Get Fit!

Come on! Wipe the sweat off your face, and knock out this last rep. Hard work is in the air, clank, clank, as the dumbbells hit the bar. Keep pushing you’re almost finish, PUSH, PUSH, PUSH! Striving for greatness is what it’s all about when you’re a personal trainer, with many skills, the right educational background, and plenty of benefits. Pay Personally, becoming a personal trainer doesn’t take much. Becoming a personal trainer means most likely that you live a healthy lifestyle and likes to help others achieve their basic health goals set for themselves(â€Å"The Role of a Personal Trainer | Resources†). Helping people achieve their personal health goals means a lot because you’re giving the person a drive to help them get better or get to the goal they have set for themselves personally. You never have to worry about going out of business because most people are always looking for ways to help get their health lifestyle right. E ducation When it comes to education for this job, you would think it doesn’t take much but it depends if you are working for someone, or starting your own business-(auntroponewership). A personal trainer needs at least a high school diploma to work under someone, and maybe an associate's or bachelor's degree(â€Å"100 Fun Jobs | Create a Career†). . Below, here are a few colleges that offer the personal trainer major. Harrison College ASU online University Lincoln College of Tech Benefits Even though it takes a lot of time, at the end of the day becoming a personal trainer pays off. For an average, personal trainers make $30,000 a year working full time, but the salary can range from $30,000 to $35,000 depending on how successful you are in the business(â€Å"Personal Trainer: Job Description Career Requirements†). Most likely personal trainers will work at a public gym or a private facility. Finale Therefore, choosing a career that you enjoy, w ill lead you to lifelong destinies. As a personal trainer, you will need skills and an educational degree to have a successful career in this major. Which major will you choose to follow?    Work Cited â€Å"100 Fun Jobs | Create a Career.† N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2016. â€Å"Personal Trainer: Job Description Career Requirements.† Study.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2016. â€Å"The Role of a Personal Trainer | Resources.† N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2016.

Personal Essay Sample about Interests

Essay on Interests and Hobbies What are the reasons for your interests? Analyze your childhood. How were your interests shaped from your upbringing? The reasons for my interests come from my general enthusiasm for learning and reading about everything. I chose science because that seemed to be my strength, which derived from my curiosity in nature. From an early start, I was capturing frogs and insects during my walk in the nearby woods. I explored the cool streams running through the dense woods and searched for crayfish and anything else living in the waters, which were too shallow for fish. As I grew up, my interests evolved around subjects in school, particularly in biology, chemistry and physics in high school. These interests were furthered in time spent in the deserts and forests of Arizona, where we moved when I was in my teens. The desert was not totally new to me, having visited relatives in Phoenix several times before moving there, however, out exploring the desert on my own was new. I checked under every rock, cactus and bush looking for signs of life. I found many incredible insects and invertebrates including scorpions. But seeing rattlesnakes was the goal and when it happened, much scarier than I would have liked. I eventually grew to be cautious of them and now snakes are still a favorite, without the fearfulness of youth. My passion for science has continued as I have become an ecologist, but I still am interested in chemistry and physics. However, ecology is where my heart is, I have done research in deserts, forests, streams and lakes. Finding new species (to me at least) and oddities of these, still excites me. I am glad to have a strong inquisitiveness in the natural world. My other passion has been in trying to preserve the natural world and to help meet the challenges of a changing environment, especially with global climate change.

Essay on Red Lobsters Ethical Dilemma - 2438 Words

Red Lobsters Ethical Dilemma - Term Paper Gerry Mullen, CEO of Red Lobster restaurants, has been faced with a dilemma. He recently received an email from Terry Modotti, Vice President for Public Relations concerning the lobster retrieval in La Mosquitia, also known as the Mosquito Coast. The article states that many of the young working men are being killed and maimed to make lobsters available at cheap process to consumers in the United States. The men, known as buzos, must dive up to 130 feet for lobster, and face dangerous decompression sickness which begins with paralysis and ends in a slow death. This is due to the fact that there are no medical or decompression facilities on the boats, and there is also no equipment to aid†¦show more content†¦Another disadvantage of implementing this option would be that net earnings would decrease due to a decrease in consumers, and shareholders will be angered by the decreasing figures of the company. With all of the negativity being placed upon the company as a resul t of this option, a bad light would be shown on the CEO and the company, especially since Gerry is relatively new. Since there are clearly more disadvantages than advantages for Gerry and Red Lobster by exercising this option, I would advise Gerry to further pursue other options. Another option with which Gerry could investigate would be for Red Lobster to offer to pay a higher price for lobster to boat companies in the Mosquito Coast in order for the divers to receive a higher salary cut. A possible advantage to this is that it would provide a better living environment for the divers. It is stated in the article that after the sacabuzos (middlemen), boat captains, and fish processors take their share of the money, what remains for the buzos is a mere $2 per pound of lobster fetched. Within a two week time period, this rate will amount to about $300. If the divers are trying to support families, $300 for two weeks is quite meager. By increasing the price that Red Lobster is wi lling to pay for wholesale lobster, the divers will benefit considerably due to a higher salary. Another advantage to a higher salary would mean that more individuals would be inclined to become divers,

