out that on top of the dementia, she also has cancer. Being the good son he is, he was willing to drive one hour each way to the hospital to visit her for days until she can come back home. At the end of the book, Betty is 91 years old. George decides that he should stay in his hometown where he has spent so much time and cares for her. It leaves him confused as to if he should even return to the “new” life he made in New York.

As mentioned before, George often struggled with his relationship with his mom as well as his relationship with those living in his home community. Looking at it from Betty’s perspective, it can be easy to say that social relationships can influence the health and well-being of older adults. She needs someone to be there for her and take care of her. Having social support reminded her of who she was, and her own sense of respect, and kept her social and not isolated. While these are all important things, it is important for those who are doing the caregiving to have social support as well. I do think though, that George did receive some support in that friends would invite him over for dinner and he often had people ask if they could help by watching Betty so he could have some time to himself.

Stepping back and looking at this from a nursing perspective, it is important to understand that most patients have families that are providing various levels of care. For this reason, we can look at caregivers as patients in a way too if we want to provide family and patient-centered care, which is the overarching goal of the health profession. With that being said, caregivers who have to balance caregiving with their other activities, such as work, family, and leisure, may find it difficult to focus on the positive aspects of their lives. As evidenced in the novel, George often struggled with this and at many points had to relive trauma while trying to be the rock for his mother. This was burdensome for him like it is for many people who give up their lives to take care of their elderly family members. In my opinion, many caregivers do not seem to want to ask for help or do not know who to turn to. You may not want to put your “burden” on those around you or have too much pride to admit that you are overwhelmed. Being able to understand that others can help you is extremely important. Help can come from the community, other family members, friends, and healthcare professionals. Reaching out for help when you need it is a sign of personal strength. George even quoted his frustration by stating

“The thing about being a watcher is this: You are never really a part of things, especially if the person you must watch is yourself, always, just to make sure no one ever really sees you. .” (Hodgman, 2017, E-book)

In my opinion, it can be hard to leave behind a life to become the primary caregiver of a loved one. However, it almost seems like the right thing to do as they were the ones always caring for you. The plain truth is that assuming the responsibility of caring for another person dramatically alters your life, but it may be a necessary alteration. This change can happen abruptly, or it can subtly creep in over time. Either way, most caregivers are eventually struck by the realization that their present situation they expected. When you have to put your life “on hold” becomes the new norm, a mental adjustment must be made. This usually includes acknowledging and dealing with difficult emotions like resentment. I think this goes along in the healthcare field as well. It is easy to get tired and become drained when you are caring for someone who is at or towards the end of their life. Doing heavy lifting as well as performing daily tasks for them–that you can easily do for yourself and do–can become exhausting which leads to workplace fatigue and becoming too comfortable in our jobs. Whether it is your job or duty as a relative, it can be hard for loved ones whose plans and expectations take a turn. Resentment isn’t a pretty emotion, but can be impossible to avoid as a caregiver. Being able to admit those feelings, however, can help us better understand how to cope.

No matter how you begin your caregiving role, you will have to make changes in your life. Of course, being able to plan for this gives caregivers more time to acclimate and prepare for the future, but this is usually never the case. As George talked about, it can be difficult to uproot your life, but it can be beautiful as well and teach you many things about yourself. When looking at this from a healthcare perspective, I learned that tackling a couple of fundamental goals, like setting boundaries, mastering flexibility, and trying to understand the need for this care is crucial. You must begin to plan if you are not going to undermine your own physical and mental health while caring for others which is something I hope to take into my career as a nurse.

