The Theoretical Approach Towards Nationalism Essay

Introduction Nationalism has been a very important issue tackled in the modern era. At first, it was seen from a positive standpoint, especially at a time when there was a struggle against colonialism. Apparently, every struggle for national independence had nationalist aspirations among the people as prerequisites. The theoretical approach towards nationalism, however, are varied. The variety is primarily the reason why there are such kinds of nationalism that lead into ethnic wars, ethnocentrism, racial tensions, and religious discrimination. On the other hand, there are also some nationalist struggles that developed into socialist movements. Primordialism Primordialism is a theoretical approach to nationalism that argues that nations are natural phenomena. This basically means that the establishment of a nation is simply caused by the unification or bonding of individuals or peoples with a number of commonalities, such as culture, language, or environment. Its idea is that it is the other way around. Consequent political arrangements are caused by commonalities in culture, religion, or language. As such, the most basic factor that leads into nation-building for the primordialist is ethnicity. The primordialist believes that common ethnicity and the bond that goes along with it is the basis for a nation. Donald Horowitz wrote that â€Å"primordialist thinkers, by stressing the thick nature of ethnic bonds, have paved the way for theories of community that, as of now, are inShow MoreRelatedFour Definitions of Nationalism Essay1732 Words   |  7 PagesNationalism was a debatable issue in 19th century. It had developed differently in W estern Europe and Eastern, Central Europe. Western Europe was identified with Civic Nationalism, and nationalism was also seen as an imperialist and economic movement. In Eastern and Central Europe, however, there were many types of nationalism, such as the popular nationalism, that aimed at national liberation and unification. Benedict Anderson has a theoretical definition of nationalism, which aim at correctingRead MoreEssay On North Korea1269 Words   |  6 Pagesof isolationist nationalism propelled Mr. Trump to power, and has also led to the development of many nationalist parties in Europe, which have signaled a breaking away from the postwar, globalized peace that reflects liberalist philosophy. The nationalist approach that has come to dominate Western politics is reflexively isolationist, and propelled, at least in part, by those who feel they have lost out in the global economy. For this reason, this nationalist and realist approach differs somewhatRead MoreIntellectual Progress Of Mankind By Martin Luther King Jr.1610 Words   |  7 Pagesnor inevitable†¦every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals† – Martin Luther King, Jr. Intellectual progress of mankind is the progression towards discovering the questions about curiosity on why something is what it is or what makes something work the way that it does. The discovery of which we make on defining, proving, and supporting scientific and theoretical issues is a reflection ofRead MoreNationalism And Foreign Policy Making Essay1793 Words   |  8 Pages Research Proposal Nationalism and Foreign Policy Making Introduction The general subject of this proposed study is Chinese nationalism and how it affects China’s foreign policy. More specifically, I will examine if, and how, domestic nationalist feelings impact Chinese foreign policy. When analyzing the outcome I will focus on whether or not emergent territorial concerns and traditional security issues will be put higher on the agenda after the level of nationalism has increased. ContributionRead MoreCultural Study Of Anthropology Of Sports1493 Words   |  6 Pagestheories. The sixth heading is on globalisation theory. The seventh heading is on feminist theory. Finally the eighth heading will be on volleyball. There are several approaches to the study of sports. However, in this study, the above mentioned theoretical approaches captured as â€Å"headings† are the purview in which this study is conducted. These headings are relevant to this research because they provide utility to the study topic and in sports study, highlighting the arguments, successes, challengesRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book Stiglitz A Recipient Of The Nobel Prize Economics, And Andrew Charlton930 Words   |  4 Pagesworld trade problems – a solution that brings equilibrium to the trading relationships between the poorest and richest countries. The book contains an in-depth, college level understanding of fair trade and its theoretical applications on third world countries. With regards to theoretical applications, the book elaborates on the proposal, which is fair trade, and how it can initiate development in a country. Besides providing a holistic and substantive perspective on fair trade, the book a lso expoundsRead MoreAnthropology : The Anthropology Of Sports1496 Words   |  6 Pagesfuture (Blanchard 1995:2). The anthropology of sports serves as a unique social scientific approach to understand and analyse sports alongside the practical application of results to real