Concept of Sustainable Development

Question: ExplainConcept of sustainable development. Answer: Introduction: Several opinions and concepts have been put forwarded regarding sustainability. In the last few years there has been a shift in the concept of development and greater focus has been made on the process of environmental sustainability. The construction industry has been charged with various issues ranging from overuse of resources to the creation of pollution. Thus, there rises a necessity to undertake a sustainability concept for the building construction companies. This paper focuses on the same topic of building sustainability in the building and construction projects. A detail analysis of the method of building sustainability will be done, along with the understanding of developing the practice of sustainability building. This paper will evaluate the importance of the performance of the building in recent scenario. The result of the application of this type of building will also be analyzed. Concept of sustainable development: Sustainable development indicates such types of developments that are able to meet the demand of needs of the current generation without affecting the needs of the future generations. Thus, n ability to learn the concept of using the resources and focusing on creating better environment condition is the main concept behind sustainability (Malhotra et al. 2013). The concept of sustainability got importance due to two main factors. Primarily, the increasing rte of environmental degradation due to depletion in the natural resources that is raising alarm in the global environment. Secondly, it has also been realized that the issues related to the environmental degradation needs to be checked because human needs might met in parts of the world but it is yet to be fulfilled in other parts of the globe (Berardi 2013). Thus, an integrated and concrete effort towards the sustainability was felt and necessary actions were being planned against the same issue. Concept of sustainability building: Often referred to as green building, that are constructed and structured to meet the environmental demands are termed as sustainable building. In this process, a detailed check is kept in the process of construction, operation, maintenance and even in the renovation or demolition of the building. Thus, a balance between the construction of the building and the environment is maintained. This for obvious reasons calls for a well trained and a team of engineers who are best in the approach of designing buildings (Abrams et al. 2012). This calls for a better design and an innovative approach towards the making of the building. In this respect, it can be mentioned that there has been a provision towards the manufacturing of glass buildings. Several approaches have been made towards developing a better environmental condition. It is a common sight to view building made of glass. This could be easily regarded as one of the tools of building sustainable buildings and a step towards a better and clean environment. When buildings are made of glass, there are very less provision of water is required for the sake of construction (Barrella and Schwarz 2016). Apart from that there remains very less possibility of creation of pollution because glass causes much less pollution compared to concrete. Along with this, sustainable buildings also propose the idea of reducing the amount of waste. In the construction process huge amount of waste materials are produced. This creates severe environmental issues that decline the prosperity of environment (Bendewald and Zhai 2013). In case, when glass is used for the building pu rpose, a huge amount of waste is reduced and a provision towards a better and greener environment is created. In the opinion of Shika et al. (2014), the construction industry has been into the category of harming the sustainability of the environment. In other words, it can be said that this sector of business plays a vital role in shaping the sustainability and development. This industry has a good level of consumption in terms of the need of resources and also in the creation of pollution. Again, as pointed out by Kontokosta and Jain (2015), this industry is also responsible for the development of the infrastructure of the rural and the backward sector of the society. Various human needs such as meeting the provision of health or education by the means of building hospitals, schools, colleges and the most important of all, the need of shelter is all provided by this sector. Thus, it can be said that human life is completely depended on this sector. However, the importance of environment and saving the resources for future use cannot As stated by Saggar et al. (2015), that the need of basic consumption level is easily met in the developed countries but in the developing countries it still remains a challenge for the people struggling there. As a result of which, people make any kind of provision for building shelter for themselves. This automatically increases the level of pollution because in such cases, much inferior quality of resources is used for building purpose. Thus, issues regarding sustainability still exist in such