References

1. Hodgman, G. (2015). Bettyville: A memoir. [E-Book] New York, NY: Penguin Books.

The contribution and significance of the Forestry sector to national economic growth and development cannot be overemphasized. In developing countries like Nigeria, the daily needs of many industries and households depend substantially on the tropical forest which is greatly enriched in biodiversity. for their daily needs. However, the irrational and uncontrolled exploitation of these forest and environmental resources poses a serious threat to their conservation and sustainable utilization. of these valuable resources. Well-designed and maintained built environments provide additional essential economic and social benefits. Removals of forest cover to meet urban demands, grow more food crops, and produce more energy all result in global warming and which have serious threat to the sustainable environment in itself is a global issue to combat. To this effect, Forest conservation and monitoring are paramount to secure the forest as they help to combat Climate Change. I am a 28-year-old Male Nigerian citizen who is passionate about Forest Conservation and Climate change mitigation. I obtained a First Class Honours in Forestry and Wildlife Management with a CGPA of 4.54 on a scale of 5.00, emerging as the second-best in the Department. I am applying for a Master’s scholarship at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. National Diploma Certificate in Forestry Technology from Federal College of Forestry, Jericho Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. I graduated with an upper credit (CGPA of 3.40 on a 4.00 scale) and also as the overall best-graduating student in my department and co-best graduating student in my college. I further my education to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry and Wildlife Management (Forestry option) from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, with a first-class honor (CGPA of 4.54 on a scale of 5.00) and also as a second best student in my department. and lack the resourceful amenities to maintain ecological integrity and balance.  Comment by Ijeaku ADIM: Backing this statement up with fact (say; numerical fact) will make it more authentic. Comment by Ijeaku ADIM: I don’t understand the connection. Look up the meaning of “built environments”

Education is gold, knowledge is power and learning is continuous. The world has greatly developed today because man continued learning and its application, solved his problems. I grew up listening to howling wind running through trees and green and dried leaves. I knew the dampness of the ground by heart and sniffed out the odors of different decomposing woods and rotten fruits. There was a type of shade that built a home inside me each time I walked past the haggard brownish tree backs, the carpeting of the larger trees was home to birds of varying melodies and I loved everything that made the forest a home. I have lived all my life in Nigeria, a potentially great nation with huge human and resource capital but paradoxically with startling abysmal returns. I was born in a rural area and had a swell taste of what life meant there. From elementary to High school, the goal was to be the best in whatever I found myself doing. I wasn’t privileged to repeat a class twice like my peers because my parents were poor and struggled all day on the farm to give me and my siblings, a better life than theirs. Education was a sort of empowerment they had, though it was public and poor, but I loved and did all I could to own it. Comment by Ijeaku ADIM: Nice write-up, but doesn’t fit in at this point.

Great advantage for me to study in two world-class universities which would be life life-changing experience that will benefit me and my home country as a whole. These Universities are reputable institutions that are globally recognized for excellence in teaching and research in the field of forestry and nature management. I am attracted to these Universities because they are the World’s most internationally distinguished universities dedicated to giving the best to students irrespective of their nationality.

Pursuing a Master’s degree in European Forestry at any of the Universities offering the course since it is a joint prestigious and meritorious program will furnish me with the necessary skills and knowledge on forest resources conservation, environmental management, ecology, forest management, and climate change control. This will help to enhance sustainable forest management as well as mitigate the devastating effects of climate change emanating as consequences of over-exploitation of environmental resources.

I consider myself to be a suitable and reputable candidate for this meritorious program because I have a strong background knowledge of forestry. My final research thesis focused on a project topic titled “Effect of mycorrhiza inoculation and watering regime on the growth performance of Garcinia kola (Heckel) seedlings” as a partial fulfillment of the award of a bachelor’s degree. I have adequate background knowledge and experience in forestry. During my internship at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, I worked as an assistant forest superintendent actively involved in overall tree management and supervision of logging of trees and pruning of tree branches and also volunteered to join the forest extension officer to explore how natural, human and institutional resources in the community can be developed to bring about rural development through tree planting and to make adequate information available in a suitable form to the rural communities.