problems (Blanchard 1995:23) and like all other social sciences, operates within â€Å"paradigms, models, and theories† to provide a better understanding of the study of sports (Coakley and Dunning 2000:150). The anthropological approach to the ways research methods, can utilise the understanding that, sports constitutes humanRead MoreCha Roy : Ideas On Communism Essay1444 Words   |  6 Pages MN Roy : Ideas on Communism In early 20th century, the Indian society suffered serious conflict against colonialism. So, there was need for a sustainable political model that would guide the society towards freedom from the colonial rule. Many political thinkers emerged at that time and there were persistent debates between different ideologies and thoughts regarding the same. One such thinker was MN Roy. He strongly believed that any major political change must end with a revolution and a revolutionRead MoreI: Introduction. 1.What Role Did Zionism Play In Influencing1850 Words   |  8 PagesZionism and Arab Nationalism? 3. What were the key differences between Zionism and Arab Nationalism? 4. Was the 1948 Palestinian/Israeli war inevitable, or could it have been avoided? II: Theoretical Framework This essay will seek to examine the role Identity Politics played in the conflict between Zionism and its Arab neighbors in the Middle East. At the core of Identity Politics, Nationalism is one of the driving forces. The theoretical framework of the concept ‘Nationalism’ is multifaceted andRead MoreNationalism and Transnationalism in the Context of the European Union28567 Words   |  115 PagesNationalism and Transnationalism In the context of the European Union (†¦) History says, ‘Don t hope On this side of the grave.’ But then, once in a lifetime The longed-for tidal wave Of justice can rise up, And hope and history rhyme. So hope for a great sea-change On the far side of revenge. Believe that a further shore Is reachable from here. Believe in miracles And cures and healing

The War On Drugs And Its Controversial Approaches

In this paper, I am going to be writing about the war on drugs and its controversial approaches. There are many debatable solutions, but legalization and decriminalization seems to be a go to for other countries, like Mexico has done with cocaine. I will be highlighting the legalization of marijuana in particular because it is a hot topic in America right now. We are watching the government’s approach to combating the use among Americans unfold present day. We will discuss what the government is doing to stop drugs from entering and leaving the United States as well. In each sub topic of my paper I will explain in further detail. â€Å"According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an estimated 20 million Americans aged 12 or†¦show more content†¦Taxing marijuana is beginning to be very beneficial to these four states. However, in every other state marijuana is being used illegally and creating no profit for state governments. In short, people want to legalize marijuana because people are using it illegally and state and federal governments are gaining nothing from it. However, if state and federal governments legalize marijuana one of the biggest crops in America will be under the law, just like tobacco and alcohol. Having marijuana under the law will allow all states and federal governments to tax and regulate marijuana. Another argument people have to legalize marijuana in all states is tobacco and alcohol are already legalized, why should marijuana not be legalized too. This sparks a debate about whether or not legalizing marijuana is dangerous to the public. In many cases people that are pro marijuana legalization will say that tobacco and alcohol create dangerous situations, so why should marijuana be any different. According to A Foundation to a Drug Free World, â€Å"Next to alcohol, marij uana is the second most frequently found substance in the bodies of drivers involved in fatal automobile accidents† (DrugFreeWorld, 2015). This is alarming because it shows that marijuana affects people whenShow MoreRelatedThe Drug Strategies Over The Years962 Words   |  4 Pagestried out different courses of drug strategies over the years. â€Å"In 1987, the Government of Canada launched a 5-year, $210 million dollar strategy, the National Drug Strategy, to address concerns related to drug abuse in Canada. Recognizing that a balanced approach was needed, the strategy addressed both the supply and the demand sides of the problem (Collin, 2006.)