What attracts you to the field of social work?

What attracts you to the field of social work? 1. What attracts you to the field of social work? I have always been deeply committed to helping others, especially helping those who come from similar backgrounds such as mine. Several experiences have stimulated my attraction to the field of social work. The first step towards my passion to study social work was formed when I was about four. My parents were unfit to raise my siblings and me, which consequently led to foster care. At age four I had no idea that day would lead me on the path of becoming an effective agent for social work. While in foster care, I met some amazing social workers who went beyond the call of duty. My social workers were talented, committed, and hard working. As I became older, my interest in social work grew. I started asking my social workers how do I become a social worker. In so many words, they explained that I have to do well in school, and go to college. While in college, I can major in the field of social work or closely related field. My social workers were my first insight to what a social work er is and what a social worker does. The fact that my social workers were committed to my well-being and pushed me to my full potentials demonstrated their concern for me as well as their ethical commitment. Secondly, are the three premises on which social work is based on. Which are very straightforward. First is that the person or group is important. The person or group has a problem that may arise from many different factors, and lastly finding a solution to help solve those problems so that person or group can live a better life. Finally, is the range of opportunities for a social worker in the field of social work. Social workers can be found in hospital, schools, community health agencies, and international organizations just to name a few. I give my social workers credit for the knowledge they have shared with me as well as encouraging me to reach my personal goals to become a social worker. 2. What influences, persons, or work/life experiences guide your choice of social work as a profession? I have not always been the strong confident person I am today. My outside involvements were my social workers, and independent living coordinator. They play a huge role in my influence to study social work and to become a social worker. Sometimes I often wonder how different my life would be now without my social workers involvement. I adopted many things from my social workers, things such as how to be compassionate and caring towards others, how to set and reach my goals, as well as how to be a hard worker. Some people fail to realize the impact of encouraging words to others. I can remember when I was in the twelfth grade my social worker Tameko was picking my sister and me up from school to help us fill out some important paper work for college. On the way home, she explained to us that we are smart and beautiful girls who can be anything we put our minds to. Do not let our circumstances define who we are. That moment of encouragement has not only stuck with me but has changed the way I think about my life. I then realized that I determine my future and should not be ashamed of my parents mishaps. Studies show that the cycle of poverty repeats it self for at least three generations. I new at a young age I did not want to repeat the cycle of abuse, poverty, and addiction so I worked hard to accomplish my goals. In practice, I have had an opportunity to work with Independent Living Program. Which is a program that helps youth ages 14-21 with career training, educational opportunities, p ersonal finance, job-hunting skills, independence skills, and so much more. I also took a Counseling Practicum class, which gave me an opportunity to observe and experience working within the Augusta Pregnancy Center. Which is a non-profit agency that provides services to women who are facing challenging situations? In this course, I was able to learn the specific skills required to care for the women and their unborn child, ethical principles, and ethical standards. These experiences has only increased me love for the field of social work and given me valuable experiences working with women and children. 