Knowing all these, I find it purposeful and needful to be a part of this salvation narrative of the Nigerian forests. I volunteered in a couple of groups to help plant trees in several parts of the nation but mere planting of trees isn’t enough to save the nation. There is a need to acquire a depth of knowledge, skill, and experience that can further be explored and used in teaching other-like minds. I want to be among the great minds (environmental consultants) that will put Nigeria on the map of anti-climate protected nations from where other African countries will come to learn the nitty-gritty of forest sustenance and management. I also have the intention of securing a global position that will help me influence global policies as regards the challenges that will arise during the 2050 urbanization era. Moreover, I always feel impulsive to do something for my people, for my country, and broadly for Africa.

These are my dreams, purpose, and reasons. Nowhere else best interprets them all apart from European Universities – the home of most successful research parks and scientific infrastructures. Beyond my desire to attend European Universities for academic reasons, Europe also appeals to me on a personal level. After spending six years in the rural setting of Ibadan, Nigeria, I am ready to live in a new, urban setting. Living in Europe would be perfect for me because it would allow me to experience life in a major city and allow me to have different cultural experiences. I would be very excited to be surrounded by the academically and culturally rich environment in European Universities. The historical blend of recorded successes and quality of education, affordable tuition, and global recognition of awarded degrees are the propellers for my decision. I compassionately believe that pursuing a master’s degree program in European Forestry from these great institutions will afford me the needed opportunity to realize my dreams of safeguarding the Nigeria Forests and that of the world as a whole.

I hereby use this medium to apply for a taught Master’s degree in European Forestry through the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship this fall. I look forward to receiving an admission offer as soon as my application documents are reviewed. Thank you for taking the time to review my application.

My story starts in 2016. Moving to the United States was an aspiration. My behavior back in India was inappropriate. As a child, I used to never listen to my parents. When my dad told me the news, I had no reaction. I was speechless. My journey was full of surprises. It is so much more different than the world that I was living in. Moving to America made me a greater and bigger person. For the first 12 years of my life, I had never been to another country. All my life I grew up around people who spoke the same language as me and everyone looked the same. Our parents wanted to give me and my older brother an opportunity, an opportunity to further our education, and give us better lives. My dad told us that he would restart his career and set his goals in America. He was at the age of 50 after being a dad for 16 years after leaving his family behind.

Overall, the language barricade was the biggest concern. For the first few weeks, I felt like a living sculpture that could not talk. I blushed like a little girl, even before I opened my mouth. It was all in my head like a mental block. It was not because of my weak language skills, but also because I was afraid of what my peers thought, it was my lack of confidence. The first day in Green Hope High, my teacher sounded like a stuttering of words I remember coming home from school and just learning how to speak from my brother. The next day, I recorded my classes and listened to them at home. One of the biggest things that taught me my language skills is movies. I used to watch any English movies with subtitles and a dictionary next to me. Progressively the stutters became words, and gradually they decisively became subsequent sentences. I could understand whenever my teacher made a joke. English homework would take days and weeks to finish, but with hard work and with the help of my family, I started seeing some progress I saw myself improving day by day.

Communication wasn’t the only obstacle I had to face. My family and I had to leave a lot of family behind. I missed my family and friends in India so much and some days I used to cry myself to sleep with deep sighs. I found a lot of ways to steer me back from the negative feelings. Whenever I was tempted to give up, I thought about my parents who left everything behind to better the lives of me and my brother.

When someone leaves their mother country to come to another country, completely strange to them, it is natural for them to adapt to the culture of the new place. Moving to America has made me the person I am today. After great hardship and dramatic changes, I have become a stable person now who has learned from his mistakes and improved. It has been a great experience for me. I hope to be successful one day and take care of my parents when they are in need of help.

Life is a never-ending learning experience. Throughout life I have had many memorable events. The memorable times in my life vary from being the worst times in my life and some being the best, either way they have something for me to learn as life experience which shaped and made who I am today. If I could name one word to summarize my childhood, that word would be “dance”.