† There were 6 areas that were focused on and 3 of them are still in place today as part of the 4-pillar drug strategy. The 4 pillars are:Read MoreIs The War On Drugs?1252 Words   |  6 Pagesdiscussing is the War on Drugs. I will discuss the War on Drugs in relation to mass incarceration and to what consequences the War on drugs has caused among people and society itself. I have always been interested by the War on Drugs. However, slowly realizing, I only knew so much about the issue. As I further researched I learned what the term, â€Å"War on Drugs† really means. The â€Å"War on Drugs† is about the prohibition of drugs in society. Therefore, I strongly believe that the Drug War is a very controversialRead MoreAnalysis Of George Orwell s Orwell Essay1578 Words   |  7 Pagestheir students with fundamental facts about wars dating back to 2700 BCE and so forth, and also the affirmative or cynical aftermath of costs, alliances, and materialistic items relating to the wars. However, a handful of teachers bypass and omit the most interesting parts of warfare, such as the development of citizens during and after these vicious conflicts. Author, George Orwell, seeks to find the effects of citizens in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War. Orwell witnessed â€Å"nightmarish atrocitiesRead MoreThe El Salvadoran Government Adopted985 Words   |  4 PagesDura or Firm Hand. The government felt that that they had waited long enough to take action against the increasing threat of gang activity and would now meet the challenge head on with brutal tactics. The first Ley Anti-Mara was immediately controversial. It criminalized gang association, allowing El Salvadoran police forces to arrest and imprison suspected gang members on the spot. The law also allowed the courts to try suspected gang members under the age of eighteen as adults. Moreover, theRead MoreUse Of Methadone As A Harm Reduction Therapy1491 Words   |  6 Pagesstarting as young as 12 in 2012. As the numbers of opioid use increased so did the number of deaths caused by opioid overdoses (Oyemade, 2015). Oyemade’s article clearly projects a problem that needs to be managed (2015). One of the approaches developed to reduce/eliminate the drug problem was the harm reduction model. The harm reduction model came from the Rolleston Report of 1926 in the United Kingdom, which encouraged physicians to prescribe morphine or heroin to opioid addicts, if deemed necessary. AlthoughRead MoreInternational Relations During The Cold War1750 Words   |  7 Pages Final Exam Essay over International Relations This paper will talk about how international relations changed after the cold war in four parts. The first part will be talking about environment. The second part will be talking about religion. The third part is sovereignty. The fourth part will have changes in statehood. The fifth part will talk about gender and then the conclusion. Environment has been growing as an academic subject for the past three decades and now it is on the â€Å"internationalRead MoreThailand And The Philippines : Political System And Government Structures2270 Words   |  10 Pagescurrently under the rule of a noteworthy, but controversial leader. For Thailand, Thaksin’s reign as prime minister from 2001-2006 was monumental for Thailand for two reasons. One, Thaksin was the first Thai prime minister to serve a full term in office and two; Thailand saw vast economic progress under Thanksin’s term, coining the term â€Å"Thaksinomics.† Duterte is popular for his bold statements and rampant killings in efforts to reduce the presence of drugs in the Philippines. He won the presidencyRead MoreMalcolm X And Martin Luther King Essay1131 Words   |  5 PagesDarwinism. The actions taken by minor groups changed the American beliefs and encourage all races to strive for the American dream. Thus, in an effort to improve the lives of African Americans, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. employed distinct approaches toward the civil rights movement; influenced by their family background, life experiences, religion, and beliefs. There are many differences between Malcolm X and Martin Luther, but the most striking is that MLK was a good statesman who deliveredRead MoreEssay On America First Policy1018 Words   |  5 Pagesterrorist acts, allegedly participated in the drug trade and counterfeiting, and posed a continuous threat to U.S. allies and interests, resulting in the stationing of U.S. forces in South Korea and Japan. However, it has also been the subject of a policy experiment. Both Republican and Democratic administrations have tried to engage Pyongyang in order to improve relations and end its objectionable behavior. That policy, albeit politically controversial, particularly during the Clinton administrationRead MoreThe Lee Strasberg Film And Theatre Institute1351 Words   |  6 PagesKonstantin Stanislavsky and Lee Strasberg. Later on other actors, such as Stella Adler and Sanford Meisner, would further develop this style of acting. (The Lee Strasberg Theatre Film Institute) The â€Å"Methodà ¢â‚¬  style of acting is one of the most controversial in the entertainment industry, since many believe that it is dangerous and can take a psychological toll on an actor, whereas others believe that it can help an actor create an emotionally honest performance. Many famous actors are said to have

How A Business Is Hard Work - 1209 Words