3. Discuss personal strengths you possess which will make you an effective helping person. I chose social work, but in retrospect, I think social work chose me too. I often wonder what kind of career I would be interested in if I was never in foster care. My own personal background would make me an effective helping person. Growing up in the foster care system I will be able to relate to the youth and families I will be serving. I know what it feels like to be sent to different foster families. I know how it feels being afraid to trust people and being afraid to talk about being in foster care. I believe that children who have been abused and neglected find it difficult to trust people. I believer children in foster care would feel a sense of understanding, being that I have came from similar backgrounds. My personal strengths that I posse are the willingness to help others unconditionally. My social workers were very committed to me, and I want to share that same commitment with others who are vulnerable. My experience has taught me how to be non-judgmental, how to demon strate empathy, and how my improbable journey can inspire others. In addition, my undergraduate study in Psychology-Counseling has provided me with a better understanding of why people think, feel, and act the way they do. I believe that understanding the behaviors of people is very important tool to posses in the fields of social work. I also understand the importance of volunteering to help improve my community and neighborhood. I am currently a foster care club member as well as an on line message board member for foster care. I also volunteer in the Jefferson County Public School system and Woodhaven Place social committee. Volunteering is one of my most rewarding experiences for me and it gives me an opportunity to help my community as well as gaining skills to better help others. With my experiences during my undergraduate studies and currently I know that social work as a profession is ideal for me. 4 Discuss your vulnerabilities as these influence your development as a professional social worker. Specifically discuss any history of substance abuse, problems in a work setting, criminal activity, and/or help-seeking for personal issues. We are all vulnerable at any given point in time because of life circumstances. For example, illness, humiliation, harassment, natural disasters, poverty and abuse; however, some of us are more vulnerable than others. In my case, I was susceptible to physical abuse and neglect which has made me a strong person. My life experiences has not crippled me, but has inspired my concentration in public welfare so I can serve others. My past vulnerabilities will help me because they provide me with a better empathy of what children and families are going through in disadvantage situations. I thank God for my fears. One of my biggest fears in life was to end up like my parents. My fear has led me to never have an interested in drinking or using drugs. I never had any problems in a work setting nor have I had any criminal activities. I never seek any professional help for any personal problems that I have had in the past, however, there was a group that I was involved in call ILP that stands fo r Independent Living Program. This organization is amazing. This is where I met my Independent Living Coordinator who has been such an influential role model. The Independent Living Program is where I got my voice. In this program, I learned how to be more confident as well as how to share my life story with other youth that were in similar situations as me. I think this program help me cope with the personal issues that I was experiencing at that time. 5. Describe your special work practice as you anticipate it five years from now. Five years from now I see myself helping abused and neglected children who are in need of a positive social worker. This is with out a doubt the right vocation for me. I am passionate about working with this selected group, because of my own personal experience as an abused and neglected child. I have a special place in my heart for children especial those who are suffering because of their parents inability to protect and provide for them. I often wished I had a magic wand to protect the kids who are being abused, but realist I do not. However, what I can do is take the necessary steps to become an accomplished social worker, which will enable me to help protect children from all forms of child abuse. In the years ahead, I also see myself volunteering to help educate foster parents on how to be equipped foster parents. To often there are foster kids placed with families who are not properly trained. In order for me to succeed in my endeavors towards protecting children, I realize th at a masters degree in the field of social work is essential. After attending your information sessions, I had the opportunity to better understand how Spalding University can help me reach my academic and personal goals. I became more aware of the importance of social work principles. I was able to learn more about your Masters in Social Work program. I was so impressed with Spaldings devotion and history to their Social Work program. I am very excited about learning the fundamentals which will help me sharpen my skills as I pursue my dream of becoming a professional social worker as well as sharing my knowledge. I look forward to using the knowledge and skills that I will develop at Spalding University to help abused and neglected children reach their greatest potentials. I promise to uphold and exceed all that is expected of a student at Spalding University, as well as a professional social worker.

