The Necessary Upgrading of Women On the Social Scale an Example of the Topic History Essays by

The Necessary Upgrading of Women On the Social Scale Cultures and societies are born out of a collective adherence to similar traditions, values, and beliefs. Gender, in this context, has long endured stereotyping and expectations, depending on the ideologies of particular societies and their cultures. The role of women in many of these worldwide has been subject to argument and debate, and its evolution has caused various changes in a societys set of demographics and psychographics. While women have been enjoying superior status in many tribal and ethnic communities, their function and perceived value in many modern societies have been disparate and inconsistent. Developed countries such as the UK and the United Need essay sample on "The Necessary Upgrading of Women On the Social Scale" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed States have spearheaded the recognition of the womans role, and is evidenced by the significant contributions of women in these societies. From business owners to educators, from popular culture icons to heads of statewomen have continuously and consistently influenced society, which exemplifies the existence of gender equality. And this is the true mark of modernity, one that allows full participation of all its members. II. Women and Education In a letter written in 1820 by writer and activist Frances Wright (in Rossi, 1973), she stated that in America much is certainly done to ameliorate the condition of women, and as their education shall become, more and more, the concern of the state, their character may aspire in each succeeding generation to a higher standard. Clearly, Americaas well as other countries of the same levelhad long seen the value of women, and intended for them to contribute significantly in the countrys future. Education is a prime instrument for effecting transformation, and the opportunity made available for women to claim it was the veritable trigger for greater achievements. The less constrained views of modern cultures find validity in providing women with the means to function at par with men, and this has resulted in definite milestones in history. Maria Montessori, M. Carey Thomas, Anne Sullivan Macy, and Inez Beverly Prosser are just some of the women who are acknowledged as pioneers in educati on (About.com, 2008). III, Women and Economics The contribution of women to a societys economy is no longer deemed insignificant or mundane; this contrasts to early historical regard of the economic status of the human race, which was primarily attributed to males, with the participation of women fully dependent on whatever men dictate (Gilman, 1898). At present, women are placed in important positions that affect world economy, many of them holding power much greater than their male counterparts. This is so because women are striving for a greater share of better jobs, trying to break out of the ghetto of traditional womens occupations (Bergmann, 1986). Some of the greatest and popular women in business are legendary in their own right, such as Oprah Winfrey and Gina Rinehart, who have broken the barriers of male-dominated fields to become business leaders with visions different from men. The undeniable contributions of these women to society are as iconic as their sources, and were done through styles and strategies that transc end gender. IV. Women and Politics Women have come along way from when government and politics, as well as the right to vote were solely in the hands of men, and considered improper for women (Addams, 1907). The traditional male role of decision-maker, ruler, and king, has mostly been essayed by those assigned to the task in similar manner; the occurrence of wars and the obsessive guarding of territory are arguably results of the typical male psyche. On the other hand, the reign of female heads have produced a different set of circumstances, as proven by the achievements of Margaret Thatcher, Condoleeza Rice, Hillary Clinton, and, quite possibly, Sarah Palin. Whether ideal or critical, the changes effected by these women, brought upon by their pronounced differences from men with regard to style, have forever changed the landscape of global politics and government. However arguable the cases of these women may be, these form the fact that women can excel in politics and governance is already accepted in todays society. The potential for women to measure up to not just men, but to those who had come before them, is now given the attention it deserves; institutions such as the Women s political process, as well as facilitate research to enhance the understanding of specific challenges women face in politics and government (Women & Politics Institute, 2008). V. Women and Family A societys basic unit is the family, which, in turn, functions as an integral part of a community or society. However, its origins still come from a male-centric ideology that define family as the collective property of personsincluding the wife, children, and slavesbelonging to one man (Engels, 1942). Despite these definitions, it is of general knowledge that while the man may be the head of a family, the woman is the heart of each. Indeed, the role of women as the tie that binds families together has remained unchanged by progress and technology. Even as the woman is given more significant places in areas that used to be helmed by men, she generally still fulfills the functions she has within the family. Partly expectation and partly by nature, the reality of a woman as mother keeps bringing her back to the basics of caring and nurturing. Family and motherhood are probably the fields where the womans role has not evolved as much as in othersonly in nature and intent, and not in the patriarchal way of keeping familybecause the goals of rearing children and maintaining a home are still on the to-do lists of the most successful women leaders. Such is the case since the formation and development of children as responsible citizens of a country are set within the realm of a mothers responsibilities. VI. Conclusion The question regarding the extent to which one agrees to the negative effects of womens increasing rank in society had been introduced at the beginning, and the most logical answer had also been given straightaway. This is because the query had seemed more like a topic for debate, rather than an actual pondering that needed a real solutionfor who would not be aware of the contributions put forth by women? To even entertain thoughts of negativity or harm in this context is to be considered preposterous. But to comply with the rules of argument, several evidences had been named to prove the thesis of womens past and present influences on society, and how the latter clearly credits much of its growth to women. The presence of women in education, business, and government, as well as their classic role in the family, are but a few of the evidences that point to the benefits a society enjoys because of the female power. However, the truth is not to be denied: to this day, though at a much smaller rate, men still significantly control much of societys comings and goings. But they have never experienced competition as staunch as the women of today, whose efforts at seeing the world differently should guarantee them a place in history. References About.com (2008). Women Teachers and Educators. Womens History. Retrieved on 17 October 2008 from https://www.thoughtco.com/womens-history-important-figures-4133258 Addams, J. (1907). Newer Ideals of Peace. New York: The Chatauqua Press. Bergmann, B. (1986). The Economic Emergence of Women. New York: Basic Books, Inc. Engels, F. (1942). The Origin of the Family, Private Property, and the State. New York: International Publishers. Gilman, C. P. (1898). Women and Economics. Boston, Small, Maynard & Company. Women & Politics Institute (2008). Homepage. Retrieved on 17 October 2008 from http://www.american.edu/spa/wpi/ Wright, F. (1973). Education. In Rossi, A. (ed.) The Feminist Papers. New York: Bantam Books, Inc.