Cookies Paper There are many things that have to be done before the opening. Such as picking a location, figuring out a name, choosing equipment, creating a menu and the most important part of all getting the money. Starting a business is hard work but it should be. Having a business isn’t easy and having successful business is very hard. But getting all of the pieces together start a business is like puzzle. Once created it will be great but getting all the pieces to fit is hard work. Picking out the name of my bakery is very hard because when people will talk about be they will hopefully be refuting to my bakery which means using the name so I have to be proud of it. I would name my bakery Silly Jilly’s. The idea came from a nickname I was given very young everyone in my family always referred to me as Silly Jilly. The name decrease perfectly I don’t take my life or myself to seriously. Plus the name is fun and that is exactly the atmosphere I want in my beery. A carefree, fun, silly feel but a place that has amazing desserts. My location is in Charlotte, North Carolina. The address is 1707 East 7th St. which will cost me 1,395,000 for 5,247 square feet. Just outside the downtown right in the heart of Elizabeth with a lot of hustle and puzzle all around. There is a private parking lot on the side of the building and plenty of street parking. An added plus to this location is that there is a loading dock in the rear of the building. Location is everything whenShow MoreRelatedHannahs Ice Creeam1536 Words   |  7 Pagesalways wanted to start his own business; he completed a Commerce program at the University of Ottawa and later moved on to work for the Waterloo Ice Cream Company. Ike worked at the company as a sales representative and then a regional marketing director but after working there for ten years he wanted to find a job where he could be close to family. So he bought a business that was for sale in Elgin Beach’s main street called Hannah’s Ice Cream. This forty year business was an i con in the town, everyoneRead MoreSoft and Hard Hr1497 Words   |  6 Pagesin the business and a source of competitive advantage Employees are treated as individuals and their needs are planned accordingly whereas hard HR treats employees simply as a resource of the business like machinery and buildings. †¢ Soft HR concentrates on the needs of employees; their roles, rewards, motivation where as hard HR identifies workforce needs of the business and recruits and manages accordingly. †¢ Soft HR Strategic focus on longer-term workforce planning whereas hard HR Short-termRead MoreThe American Dream Is Not Alive1609 Words   |  7 Pages â€Å" Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence (Colin Powell).† The American Dream is the idea that every US citizen should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative. Whether you’re tall, short, lean, obese, African American, White, wealthy, or poor, anybody can achieve success by working hard. Although many people believe it is not alive, the American dream has shown why many peopleRead MoreBusiness Report On Fashion Shoes1228 Words   |  5 PagesBusiness Written Report My company is called Fashion Shoes, the service I offer to buy shoes online. I will be selling both, men and women shoes. For men, I will be selling working shoes, working boots, cowboy boots, tennis shoes, including others. For women, I will be selling high heels, boots, tennis shoes, sandals, and much more. My business is very different from others, because I sell my product online rather than at a store. Internet or technology is a huge world of deals, many of which areRead MoreAmerican Dream in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Essay examples1233 Words   |  5 Pagesquality of life through hard work, determination, and devotion† (Benjamin Franklin). The American dream is an idea that if you work hard, you can rise from â€Å"rags to riches† and live a wealthy and prosperous life with moral values of respect and integrity. Ironically, Franklin’s version of the dream was decaying during the roaring 1920s when society became corrupt and obsessed with greed. In his classic book, The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald shows how the American dream of â€Å"hard work, determination, and devotion†Read MoreMy Career : My Professional Career1516 Words   |  7 PagesI was finishing high school and I had two options at hands to focus my professional career: a double deg ree in Law and business, or something creative and also related to business, but more specific. I joined a degree in food and beverage management to go further in my passion for food and at the same time develop my interest in the business and management area. I chose creativity, but I always felt that I wanted more. For example, when I heard my friends discussing and arguing about why the demandRead MoreHard Rock Operations Management and Productivity of the Staff1160 Words   |  5 PagesOPM300-INTRO TO OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT The Hard Rock Cafà © (HRC) has become such a successful business due to the business aspect being adequately managed operationally. Since the first HRC opened in 1971, the household name has continued to expand and succeed. How has a small pub that originated in London, England become one of the most successful enterprises around the world? Hard Rock has over 166 venues in more than 52 countries around the world, including 133 cafes and 14 Hotels/CasinosRead MoreThe Vision of Starting a Family-Run Business Essay594 Words   |  3 Pagesestablishing and running a business. It is important that each member be involved in this process. This process should include making strategic business plans for the future that reflect God’s teachings, and where the