I started dancing ballet at the age of 5. Before I even realized it, I have been doing it for almost 13 years. I was given my first pointe shoes when I was 13. From that moment on, I knew that I had to start working hard. I wasn’t gifted with ballerina’s feet; mine are flat and my natural turnout was nonexistent. Standing on a block of wood on my tiptoes for hours while simultaneously trying to remember difficult choreography and incorporating basic dance techniques were very discouraging. It is hard to be so committed to something without passion. Dancing has taught me what it truly means to love what you do.

Having a passion gives me the motivation to keep at it and push on even when things get tough. Every fall, every blister, every broken nail helped me understand that stumbling block is a part of life and it won’t stop me from working hard every single day to beat yesterday’s version of myself, which helped me become the best dancer I could be. After being admitted into high school, I was fortunate enough to be given the scholarship to study aboard in the United States in the exchange student program for an academic year. Making this decision was hard and scary since the prospect of flying across the world, settling into a completely new country and being so far away from my family was initially intimidating to me. I went to an American public high school which required a big adjustment as I came from a co-ed private catholic school. On top of this, the language barrier has made it even more challenging.

Unfortunately, things do not always go as expected. There were miscommunication and cultural difference which led to some conflicts between me and my host family. Hard times helped me grow up as I started to get involved in as many clubs and activities as possible, and eventually got familiar with the new life. Isolation and loneliness of being in a foreign country helped me realize my own capabilities and strengths. I went out of my comfort zone to gain maturity and independence. The independence helped me back here in Thailand as it provide me ability to make decisions and have confidence in myself. Studying aboard also allowed me to meet people from all over the world with different cultural backgrounds and ethnicities. I broke every stereotype and made life-long bonds with them.

Each of them taught me the most valuable lessons about life in both good and bad times. Having my own adventure has proven to me that anything is possible and that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. This experience was a life-changing one for me and absolutely changed me for the better.

This paper tells a story of my life as a teenager and how I become the woman that I am now. During my high school years, I didn’t take education or study seriously. Morning and nights were filled with blessings from my parent’s prayer upon me each and every day. Still, too much peer pressure and the eagerness to fit into society. All I was thinking about is to graduate and moving on with life. Unfortunately, the biggest downfall that change everything and shape me to be a better person than before. I was able to pick myself up, continue my journey and create a new path for the sake of my little one. Finally, I observe and experience the luxury of life that one can learn from yesterday’s example. It was the time that I tell myself, this life is not about you anymore. There are responsibilities that need to be fulfilled and someone is looking up to you (me) for guidance in this life. I knew right there and then; that things are about to change and I have to take life seriously. I never thought that I am capable of reaching goals to the point I question myself, how did I ever get here or how did all of these happen. I am blessed to have my two blessings.

Journey of A Lifetime

Each of us has our own story to tell and it is up to us how we end it. Choices and desires were played, when I thought this is it or it is what it is. In reality, there was so much more than what is expected from what I did. I was totally not a school person or someone that could make a change in my family. There were different challenges that I had been facing since my high school years, college life, and this current time. The most and biggest that hit me and change me into who I am now is being a teen mom. Although I fail and fall for the first time, I was strong enough to create a new path and proud to become the woman that I am now.

Peer Pressure

As a teen at the time, the school was not my thing or my priority. Friends and trying to fit into society were big topics to seek. During that time the more friends you have the more popular you are. I was a miss in our sophomore class and should be a role model to my fellow classmates. I got to say, that didn’t go well. There were temptations and peer pressure of becoming the main topic of the everyday stories. I observed and noticed that not only friends, yet family status as well is one of the main reasons for some to get friends. I still remember when I tried to fit into a group of friends who I thought will make me look cool. Tempt to do things that are not appropriate, but I still have to do it just so I can be with them.