Inside Scoop Lupe and Flavio Professor Ramos Blog

Inside Scoop Lupe and Flavio The story of â€Å"Bien Pretty† written by Sandra Cisneros in â€Å"Woman Hollering Creek† follows two characters, Lupe and Flavio, and how their indifferent paths intertwined and developed. Lupe is an artist while Flavio is a working exterminator and their journey began when Lupe needed some cockroaches to be killed. I will mainly focus on the development of Lupe and Flovaio’s relationship throughout the story and how it became so complex and ultimately failed. Lupe was always fixated on her past, particularly, her Mexican past. This essay will cover how Lupe’s failed relationship with Flavio, from the cultural differences and prejudice between the two, in order to embody her â€Å"Mexican† cultural background, ultimately helped her find the identity she yearned. The first scene that I wanted to cover was the moment Lupe thought Flavio could be just the guy to represent Prince Popo, following it up by describing the key features as to why she thinks he is the one to portray the Prince (Cisneros 144). A key moment to highlight in this scene or encounter in the story is that Lupe was interested in Flavio, not by his physical attraction, but by how greatly he portrays Prince Popo. Lupe seems to imply Flavio as a mere tool she could possibly use for her sake. As Lupe said follows up by asking blatantly â€Å"I need models† and that Flavio would be good for the task as he has a â€Å"wonderful. Face.† (144). This further proves that she was, at first, attracted by Flavio because of how she can benefit from him helping her. They soon meet later on in a local laundromat called the Kwik Wash, and Lupe continues to emphasize that she is a painter towards Flavio, but he counters and says â€Å"in reality I am a poet† and follows up by stating that the poems were there not fill the stomach but were there to fulfill Flavio’s desire to pursue with poems. The second scene that I wanted to talk about is the interaction between Flavio and Lupe when he told his story of his grandma and Fito. Flavio told his grandma’s of broken love between Fito only to compare it to the concept of yin and yang. Flavio explains how the yin that would represent earth and that of the females while yang that would represent heaven and that of the males and how you cannot one without the otherwise you are out of the balance (149). This highlights and probably helps the audience know where Flavio’s ideas stand in terms of looking at the interactions of a couple look like. But this story quickly came to a close when Lupe intervened and blurted out how in this day and age is the time to let go of the present in order to go back to the past and search for it (149). In the same page, it also highlights where Lupe stands in terms of finding a life purpose. Lupe seemed to always focus on her past and tries to share that once we find out of our past we will have found our destinies in life (149). One major scene that accentuates Lupe’s desire to find the past of herself is when Flavio came over for dinner and talked about performing pure tango. Flavio got up and gave Lupe dancing lessons, explaining all the types of dances he knows of, only to be interrupted by Lupe’s comment asking â€Å"Don’t you know any indigenous dances?† to Flavio (151). This annoys Flavio because it implies that he does not have what Lupe is looking for. Flavio was also having a moment only for it to be ruined by Lupe and her questioning and implying if Flavio was even Mexican by asking him that. The argument between the two only worsens from here. Lupe addresses Flavio as a product of American imperialism (151). This is a direct blow into Flavio’s face as she indirectly claims that he is not an actual Mexican, which in turn, discredits Lupe entirely. But she explains that dancing with Flavio would make her feel Mexican at that moment and all she wanted was to feel th at way from the start. It is revealed that Lupe feels a disconnect between herself and her Mexican background. But the final couple scenes that will be covered on really take the relationship to their demise. Eventually, Lupe and Flavio make love to each other, but Lupe added on that she made love â€Å"in Spanish† and she would go as far as to say Flavio is a true â€Å"[sign] of a native speaker† (153). Lupes desire to feel and embody becoming a Mexican is looking worse and defends her point because of one phrase Flavio says whenever he would hurt himself, instead of expressing pain by saying â€Å"ouch!†, but saying â€Å"Ay!† gave Lupe enough information to classify Flavio as an authentic Mexican. This was also a major turning point between the two of them. Lupe expresses her feelings to the audience that, at first, Lupe stated â€Å"Flavio was just Flavio†, but now it is much more than that to Lupe (154). Lupe, who at first saw Flavio as her stepping stone into trying to find her past, now sees him in a new light. Lupe actually starts falling in love fo r Flavio and admits that this is different from the relationship she had with Eddie. During a breakfast, Flavio announces to Lupe that he needs to leave and it is revealed that Flavio has two more women along with 7 children. Flavio tried to give Lupe cold comfort by explaining his ideology of loving other women, stating â€Å"Loving one person doesnt take away from loving another person† (156). This scene, in particular, helps the reader understand how Flavio thinks about a woman. In his eyes, he defends himself by saying that his love for Lupe is not in correlation with his love with the other two girls. In many, this could imply Flavio’s potential attitude towards women and how desensitized he is about it. Taking this outside the book, statistics show in their survey of participants ranging from various ages, over 60% have admitted to keeping at least one secret from their partner at some point in time (Whitbourne). On average it seems almost normal for someone to k eep a secret. In the story’s case, several were kept from Lupe. The story of Bien Pretty showcased many developmental stages between Lupe and Flavio’s relationship. The story ends off with Lupe re-doing her painting of the Prince and the Princess, supposedly switching the positions of the two figures, having the prince lay back while the princess standing over him (163). This final message could most likely symbolize her triumph of looking into her past and also moving on from the boy whom she attempted to use in order for her personal gains. In the end, she finds her true self and what it takes to be Mexican is really to be yourself. This story heavily used the elements of symbolism to represent major turning points throughout the couple’s relationship. From how they first met and what Lupe’s intention was with Flavio was to how she felt after despite their ideals constantly clashing against each other. In short, in the end, Lupe was able to find what she yearned for the entire story which was finding the Mexican background of herself. Work Cited Cisneros, Sandra. Woman Hollering Creek. Bloomsbury, 2004. Whitbourne, Susan Krauss. â€Å"Why We Keep Secrets From Our Partners.† Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 10 June 2014, psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201406/why-we-keep-secrets-our-partners.