family wants the business in a given time frame. Utilizing democratic capitalist frame of mind, families believe in hard work. This model is often ideal for small businesses starting up. Those individuals in the family that a re able to demonstrate their hard work are rewarded by variousRead MoreComparative Paper On Owning Your Own Business951 Words   |  4 PagesOwning Your Own Business So, you’ve gotten tired of traveling to and from a job, where you sit in a small box room all day and accomplish someone else’s work. You’ve got something better in mind, you think you personally can build a better environment, and you already have a thing for being at the right place at the right time, and you’re thinking of being self-employed. There are many pros and cons of owning your own business. Whether you are literally running your own business, or working as aRead MoreExecutive Officer Of Tritel Customer Services Essay1211 Words   |  5 Pages As executives or business owners, women tend to run their businesses differently than men. Almost every sixty seconds a women is starting her own business. As of today there are over nine million women that own their own business nationwide. Women own half of the businesses in the United States of America out of those 9 million women my mother; Lakesha Miller has owned multiple businesses. I interviewed my mother on November 19, 2016 at Olive Garden in Huntsville, Alabama. She is currently the chief

Architrctural Analysis on Avelino Duarte by Alvaro Siza free essay sample

To the south of Oporto the approach to the house is predetermined with a base plane of limestone and gravel ; upon arrival Avelino Duarte stands out with its distinct white facade articulation among other bricked roof authentic houses ;to the gate of the site the approach is frontal ,the gate isn’t to the appropriate scale only 90 cm of the ground and a meter in width ,made out of wood it’s a logical proportion for a 3 story house ,also it serves its function well characterizing visual continuity towards the building , ets a frame to the site ,and deterring which is public from private . Through this gate a straight axial path made out of hard stone acts also as a base plane leading you to the entrance of the house around which is filled with a large plant inhabited garden. This visual aspect overall stresses on a feel of welcoming , straight forward ,and a minimalist impression deceiving one’s thought of complexity of the interior . Form: The form is a result of many transformation sequences ,using tools such as subtraction and addition of volumes ,dimensional transformation ,interlocking volumes ,primary composite solids ,used under the guidelines of balancing versus misbalancing ,or symmetry versus symmetry . to create the quality and masterpiece that alvaro siza is known for . The sequence starts like this , a primary volume being a rectangle is initiated from the dimensions of the site scaled down to about 0. 43 of its initial size ,proportions are preserved to fit it naturally along its surrounding . Second a distinct element alvaro siza is know for ,a symmetrical subtraction was excavated from the front and back facade to create two features ;First feature is the creation of entrances ,on the front facade is the main entrance an axial ,direct approach to the house ,and On the back facade an entrance from the living space to the courtyard and garage . Second feature is the creation of an intermediate space on the front and back facade between two private spaces found on the the second level . Third is a subtraction in the right facade ,this volume is in composite shape ,only subtracted from the second and third floor ,as if sliced from the house it leaves the first floor dominante in size . Alvaro Siza wont stop their but to follow his guide lines of balancing ,he subtracted the roof in to three parts forming terraces in two levels . Therefore the overall shape becomes steady ,until the Fourth element where misbalancing was used to create movement making it a playful composite shape ,the addition of a curve was set in the back facade where the excavation took place and in the roof he curved the third level making a distinct feature in his volume much different from any other houses he has built . The overall volume stands out as a positive element within its space ,with naturally articulated features ,logical proportions ,and rough guidelines . Surface Articulation and Entrance : As all of alvaro siza’s work ,he is know as the man with the white structures . The finishing surfaces of the facades and roof are all done the same a simple white paint as not to distribute the true meaning of the space around and within , as the great adolf loos states â€Å"ornaments is a crime â€Å". but mysteriously this minimalist approach forces avelino Duarte to screams out among other surrounding housing stating im new and special . Moreover the white structure lets you understand its true proportions without any distributional elements such as factory manufactured materials having a standard proportion because of mass production ex. brick or panels . On the other hand ,the windows must been used with its proportions sit in place ,but Alvaro Siza uses them cleverly . First