Graffiti as an Artform Essay -- Visual Art Artists Graffiti Spray Pain

Graffiti as an Artform The value of any message or work of art, whether it is hanging on the wall of a gallery or a subway, lies on the intensity of the artist’s or vandal’s beliefs. Graffiti is an uncertain issue in respect to its virtue. While the voice of the individual must never be lost in a society of shouts growing larger and louder every second; graffiti is such a public medium that its integrity must be of great concern. Graffiti is a vast wasteland of indefinite opinions. Foremost graffiti is illegal and a form of vandalism, it invades peoples privacy and destroys their property. However, graffiti can be a means by which one may permanently express one’s self. It has the potential to convey a powerful, relevant message. Therefore the merit of graffiti is dependant on the circumstances present, how it affects society, and the purpose for which it is created. Graffiti serves several different purposes; it is a marker serving as proof of identity for some individuals, for others it is a form of vulgar recreation. The wall of one building may serve as a public record, a confessional and an art gallery at the same time. The most dejected application of graffiti is illustrated in the story of a High School student, Katy Lyle, who was emotionally traumatized by the presence of disgraceful, fictional writing transcribed on the wall of the boy’s bathroom pertaining to her sex life. This case clearly shows the damaging effects of graffiti as the crude remarks ripped her social life apart. The writing was completely void of worth, its intentions were to simply single out and destroy the individual to which it pertained. A similar incident occurred at Brown University as a list of notorious rapists was w... ...e P. â€Å"Old Graffiti Adds New Chapter To Ellis Island Story† The Buffalo News 26 Mar. 1989: A-16 Beaty, Jonathan. â€Å"Zap! You’ve Been Tagged!† Time 10 Sept. 1990: 43 Chirag, Matt. â€Å"An Apocryphal History of Graffiti† 73 (xxx): 7 pp. Online Internet. 3 Nov. 1996 Garmire, Elsa & Lui, Catherine. â€Å"Paint Removal Using Lasers† Applied Optics 20 July 1995: 4409 Hertzel, Laurie. â€Å"A Nice Girl Tortured By Vicious Graffiti† The Buffalo News 30 Jan. 1993: C-9 Lindlaw, Scott. â€Å"Slaying of Vandal Strains Ties in Graffiti-Weary Community† The Buffalo News 19 Feb. 1995: A-10 Reese, K.M. â€Å"Chemistry Teacher Patents Antigraffiti Coating† Chemistry & Environment Journal 10, July 1995: 64 Starr, Mark. â€Å"The Writing On The Wall† Newsweek 26 Nov. 1990: 84 Warner, Gene. â€Å"Vandal Defaces Poignant Mural On City’s East Side† The Buffalo News x xxx x: x

Quality Management Virgin Atlantic Essay

Company overview: Since it was founded in 1984, Virgin Atlantic Airways has become Britain’s second largest carrier serving the world’s major cities. Now based at both London’s Gatwick and Heathrow airports, it operates long haul services to thirty destinations worldwide as far apart as Las Vegas and Shanghai. Virgin Atlantic has enjoyed huge popularity, winning top business, consumer and trade awards from around the world. The airline has pioneered a range of innovations setting new standards of service, which its competitors have subsequently sought to follow. Despite Virgin Atlantic’s growth the service still remains customer driven with an emphasis on value for money, quality, fun and innovation. Virgin Atlantic had carried around 53m passengers since it began operations and now employs almost 9000 people worldwide. ANALYSIS OF THE CASE STUDY: The Customer benefit package from Virgin airlines: The Tangibles: 1-Comfortable seats 2- Fairly spacious lounge for business and first class passengers 3- Overall tasty and exceptional option of food and beverages is served 4- Comfortable and cheerful atmosphere in the airplane. 5- Reasonable pricing for the guaranteed service 6- Well-organized design selection for the inside of the plane such as the separate seat and bed idea The Intangibles: 1- Caring and friendly flight attendants. 2-In flight Internet connection. 3-Highly advanced website with several checking choices such as the Check in, chill out in the Caribbean which allow customers to relax in their hotel. As the staff deliver the boarding passband, they take the luggage in a secure van to check it in the airport. 4- Several fair packages serving diverse customer demands. 5- Enable customers to book other related inquiries such as booking a car, a hotel 6- The website covers all the needed information from getting airport directions to inflight exercises. 7- Enable customers to exchange their money at different locations. 8- Cleanness and neatness of the airplanes. 9- Hip and trendy design for the logo. 10- Brand recognition. 11- Exceptional customer service such as personally calling customers before the flight time to check if they’re in need for help. 12- Involving customers in their objective which is â€Å"to grow a profitable airline, that people love to fly and where people love to work†. 