cases. Sustainability Building Assessment Tool: The gap produced in maintaining sustainability between the developed and the developing countries has been approached to address the situation by the means of a tool termed as Sustainability Building Assessment Tool. This tool reflects some of the social issues faced by these countries by understanding the fact that how manufacturing a building or the construction industry can add to the sustainability of the environment (Gibberd 2014). The main aim of this toll is to enable the industry to maximize the role of the construction industry in adding positive factors in the environment while fighting with the negative effect that the industry is causing to the environment. If the change is easily acceptable by the construction industry, then their role in the development of the developing countries increases. The assessment tool suggests 15 main areas broadly divided in 3 major factors in the stage of adopting sustainability at the time of construction. These areas can be mentioned as below: Environmental factors: The use and consumption of the resources available in the nature such as the water, energy, waste, site, materials and other components as well. The essential environmental factors mentioned are needed to be used properly without making any provision to waste them. It is only by this means that the resources of the globe can be maintained (Achaper 2012). Economic factors: Efficient use of the local economy of the region of development or construction, the efficiency of the use of the money in the construction process. Adaptability and flexibility of using the economy and most importantly correct use of the ongoing and the capital cost is also important for the construction industry to maintain in their activity (Aragon-Correa 2013). Social factors: The construction industry must also focus on the comfort of the occupants of the region of operation, the inclusive environment, participation and role of the people belonging to that particular region. Other factors include facilities to access the building and other things (Takeuchi 2013). Again, education, safety and the health of the local contractors are also indeed important for the sustainability factor. Benefits of sustainability building: With the aim of creating a better environment, the approach of sustainability building has been made. In this respect, some of the beneficial effects of such buildings can be discussed. As pointed out by Zmeureanu (2013), when sustainability approach is made, focus is made on using the local economy of the region. It can provide the opportunity of using the local economy of the region and help to improve the economic condition to some extent. It is also expected that the construction company might use the local raw materials available that it might reduce the expenses as well as prove to be a better provision for the environment. As a result of the sustainable approach towards environment, health and safety of the local people are also maintained. Thus, socially, environmentally as well as economically sustainability buildings add to the betterment of the environment. Certification of sustainability buildings: There are certain certifications that are given towards the sustainability that the buildings have reached. Those certifications can be mentioned her: Leadership in Energy and Environmental design: This is a set of rating system that is developed by the U.S Green Building Council. A research team, known as the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method or in short, the BREEAM is responsible for taking care of the sustainability report (Akadiri et al. 2013). This research team keeps a good eye on the sustainability of the constructed buildings and depending on their analysis; they issue a certificate of the range of sustainability reached by the design of the building. New technologies and other innovative ideas are opening many doors towards the creation of a better environment; the approach made by the creation of the green or sustainable building is to reduce the harmful impact of the construction of the building both on the health of humans and against the degrading condition of the environment (Berardi 2012). It is to be kept in mind that sustainability buildings do not only imply on the construction of the building but it is also dependent on the operation and the life cycle of the building. It is expected that the b building will be sustainable after its construction also (Menna et al. 2013). There should not be any provision that would result in the creation of pollution or trouble for the environment and for the people of a particular region. Recommendations: The approach made for the creation of sustainability building is indeed a good on towards the making of a better environment and keeping a better world for the future generation. However, the process is not followed in the construction of every place. For example, building might be constructed by using glass as one of the substitute to the concrete that helped in reducing pollution. However, construction is not only abided in making buildings but there are other things that are constructed at a regular basis and in fact, life