In addition, I knew my behaviors are not proper and my parents wouldn’t be proud and happy for what I did. According to (Pfeifer, Masten, Moore, Oswald, Mazziotta, Lacoboni, & Dapretto, 2011), “Parental and societal concerns, therefore, abound regarding adolescent abilities to resist peer pressure, and whether a teenager’s lack thereof will precipitate his or her engagement in risky behaviors (such as early substance abuse, delinquency, or unsafe sexual activity)”. I have been exposed to activities that are not appropriate for my age, due to the fact of wanting to join their group of friends. Take, for instance, drinking alcohol and hanging out late with friends. There was this one night that we went to my friend’s house when we won our school Halloween competition. I sat there and they were all drinking while I was hoping to get home early. One of my friend’s sisters told me why I don’t drink or join them, I told her because I don’t drink. Later on, that night, my friend stood up and told me if you are not drinking this bottle you will never be my friend. I didn’t know what to do because I was afraid to be alone or lose them. So that when I start drinking alcohol and make some poor choices that I regret later on.

I was holding the title and my performance didn’t fit the position, because I did what my friends told me and went with them. There were times that I skipped class and a week or two did not come to school. Grades are not One of my instructors, my English instructor told me that she sees more in me than what I can do. I believe her but I was brainwashed with all the short happiness of life I was in. There was this one day that we had coral reading citations in class. This was my English period, and I did not have any interest at all in reading the script. By the time we discuss and share our thoughts about the script, my teacher challenges me and ask what was the script about. Everyone thought and knew that I will not able to reply to what had been asked. I took the time to scheme through the script and reply to her. She sat there for a moment and said, I knew you know the answer to the question. After that day, she talked to me and said I know I don’t have any rights to your life but you can open doors with the capability in you. I know there are a lot of opportunities waiting for you, but to do so education is your main source and key to any of the doors. That whole time I have been thinking about what she said and motivating myself to try each day to be better than yesterday.

I saw most of my classmates were working hard and dedicated their hard work to their parents. What motivates me was seeing my dad in pain and trying to go to work, just so I can have my needs and wants. This really hit me and finally come to the sense, that I am the oldest and I have to be my parents’ right hand rather than a burden to them. I set goals and committed to my studies and things around me. I started to make my parents proud and think of what I missed out on and all that can be corrected.

As the year goes by, I knew that I should be this person for a long time. I challenge myself to do what is right and follow my heart, then try to please everyone. Coming to school and looking at books was a big no to me. According to Kinzel (2016), “As of late, students are carrying negative attitudes about education. Books aren’t being read, homework isn’t being done and attendance is growing thin”. I know and I can relate to this because education was not that important to me at the time. Going to school was fun because of friends and nothing else. This mentality took over me and I was blocked from opportunities and right choices during this period of time.

Decisions

When I found out that I’m expecting, I was scared to death. My main reason to be scared is my parents. They expected more from me, they were depending on me. They never thought that I will never let them down. There were also some things that I look at, like people from the village and from the church. My family and everyone that loves me will be heartbroken because of me. Despite the fact of what people said and think I was able to talk to my mom.

The first time that I told my mom about my situation, my mom wasn’t my mom at all after what she heard from me. She didn’t even want me anymore, she said she doesn’t know me. From the time that I needed her the most, my dad was there for me physically. I cried day and night because my family wasn’t complete throughout the time. I was so emotionally and sensitive all the time. According to Nierenberg (2017),’ Some women are sensitive to changes in estrogen, while others are affected by rising levels of progesterone or stress hormones”. I remember when I heard about my puppy getting hit by a car, and I was crying like a river flood that day. I was so emotional that everything I heard I cried without a reason. Even though I know my mom will talk to me again, we’re also staying under the same roof. Still, I cried and felt left out and abandoned. My mom didn’t even want to look or talk to me. When its dinner time, she didn’t want to come out and join us for dinner. She only came when she knows, I’m away or not at the dining table. That is when I think of running away from home or leaving the island. Luckily, not once did I ever think to abort my child or try to do something stupid. It was just a matter of fact, that I know what I did and I am not proud of it I only want my relationship with my mother to be the same as usual. I know that it was not the right time to have a baby, but my child was never a mistake.