13- Efficient customer complaints procedure even for non travelers. 14- Efficient baggage claims procedure even in incidents occurrence * What are the heads of Virgin’s product design? Virgin has three product heads which are the economy’s and Premium Economy’s classes design, the Upper Class and a head for Clubhouses. * What kind of structure does the organization apply? The organization has a flat structure. * What gave Virgin’s design a level of respect within the organization? Virgin’s design was granted respect by building relationships and communicating the value of design in the organization. * What is the benefit from the service design? The benefit is to ensure that the new designs of virgin’s services are improving and increasing customer’s satisfaction. *How does Virgin maintain a low staff turnover even though their promotions are limited? Virgin maintains a low staff turnover in their design by keeping employees motivated and satisfied. The organization assures this result by educating their design employees, involving them in training programs, applying a cross-functional share of ideas and teamwork. * What are the incentives of applying team works? Teamwork grants designers with the appropriate reward and grant managers the achievement of the negotiated goals. *What is the operational focus of Virgin? Virgin airlines focuses on differentiation in design. *How does Virgin Atlantic operate within its time and resource constraints? Virgin executes its projects and designs activities through a company of wide project management system. *How is the project design processed? The design process undergoes R&D, Design Development and implementation. *What are the stages of research and development of Virgin Atlantic? First, they start with product challenge in which the performance is monitored not to decrease or it’s raised. After that, the opportunity identifier stage begins where an idea is introduced into action by the group directors with the approved fundings. From the OI, Virgin develops the product brief. Then, the project design is discussed in a dialogue form between the employees responsible for the project and the design team. Finally, the approval of the board is requested with a detailed presentation in hand. *What are the risks of the OI stage? Budgets and timelines limitations are critical to OI. *What is the aim of creating a dialogue for the project design? Creating a dialogue is important for the stakeholders because it assures them that their interests will be delivered within the time and money limits. *What are the reasons behind the meetings of Design Development? 1) The ITCM is held to ensure that the project design is applicable. 2) The PDR is held so that the manufacturers demonstrate their understanding of the project and correct any misinterepretation . 3) The CDR is held so that the designers and manufacturers both agree on the final design. 4) The FAI is to ensure that the manufactured products are as planned. *How does Virgin Atlantic minimize the risks of implementation? Virgin minimizes the implementation’s risk by reducing the expensive aircraft downtime and by storing products six months before the roll out. *Does Virgin outsource and if so in which activity? Virgin uses external agencies to help with creating different designs. *How does Virgin manage the work of the internal and external design groups? Virgin manage the work between these parties by establishing weekly meetings and increasing those meetings when needed. Also, Virgin ensures that external groups reach their highest performance by giving them their space and keeping them separate from one another. *What are the methods used in improving Virgin service? Virgin collects information from internal customers, external customers, third parties. An example of internal customers are the senior mangers. Furthermore, Virgin provide customers with Xplane questionaries which are taken under consideration by the designers even in seat sizes. Virgin also uses benchmarking data to improve its design satisfaction. * How did Virgin reached success with its new upper class addition? At first, the design team discussed a number of flat beds’ layouts with the managers. Then, they prioritized the features to ensure that the important features are included in the layout. After that, the engineering department ensured that the layout is safe and undergoes the regulations. Then, the layout of separate seats and sleeping areas was passed to the development stage after the approval of the board of directors. In addition, the seat features were analyzed and tested to ensure its performance. * In which way did the upper class concept cover customer’s retention? The upper class concept didn’t only include a comfortable layout, it also included service factors such as limousine pick-up, in-flight massage, lightning specifications and dining options. Also, Virgin included customers in the assessment of its new service inquiry. In your opinion, how do you think Virgin airlines can improve