Describe how the debate concerning human origins began, how new Essay

Describe how the debate concerning human origins began, how new descoveries added to the debate, and explain how you see the argument concerning our human origi - Essay Example against those that support creationism, a religious-based belief that attributes the creation of Earth, humanity and the universe to a God or deity (Hayward, 1998). The creation versus evolution debate is most prevalent in the conservative regions of the United States, where Creationism is believed to have strengthened after World War I as a consequence of stories that became popular at the time and told of the German aggression being a result of their belief in the concept of "survival of the fittest" introduced by Charles Darwin (Numbers and Coleman, 2007). After this, the situation worsened in many cases when several US states passed laws against the teaching of evolution in public schools and others went a step further by introducing the teaching of creationism instead. It is so that the study of evolution was not included until the late 1960s in textbooks of many US sates. Even during the 1980s, creationism was quite prevalent in certain states (Arkansas and Louisiana), where creationism and evolution obtained equal teaching time in public shools' curricula. This seriously opposes the separation between State and Church recognized in the Constitution, which would avoid interference in each other's issues. The legislation passed for the teaching of creationism seriously contravenes the First Amendment, which states as follows: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." Consequently, in 1987 the Supreme Court declared this law illegal and an unconstitutional intrusion of religion in public schools. Paleoanthropology Evolution is supported by the study of paleoanthropology. Until the 19th century, the similarity between apes and humans had been sorely discussed and, based purely on morphological similarities, chimpanzees and gorillas were thought to be our closest relatives. In fact, some scientists of the time believed that humans and apes shared a common ancestor and that fossils of this ancestor would eventually be found in Africa. It was not, however, until the discovery of Neanderthal man in 1856 was made and Darwin published On the Origin of Species a few years later, that the concept of evolutionary theory was first introduced. A few years later, paleoanthropology, the discipline that studies ancient populations using fossil evidence in the form of petrified bones and foot prints, as well as the remains of tools and forms of habitation, began. Although there had been a series of minor findings in the 1830s, it was not until 1924 that the first remains of a hominid were discovered in Africa. The fossils were thought to be part of the skeleton of an Australopithecus africanus, a species with a small skull that contained a small but, contrary to those of apes, rounded brain, like that of a human. Additionally,

Micky McDivet Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Micky McDivet - Assignment Example and where the decision under consideration is that of the ALJ, two standards of review are commonly considered, namely: substantial evidence, and; de novo. A substantial evidence standard of review was defined in Richardson v Perales. 402 US 389, 401 (1971) as â€Å"such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a decision.† A reviewing court must set aside the decision of the trial court if it finds that the evidence used in supporting the decision lacks substance taking into account the evidence in the case’s record that opposed such findings (Universal Camera Corp v NLRB 340 US 474, 488 [1951]). In deciding whether evidence is substantial or not, the US Supreme Court in the Richardson case reminds appellate courts that is â€Å"more than a mere scintilla.† Five decided cases that made use of this standard are the following: A de novo standard of review is one where a â€Å"reviewing court makes an original appraisal of all the evidence to decide whether or not it believes [the conclusions of the trial court]† (Bose Corporation v Consumers Union of the US, Inc. 466 US 485, 514 [1984]). A de novo standard of review applies when there is an error of law (Kober v Apfel, 133 F.Supp.2d 868 [2001] or a mixed error of law and facts (Johnson v Employment Security, 112 Wn.2d 172 [1989]). This standard of review was used in the following cases: Any decision to elevate Mickey McDivet case must take into account the two standards of review, which the federal district courts commonly use in reviewing a case. The issues that an appealing party cites as basis for the appeal usually determine the standard that the court will use. An assignment of error of law, for example, will subject it to a de novo standard review and an assignment of error of fact on the part of the ALJ will subject it to a substantial evidence standard of review. An assignment of both types will create subject it to both

Business correspondence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Business correspondence - Essay Example Some of the issues include stress management and communication between the workers. The reduction of pressure on the employees is also suitable in the reduction of the probability of the harmful aspects happening within the business environment. The Mediatization process refers to the process of research especially in the media mediums with the aspect of being up to date with the dealings in the real world. The procedure is crucial in the construction industry in an instance of revolutionizing the industry. The management of any construction firm is thus in a need to study on a new architecture that the new world is demanding in an attempting of attaining an additional benefit in the construction market. The perspective is also the source of all innovations in the construction industry since there is a possible fusion of the various designs that are prevalent. On the other hand, the research of the media industry gives the management of the construction the most recent changes in the prices and thus planning becomes easy. The budgeting of every activity is made easy through the process of Mediatization. The other issue is the linking of the construction business with the commercial world. The aspect involves the marketing of the services that entail the construction sector. The perspective will enable the construction management to notify the world of the gap that exists in the market and the role the construction business has in solving the problem. The instance is thus the primary procedure that determines the sales of the construction industry. The construction management should, therefore, take into consideration the need to link with other commercial institutions such as advertising agents. Furthermore, the auxiliary services such as the banking industry and the insurance are essential to the construction company since they provide finance that makes the activities of the construction firm through investment. The safety education in