When I was four months, my mom decided to talk to me and care for me. She saw that I have to go through this each day and it broke her heart to see me like this. One night I thought she was asleep, but without knowing she was up all night looking at me sleeping. I asked her mom why are you still up, she sat there with tears running down her cheeks. She said I can’t help the fact that you are going through at this age. I never thought that you will end up like this. She continues to cry and cried as well because I can’t do anything but accept the fact that I am pregnant.

My dad was the only provider and source to our family and he didn’t hesitate of caring for me and my unborn child. He never raises his voice over me, he cried most of the time which kills me deep inside of what I have done to them. I thought to myself, probably I will give up my baby for adoption. I was thinking I gave my parents so much burden on their shoulders, so I would never add any more burdens to them. When my mom heard about the news, she was so mad that she almost hit me. Even though she was not happy about what I did, she was happy to welcome his first grandchild. When it is my time, she was there for me the whole time. Right when she saw my son, everything changes from that time on.

Sometimes I don’t think when I have to decide what to do or what I must do. According to (Pieterse, Vries, Kunneman, Stiggelbout, & Stewart, 2013), “To support patients in making choices, patient decision aids and values clarification methods (VCM) in particular have been developed”. When I know we have a get-together with friends, I chose that over completing my assignments. I prioritize what makes me happy rather to seek what is good for me. Making the right choice was not necessary, all I was thinking was only me no one else. There are times that I wanted to forget about anything and do what I feel at that particular time. I was debating either if I take the job or just walk away. That time I was nervous and scared because I don’t have any experience being in the field.

Most of the time my choices were based on my mood. When I am mad at something I quickly jump to conclusions. There were certain times that I made a mistake that I totally regret later on. Sometimes I take my anger over my siblings and felt like I am the bad one in the family. Mood swings were one of my major problems when I was expecting. Sometimes I’m happy and sometimes very grumpy, emotional, and sad without a reason.

Teen Mom

The first step in ASCC was life-threatening because I have now entered reality and it is time of choosing wisely. Raising a child and focusing on the school was hard at times. There were times that I have to sacrifice one to do the other. It was about time that I took everything seriously and committed to what I do. Never in my life that I would take education as a priority and a major impact on my life.

Going to class and thinking of my son’s future was something that bothers me every time. Coming home to see his face is like an antidote to releasing stress and depression. I still remember the day that I failed my math test. I hate math because typically not a math person or good at anything that deals with numbers. I came home, I cried that I can barely talk because I failed the math test. My mom is always a shoulder to lean on when it comes to bad days. She hugged me and said, this is only the beginning. I know you can do better next time and always pray when your heart is troubled. Tears were slowly fading away and when I looked at my son, I knew he deserve better. Seeing him every day is a challenge for me to give him the life he deserves. Trying to pass all courses and maintain a good GPA was all worth it in the end.

There were a lot of things that I have to think about and choose which to do first and then the other. According to (Mangeli, Rayyani, Cheraghi, & Tirgari, 2017), “According to the results of studies, Teen mothers face many physical, psychological, social and spiritual challenges”. One of the examples was my eating habit, which leads to being overweight. Whenever I am stressed from school or at home it is like my usual routine to eat. Stress causes body change and it will continue to be a thing if I can’t control it. Dealing with my mental health will cause memory loss and negative thoughts will always appear when I am stressed. Sometimes, I tend to forget things that just happened recently or current events. Afterward, isolating from people and those who are loved and dear to me. Stress will manipulate all the good things that had happened, and not think straight. There are times that I hear my mom saying if your heart is troubled always pray. When stress strikes, I don’t ever think of that or may pray at all. I felt like I want nothing or want to do anything and my mind is all over the place. I still remember when I didn’t attend or participate in anything in our church, because I wasn’t me at that time. There are times when I don’t know what to do or what I should do.

Stress was not only the problem that I’ve been facing but depression as well. According to (Lanzi, Bert, & Jacobs, 2011), “A lack of social support and elevated rates of stress increase the risk of depression among new mothers and likely contribute to negative parenting practices such as neglect”. There were times that I go through depression when there is a lack of support and loads of assignments. Well yes, my family is there to support me every time, but there will be that time that they need a break from everything. When it is too much for me, I don’t even bother to have time for my son. Alone in my room was the only answer and drown with thoughts that I have to control. Through it all, I’m glad that I survived and made it this far.