their performance? I believe that Virgin have reached a high performance and established a brand image within the airlines sector. Thus, the best way to ensure their success is by benchmarking and seeking improvements even in the small missing aspects. In the end, there isn’t limit to the competing market. Primary problem: How will Virgin Atlantic airways segment and position their firm in the market in order for them to surpass their competitors and become market leader? Supporting details: Richard Banson (the founder of Virgin Atlantic) believes that knowing the needs and wants of all customers is the best core competence, the Virgin Atlantic believes that they need to accommodate all the customers who can afford to pay for the ticket, but Virgin Atlantic don’t practice the marketing segmentation. Secondary problem: How will the Virgin Atlantic Airways maintain their good reputation and their service? Supporting details: The Virgin Atlantic airways is known for its innovations, products, services, schedule, but the seats are tiny with no legroom in the premium economy class. Recommendations: Primary problem: virgin Atlantic airways need to identify their target market so they can serve and do their job effectively and efficiently Secondary problem: Virgin Atlantic should conduct a disciplinary action for their employees. Attendants should distribute a wish-list where passengers can write what they want freely either during the flight or after the flight, they can wish to buy presents instead of going to the duty free, by the wish-list the management will know the likes and dislikes of the passenger and this will result in avoiding complaints. REFERENCES http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/Case-studies/Virgin-Atlantic-Airways/Designing-the-Upper-Class-Suite/ Quality management manual Worldwide flights | Africa, Asia, Australia, Caribbean, UK and USA | Virgin Atlantic. (n.d.). Worldwide Flights | Africa, Asia, Australia, Caribbean, UK and USA | Virgin Atlantic. Retrieved from http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en.html http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/virginatlantic Research Methodology. (n.d.). Research Methodology. Retrieved from http://research-methodology.net/virgin-atlantic-airways/ Virgin Strategy1. (n.d.). Virgin Strategy1. Retrieved from http://fr.scribd.com/doc/60328463/Virgin-Strategy1 Virgin Atlantic Airways Fleet Details and History. (n.d.). – Planespotters.net Just Aviation. Retrieved from http://www.planespotters.net/Airline/Virgin-Atlantic http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/careers/highlife/timeline/index.jsp Virgin Atlantic Limited. (n.d.). PrivCo. Retrieved from http://www.privco.com/private-company/virgin-atlantic-limited Virgin Atlantic Airways Passenger Reviews and Customer Trip Reports. (n.d.). Virgin Atlantic Airways Customer Reviews. Retrieved from http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/vir_atl.htm AirlineMeals.net – Airline catering * the world’s largest website about airline catering. (n.d.). AirlineMeals.net – Airline Catering * the World’s Largest Website about Airline Catering. Retrieved from http://www.airlinemeals.net/browse.php?id=2325 https://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/manageyourflights/index.jsp The Economist. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2012/12/virgin-atlantic

Tarchia - Facts and Figures

Name: Tarchia (Chinese for brainy); pronounced TAR-chee-ah Habitat: Woodlands of Asia Historical Period: Late Cretaceous (75-65 million years ago) Size and Weight: About 25 feet long and two tons Diet: Plants Distinguishing Characteristics: Large, armored head with slightly larger than usual brain; quadrupedal posture; sharp spikes lining back About Tarchia Heres more evidence that paleontologists have a good sense of humor: Tarchia (Chinese for brainy) earned its name not because it was particularly smart, but because its brain was the tiniest smidgen bigger than those of comparable ankylosaurs, among the dumbest of all the dinosaurs of the Mesozoic Era. The trouble is, at 25 feet long and two tons Tarchia was also bigger than most other ankylosaurs, so its IQ was probably just a few points above that of a fire hydrant. (Adding insult to injury, it may well be the case that the type fossil of Tarchia actually belonged to a closely related genus of ankylosaur, Saichania, the name of which translates, equally ironically, as beautiful.) The ankylosaurs were among the last dinosaurs to succumb to the K/T Extinction 65 million years ago, and when you look at Tarchia, its easy to see why: this dinosaur was the equivalent of a living air-raid shelter, equipped with massive spikes on its back, a powerful head, and a broad, flat club on its tail that it could swing at approaching predators. The tyrannosaurs and raptors of its day probably left it in peace, unless they were feeling particularly hungry (or desperate) and ventured to flip it onto its enormous belly for a relatively easy kill.