would not be possible without such construction. These include the construction of roads and bridges. Even the monuments or other historical or tourist attracting places and buildings are made up of concrete and other pollution creating materials. However, the approach of sustainability has been reached to the construction of buildings only that too mainly for those buildings that are constructed for office purposes. There are very few buildings that have residential purpose and fulfill the criteria of sustainability. Thus, it is recommended that these sectors of buildings are to b e encouraged for following the sustainability process and provide their effort towards making a cleaner and better environment. Towards the technical perspective it can be said that more researches could be done to find out other constructing materials that are sustainable and are less prone towards the creation of pollution. In addition to this, strict laws can also be imposed that would make it compulsory to follow strict guidelines at the time of construction. Failure to which the construction company or the person involved might have to confront with greater punishment or fine. Conclusion: The paper has narrated the several aspects of the sustainable building. A detail research of the proposed idea has been done. The benefits of these buildings have been discussed along with the several facts that are related to the construction of such buildings. It has been found that many buildings are made in todays perspective where great focus has been made towards the sustainability. However, this approach is less in some of the developing countries. The paper also included certain recommendations made in accordance to increase sustainability. In this perspective, it can be said that if proper approaches are made towards a green and clean environment then there would be no risk for the future and a good sustainability level can be reached easily. The government of every country must come forward and help to make a better environment for people living today and leaving a better planet for the future generation. Reference list: Abrams, R.F., Malizia, E., Wendel, A., Sallis, J., Millstein, R.A., Carlson, J.A., Cannuscio, C., Glanz, K., Samet, J., Sleet, D.A. and Naumann, R.B., 2012.Making healthy places: designing and building for health, well-being, and sustainability. Island Press. Akadiri, P.O., Olomolaiye, P.O. and Chinyio, E.A., 2013. Multi-criteria evaluation model for the selection of sustainable materials for building projects.Automation in Construction,30, pp.113-125. Aragon-Correa, J.A., 2013. Beyond ourselves: Building bridges to generate real progress on sustainability management issues.Organization Environment, p.1086026613476520. Barrella, E.M. and Schwarz, J., 2016. Evaluating and Selecting a Sustainability Rating System for Corridor Planning and Capacity Building: A University Case Study. InTransportation Research Board 95th Annual Meeting(No. 16-3917). Bendewald, M. and Zhai, Z.J., 2013. Using carrying capacity as a baseline for building sustainability assessment.Habitat International,37, pp.22-32. Berardi, U., 2012. Sustainability assessment in the construction sector: rating systems and rated buildings.Sustainable Development,20(6), pp.411-424. Berardi, U., 2013. Clarifying the new interpretations of the concept of sustainable building.Sustainable Cities and Society,8, pp.72-78. Gibberd, J., 2014. Assessing sustainability of building materials in developing countries: the sustainable building materials index (SBMI). Kontokosta, C.E. and Jain, R.K., 2015. Modeling the determinants of large-scale building water use: Implications for data-driven urban sustainability policy.Sustainable Cities and Society,18, pp.44-55. Malhotra, A., Melville, N.P. and Watson, R.T., 2013. Spurring impactful research on information systems for environmental sustainability.MIS Quarterly,37(4), pp.1265-1274. Menna, C., Asprone, D., Jalayer, F., Prota, A. and Manfredi, G., 2013. Assessment of ecological sustainability of a building subjected to potential seismic events during its lifetime.The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment,18(2), pp.504-515. Saggar, M., Hawthorne, G., Quintin, E.M., Kienitz, E., Bott, N.T., Hong, D., Chien, Y.H., Liu, N., Royalty, A. and Reiss, A.L., 2015. Developing novel methods to assess long-term sustainability of creative capacity building and applied creativity. InDesign Thinking Research(pp. 29-39). Springer International Publishing. Schaper, M.T. ed., 2012.Making ecopreneurs: developing sustainable entrepreneurship. Gower Publishing, Ltd.. Shika, S. A., Sapri, M., Jibril, D. J., Abdullah, S., Wakawa, U. B., Umar, A., and Umar, U. A. 2014. Post occupancy evaluation sustainability assessment framework for commercial office buildings. InRecent Trends in Social and Behaviour Sciences: Proceedings of the International Congress on Interdisciplinary Behaviour and Social Sciences 2013(p. 235). CRC Press. Takeuchi, K., 2013. Building a global meta-network for sustainability science.Sustainability Science, pp.436-442. Zmeureanu, R., 2013. Exergy-based index for assessing the building sustainability.Building and Environment,60, pp.202-210.