When my son got sick, I immediately took him to the hospital and did not attend class. By the time we got there, the doctor asked; why I didn’t act early when my son have these symptoms of flu. I told him I try to manage time because I am a student taking classes. What he told me still exists and it stuck on my mind, your kids are your first priority. Every now and then my kids are always my first priority in life. Not only words of encouragement from my mom, but also from my son’s pediatrician.

Finally graduating from ASCC in Spring 2015, the best moment of my life is to achieve this milestone that I never thought could be possible at all. According to (Cherry, Chumbler, Bute, & Huff, 2015),

Both pregnant and parenting adolescents aspired to provide a “better life” for their children that including finishing school and obtaining a career. An emergent theme is that the experience of pregnancy and parenting is transformative and may invoke a positive refocusing of life aspirations for educational and career attainment.

After this first milestone, I was thinking and not stable about what to do next. All I was thinking is finally I got my degree and that was it. I didn’t think of going to continue my education or finding a job. I was overwhelmed by staying home and watching my son, but I know I have to find a job to support him. Throughout that year I went to look for a job, I never thought that I would become a teacher. Finally got a call to be a teacher, I was so happy that it didn’t take me that long to wait for an answer.

Just the Beginning

I didn’t think of anything else but my son’s future and how he will live. I join the profession and that was the only thing that was on my mind. I came to work and go back home was the mentality. Then, I was told that I have to classes for my Bachelor’s. I didn’t want to take any classes; I was so done with school. Not until some teachers said that if I don’t take classes I will be terminated. That word terminate was like a repeated song that kept on playing in my ears. I didn’t have any choice but to take classes as they said. Being a teacher during the day and a student at night time, was something that I thought I wouldn’t able to make it this far. There were loads of responsibilities that I have to do daily and it all dealt with time.

The moment that I have to complete the criteria from work school was very complicated. When we have a visitation schedule, I don’t have time for myself and complete assignments. The most important fact is building a strong relationship with students. I believe when there is no connection between students and teachers, chaos will take over and continually uncontrollable behavior. According to (Kaufman & Sandilos, n.d), “Improving students’ relationships with teachers has important, positive and long-lasting implications for both students’ academic and social development”. After a few months in the program and I have seen that my students are starting to trust me as their caregiver in an educational way and as a teacher daily. There was this one time that I didn’t know what to do anymore. I tried to complete work and school assignments, but I couldn’t do it with all the chaos happening in the classroom.

Chaos in the way that I don’t know my students learning ability, weaknesses, and strengths and how to implement classroom management. By the time I learn how to deal with my students, less stress and more positive thinking started to plant. I was aware of what I should do and managing time was one. I was able to do two things at a time during work hours. I felt peace when I know my students one by one physically and emotionally, students were able to interact and were comfortable around me.

New Beginning

Now that I am about to reach the other milestone of my journey, which I never thought could possibly happen. People were saying that I am not worthy of the position. They were recognizing only my mistakes and what I did in the past. Sometimes I almost fall because I let their opinions get through to me. I want to be a better individual and to prove everyone wrong. I didn’t let them get to me but I continue to do what I know is best for me and my family. Self-confidence was my only way to survive and get to where I am now. Believing myself and knowing that I can do better than before elevate my personal and professional growth.

In conclusion, I am thankful that I was able to be in the University of Hawaii at Manoa teachers’ program. Professional growth and cognitive development were something that I learned from taking courses in the program. It was a journey of experiences and gaining knowledge on dealing with young children. Strategies and ways for students to learn are well implemented in the classroom. Soon the second phase of achievement will soon be complete, and I am happy and proud of the woman that I become. Even though my life wasn’t on the right path at first but I was strong enough to get back up and walk the path to success.