Reflection on Te Tiriti O Waitangi in Practice Setting

Reflection on Te Tiriti O Waitangi in Practice Setting Assessment Task 1 During my placement my coordinator and I had been practicing te tiriti o Waitangi in all aspect of service given to clients. It has four principles namely partnership means a written agreement between the client and the social worker through consenting contract in which the client allows the social worker to conduct consultation to gather information and disclose all relative information that will help in caring for the client. Protection means taking good care of one’s culture such as in te tiriti o Waitangi it is stated that maori have their ownj absolute sovereignty in term of their tonga relatively clients should be make aware of their own protection right that greatly serve their culture, traditions and customary practice allowing them express their feeling using their own language respecting them whatever their situation, providing gender appropriate social worker, and by giving privacy and confidentiality. Participation means involvement of nwhanau in all levels of care, consultation and in making of care plans. Also using Maori models of health such as te whare tapa wha which covers all the aspect of wellbeing namely hinegaro, wairua, tinana and whanau. Permission means allowing them to practice their own culture by giving them the right to speak te reo maori any time and providing them accessible service to health. Assessment Task 2 Context/Setting Individual/group Age group Summary of reason for admission to residential care L.J. young adult The client has committed several times of criminal offending and her family could not control him anymore. Meetings and Communication (related to admission process) Date Notes/key points of information provided to the residents We gave the client a brief information about the facility his going to stay for a brief time, also information about what his going to expect from us and the facility. Furthermore, we described the admitting process so he will be able to cooperate accordingly. The information that I gathered from the clients that determines his place of residence are the following spiritual beliefs, cultural and spiritual practices. I made sure that he can still observe his routines like attending church and perform cultural related acts such as karakia. I also gather information with regards to his health condition if there is any history of disease he has and medication he had been taken if there is any. His dietary requirements if there is limitation or required diet he should take any allergies to food, I made sure that in his placement he will still be able to eat their traditional food. I formation about his whanau and support people is the most important, I asked him some questions about his family background so that I know where to contact them for the progress of the client. Lastly I interviewed him about his hobbies and activities that his been doing before so that I can help him in pursuing it while his inside the facility or give him certain ac tivities that will help him divert his attention. First is that we made sure that his safety is prioritize in a way that he has a safe environment and away from people or things that triggers his aggressiveness. Second, we assessed him with regards to his health situation, any medication his taking also his education and social history. Third, we interviewed his whanau to gather significant information regarding their son’s behavior any gather information with regards to the reason of his offending acts. Lastly, we sort out the information gathered and determine the appropriate placement he needs that will suits his over all wellbeing. we made sure that all relevant information are gathered by having some time to talk with his peers, because we supposed that he is more close to his friends and more comfortable in telling their emotions rather than his parents, to know what are their social activities to determine the main reason of his acts. Assessment task 3 Contribution to planning for care of the resident Date Notes/key points of any meetings or other communication details of actions related to planning for the care of the resident Through meetings with his whanau we were able to gather relevant information of what they observe on their child that can affect his deeds. We also assessed and involved the client in making the plan. Factors that we considered during planning are the following his appropriateness of the service given by the facility, special needs that they can provide such as health needs if he has regular medication, educational necessities like enrolling for an alternative school, cultural needs wherein his given time to attend church to practice his customs and beliefs and making sure that his social