The Great Lakes Company

Perform an analysis of the social/Demographic, Technological, Economic, Environmental/Geographic, and Political/Legal/Governmental segments to understand the general environment facing Great Lakes. Describe how Great Lakes will be affected by each of these external factors There were alarming statistics about leaded gasoline. It was said to have a lot of effects on people and society as a whole. This is as far as their health is concerned. For instance, it caused blood pressure and other health risks to adults and on the other hand, affected their body systems.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on The Great Lakes Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Children were also greatly affected. This can be explained from the fact that they absorb large amounts of ingested lead in their bodies. Also, children in developing countries ended up having low intelligence. In other countries like Egypt, it caused a lot of heart a ttacks and in extreme cases premature deaths. As a result of this, there was a lot of international attention and pressure. Many experts started advocating for lead to be phased and in the process reduce lead poisoning. On the other hand, it was also meant to reduce human exposure to lead. This will force the company to devise better ways of involving all stakeholders to come up with a long term solution. On the other hand, the company will continually be blamed for any health complications. Technologically, many cars in developing countries are still using leaded gasoline. This means that they have not embraced technology well to come up with better ways of eliminating lead as an additive. As much as this is being advocated for, the demand for leaded gasoline is still high. Also, Great Lakes did not anticipate that it will have to deal with this issue in any way because of such complexities. This can be explained from the fact that other developing countries don’t have refin eries to produce unleaded gas. On the other hand, most cars don’t have catalytic converters. Leaded gasoline has been said to have a lot of environmental effects. For instance, it has adverse effects on the quality of air. It is extremely harmful. Lead particles are inhaled in air and absorbed by the soil. As a result, environmental groups have been putting pressure on the company to stop selling leaded gasoline.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Most of these environmentalists have been arguing that the company should ban TEL by 2010. This seems to be unrealistic because developing countries can’t refine unleaded gas. On the other hand, it has forced the company to commit itself to a lot of environmental responsibilities. There is a suggestion that the company should use profits from Octel to transit away from TEL. The company admits that although lead additive is its greatest money maker, it is still harmful to the environment. This has forced Great Lakes to agree that the eventual elimination of leaded gas line is necessary. Should the company stop the production of leaded gasoline, many countries will be affected. This is because most of them have not made a transition from the use of leaded gasoline to unleaded gasoline. Most governments lack regulation on the way forward as far as leaded gasoline is concerned. This can be explained from the fact that many developing nations have not been able to eliminate lead as an additive. Any positive developments in the elimination of lead as an additive have been overshadowed by lead problems in most developing nations. This has put the company in a tricky position as they are not certain on the way forward. Demand for leaded gasoline is still high, and the company can not just discontinue production without a clear path to follow. Analyze the lead additives industry in the US using the five fo rces of competition model. Describe the impact of each of the five forces on the industry and based on this analysis, determine if the industry is attractive or unattractive The external environment is very tricky and unpredictable in that case. This is because the lead additives industry is being blamed for many environmental problems. Environmentalists want it banned by 2010.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on The Great Lakes Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The industry environment, on the other hand, is very flexible as many companies are reinventing themselves to produce less harmful products. There is no competition in the industry as most of them have switched to other products. This industry is attractive because there is a lot of demand from developing countries (Hitt et al., 2010, 8). This industry is attractive based on good returns that Great Lakes’ has continued to get. It will continue being attractive because of the high demand for lead additives from developing countries. These nations don’t have the necessary refineries to refine leaded gasoline. This is a very lucrative industry in the short run as later on people will move to unleaded gasoline. For a company to survive in this industry, it needs a good strategy. This means that more attention should be paid on environmental issues and in the long run transit to unleaded gasoline as technology is moving in that direction. The lead additives industry has the necessary assets and skills to transit and engages in more environmentally conscious activities. For instance, it is argued that it will be less costly for Great Lakes to transit from producing leaded additives. The industry has the necessary resources to attract the best skills that will help it to come up with the best way forward.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Strategy implementation will not be a problem because there is a general good will to help the industry move forward (Hitt et al., 2010, 13). This means that all stakeholders will have to be involved in proper strategy implementation. On the other hand, governments are committed to ensuring that they enhance the use of unleaded gasoline. As long as developing countries don’t find a better solution to enhance their refineries, the lead additives industry will still register high returns. This is because most vehicles in those countries are still using leaded gasoline. Describe who Great Lakes’ immediate, impeding and invisible competitors are and how Great Lakes measures up against these competitors Ethyl Corporation (which bought Dow chemical) is Great Lakes immediate competitor. In the early stages, the company was able to maintain its top presence in the business. Great Lakes’ has continued to develop and produce a variety of specialty products for the market. The National lead company is also another competitor. Although there is a lot of demand for leaded gasoline in developing countries, the company does not have any impending and invisible competitors. This is because its major competitors are no longer involved in the production of tetraethyl lead (TEL). Tetraethyl lead is the additive for gasoline. The company has continued to flourish in all scenarios thereby controlling 90% of the market. This market has not attracted a lot of competitors because of numerous environmental issues. Such trends are expected to continue because of large capital costs. This is in terms of building new plants and a lot of unsavory publicity. The company faces competition from other chemical producers. To remain more competitive, it has continued to develop and produce a variety of chemicals for sustainability. Describe the main capabilities of Great Lakes The company can continue supplying lead additives to other developing countries. This is for the f oreseeable future as demand is expected to remain high. Also, competition is expected to be minimal. On the other hand, the company has the capabilities to increase its profits in the long run. This is because developing countries will only switch to unleaded gasoline when it’s economically feasible for them to do so. Great Lakes’ is still in a better position to ensure that it adheres to good environmental practices. This is because environmental concerns have continued to be raised against the company thereby affecting its operations in a broad way. A lot of responsibilities have been put on the company to bring about these environmental changes. The company can still get out of lead additives production and rescue its reputation. In this case, it will be able to take a big financial hit. On the other hand, the company can phase out its participation in the market place. This can be done with a five-year deadline. Also, it is also in a good position to push developin g countries to switch to unleaded gasoline. Reference List Hitt, M., Ireland, D., Hoskisson, R. (2010). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases: Competitiveness and Globalization. USA: South Western Educational Publishing. This report on The Great Lakes Company was written and submitted by user Hudson Mejia to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Trucking is the Most Common American Job in Each State

Trucking is the Most Common American Job in Each State If you were on the fence about enrolling in a Class A CDL class, wait no longer! Truck driver has just passed secretary to become the most common U.S. job, according to the latest Census Bureau data and Roadmaster.com! According to NPR, the decline of secretary positions due to the rise of personal computers, the outsourcing of manufacturing, and the erosion of regional specialization are all contributing factors to this shift. Globalization and technology have made big changes to farmers and machine operators across the country.In Washington, D.C. and neighboring Virginia and Maryland, job holder majority is held by government workers, federal contractors, and software developers, but elsewhere in the heartland, truck drivers are leading the way. Of course, the Census Bureau also groups all truck drivers and delivery people into the same category- other fields like teaching are split into subgroups that lessen their statistical impact.Truck driving also has the benefit of always rem aining a necessity- people will always need to get their products from point A to point B, and trucks pick up where planes, trains and boats leave off.Despite the popularity of the gig in the rig, according to Roadmaster there’s still a shortage of qualified drivers, so if you’re considering a license, consider this the sign you’ve been waiting for and get to work to get behind the wheel!

Applying Critical Thinking to Decidin on Return to School for Essay

Applying Critical Thinking Skills to Make a Decision on Return to School for Graduate Study - Essay Example The primary focus in making a career decision pivots around an individual's internal goals, needs, and the pursuit of satisfaction. Vocational psychologists have advanced different theories to explain the process by which an individual makes a career choice. These range from a person-environment fit (Holland, 1997), to a person's current self-concept (Savickas, 2002). Many people like me, after working in the "real-world," develop a strong interest in a new field, and therefore, make a decision to return to a graduate school. In my case, it's a renewed interest in the field of psychology; coupled with a strong passion to seek a second career in academia, which compelled me to invest in a master's degree of choice. Incidentally, my first career in the army was more of a circumstantial dictate. Having been raised in a single-parent family, and the oldest of the siblings, I had decided to drop out of college in 1987, for want of a secured career to support my family. Although the penchant to study psychology remained active and potent, the immediate external factors affecting the family, forced me to shift my priorities. Revisiting academics remained a plausible option for the future. I also understand that returning to a graduate school is a huge investment, both in time and finance. Having already completed my Master's degree in Education and Instruction in 2008, from the University of Phoenix, I had a clear notion about the academic environs there, and the expectations from me. I also had a fair idea of the program on psychology being offered there, and the great credentials of professors and support staff in the university. Another aspect of my decision to pursue a master's program stems from a perceived increase in the earning capacity, and professional growth, for a master's degree holder. According to the U.S. Census Bureau ('The Chicago Flame', 2005), a person with a master's degree can earn around $500,000 more over their lifetime, than a person with a bachelor's degree, and the earnings increase by about $1,000,000 for each additional degree. I also strongly believe one must have fun - for life indeed, is one short burst. One way of achieving this is to discover one's niche area and drive one's career passionately and effectively, enjoying every moment of it. My return to the graduate school ensures this, and packs my future with a myriad of possibilities that would make me feel satisfied, and have "friends for life."Â