needs are met like involving him in a community activities that suits his interest or hobbies. We also considered other agencies that could help on facilitating his rehabilitation such as CYFs. matching of the resident’s needs with the services provided by the residence, objectives of the plan, resources that are available to achieve the objectives of the plan, time frame that is consistent with the use of available resources, the roles and responsibilities of people in the plan, methods of evaluating progress. We made sure that the client and whanau are always involved in all levels of care in order to produce and promote effective care planning that suits his needs and desires while rehabilitating him. Assessment Task 4 Contributions to care of resident Date Notes/key points of any meetings or other communication, details of actions related to care of residents After planning we informed the client that the information that he gave to us during planning will reflect to the cares that will going to deliver. My roles and responsibilities for the client are to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the resident as their first consideration at all times. I was able to fulfil all their allocated responsibilities in accordance with the social worker’s role in the residential care plan such as assessing, planning, intervening, and evaluating. It is important to have an ongoing contact by the whanau throughout the stay of the client in the facility with accordance with the residents plan. Providing contact plan for the resident to know if the whanau comes during the desired day to visit. We facilitated the contact through regular visitation, telephone call if the family is unable to come personally and planned joint meetings with residential staff. Supervision and custodial care of the resident is carried out according to the plan and residential requirements such as secure environment and making sure that the family have a regular visit to the client. We also made sure that legislative requirements are followed, health and safety management is implemented and behavioural management is noted. As a healthcare provider I encourage self-determination through engaging the client in making the plan to fulfill their identified roles and take ownership of these roles. I made sure that I am promoting client’s self determination by outlining agency’s objectives and appropriate legislation. Notifying client and whanau regarding the restrictions and extent of the meeting and allowing them to identify the best options. Mostly, working collaboratively with the family to discover a focus where agency mandate and whanau choices aren’t aligning. We discourage dependency through providing enough room for the family to create their own possible solutions and we also step aside in order for them to step up. During decision making we made sure that all his cultural beliefs and values are given importance. Moreover, care given to him are always based on their customs and in accordance of the te tiriti o Waitangi. Assessment Task 5 Contribution to evaluation of residential care plan Date Notes/key points related to the evaluation of the resident care plan After all the interventions and cares done to the client we are required to have an evaluation. We informed the client about his progress and update about the evaluation process to be done that will determine his objectives are met. I monitored my client’s progress through confirming his safety and wellbeing. I reviewed his daily care plan to know the outcomes related to the achievement of objectives and to know if there are any further options that can be identified. I did a completion of checklist wherein I reviewed his objectives and tick the list of implemented actions that was successfully done and kept accurate records of conversation and meetings. Also regular check of hi placement wether it is secured and safe from triggers like addiction and bad peers. Regarding his wellbeing we made sure that he is regularly checked up by the GP and make sure that all his medication are taken regularly and not lapsing tom cure his current mental illness. Making sure that he is attending the alternative school placement and he keeping his curfew. Secured his information and made sure that only necessary people can access his file and kept his confidentiality by not disclosing the information that I know from people who are not relevant or helpful in his situation. Health and Safety Act 1992 it is relevant because it contains all the important rights of the client on what he can expect from his healthcare provider or social worker. This legislation is helpful in dealing with my client because I know where to based my actions and decisions to make sure that all of it are right and relevant to the outcome for the client.

Panic Essay -- Personal Narrative Writing

Panic We loaded up the car and headed out to Route 30. I had made this trip several times before, but this time it was one way. I had been excited to—as I saw it—get on with my life, but this day I was feeling less than enthusiastic. I figured it was the hassle of moving: this would be the second time my parents and I had transferred my things from home to a dorm room. This time my sister was along to lend a hand. We finally pulled up to the institutional-style brick building that was to be my home for the next three years. The August weather was typically hot and humid, but looking at the dormitory’s stark exterior, I suddenly felt a chill. As we entered the stuffy structure—it had no air conditioning—all my thoughts became focused on the many trips we would have to make up and down the three flights of stairs. Once a sufficient number of boxes were in the small room, I began to unpack while my father made the remaining trips to the car. As I arranged my new personal space, I forgot any reservations and actually became rather energized. My roommate had not yet arrived, and my sister and I joked and laughed while we hung photographs and relived the events they depicted. When the mysterious roommate finally made her entrance, the room fell silent. I have never been comfortable with new people, and we were from such different backgrounds that I could find no commonality to unite us immediately. It would simply take time, I had decided, and that was something of which I assumed we had plenty. Since I was almost done with my side of the room, and my roommate and her parents were not exactly chatty, my family and I decided to go out for dinner before they made the return trip. We went to a nearby restaurant, though we di... ... to the sink, but I could not bring myself to look in the mirror. I washed my face again, sipped some water from my cupped hand, and shakily returned to my room. At some point in my stupor, I had decided to call my mother at six o’clock, when I knew she would be waking up for work. I found my phone card and made another trip to the end of the hall, this time to the pay phone. I felt so low I could have been slithering across the floor. I had to tell her exactly what I had just been through, and that she had been right: I was not ready to go away again. I would have to return home with my tail between my legs and face something that I had always had trouble admitting: I needed help. I never wanted to spend another night like the one I had just endured. At the time, I still had no idea what had happened to me, but I will never forget that first and worst panic attack.