the scale is used perfectly for the function its serving ,and never exaggerated in its length nor width for it not to depict horizontal nor vertical elements . Second, the glazing surrounds the first floor entirely between every meter of glass there is a 20 cm column for support . it being a public area in the lower floor it is a positive aspect to have it all glass ,the residence inside has a visual relation between the garden outside making the area of the ground level bigger than it really is . More over the glass surrounding counter acts with the floors above it, giving them a floating sensation . In the upper floors glass has been used for function purposes, as for the amount of light a particular area of a room needs determines the size of the window . Most importantly the windows used in the intermediate spaces which is found in the north and south excavation,these windows allows this intermediate space to be functional , a visual connection is set between to private area and a public exterior space in the middle . Also these windows diffuses light in the spaces , resulting in a beautiful indirect illumination of the private bedroom . The entrance of the house is found in an unexpected place ,but was only placed there because of the guidelines that the architect followed . as stated previously the front symmetrical excavation was a natural entry sequence for the house but rather placing the door directly in front of this axis , the door was placed to the left part of that space creating an asymmetry for the entrance of the house . The door is standard in size 2. 2 meters in height and 0. 9 meters in width ,made out of glass its is a continuity of rhythm of the windows striped in the first floor ,sometimes unable to be distinguished of what is the door from window . The circulation and the inside spaces : Avelino Duarte has a centralized organization of spaces ,the atrium inside runs through all the floors to the roof ,inside which is the main circulation which leads to two types of spaces ,spaces linked by a common space, land adjacent spaces . We could easily depict what is private from public from the articulation of the facade ,where the ground floor surrounded by glass is completely exposed to the public ,where as the upper floors are private . As you enter the main door , an empty space is a gesture as a welcoming space to the house ,directly in front of it is the atrium containing the main circulation leading up to the upper floors ,the atrium is the dominating figure in the house ,spaces around it are linked by this common spacea hierarchal principle of some kind . he around adjacent spaces are the kitchen ,living room, the guest room, and two service bathrooms . the size of these spaces aren’t determined by the client but with the proportioning system of Alvaro Siza ,refer to the for the proportioning system in the analytical diagrams . To the entrance of the courtyard there is a common space between the living room and kitchen a pathway the leads you to the door of the courtyard . moreover as you go up the s econd level the organization is still central because of the dominating power of the atrium but we could also realize the linear axial organization between the bedrooms. This is the result of the excavation giving it symmetry where two bedroom are allocated in the front facade and the other two in the back ,theses pairs of spaces are linked by two common space ,one for each pair ,they act as a a transitional space before entering the bedrooms . there scale is reasonable for the area that the first floor occupies ,all having the same size except for the back right bedroom which evolves the terrace has the proportion as for the bathroom adjacent to it . One frequent space talked about is the two intermediate space that links the four bedrooms together. As you go up the second floor , it’s an open plan all spaces look to each other and under the atrium ,giving it a sense of spaciousness and relaxation ,and indeed it is the reading room and work space for the client , here it is a spatial organization the space is determined by furniture a space within a space . also there is a huge terrace adjacent with one of the workspace . In conclusion : Avelino Duarte is one of alvaro siza trademark, all the features that it acquired outstand itself freely and independently around its surrounding ,but with hierarchal features . Analytical diagrams: Construction of Form Symmetrical Excavation of the Intermediate Space, in relation with the inside space 1. Interlocking spaces with the common space 2. The proportioning system. The circulation and the distributing of spaces along the atrium Photo Documentation: 1. The front Facade 2. the back facade 3. the intermediate space along with the addition of the curve 4. The intermediate space between two private windows. 5. Front face and the proportions used in the windows 6. Lower stair case in the atrium. 7. upper staircase .

In the Wake of Rejection free essay sample

The clicking of my heels echoing down the deserted school hallway, black dress fluttering about my knees just as the butterflies do about my stomach, I focus on slowing down the thoughts racing around my mind: â€Å"can’t handle this today . . . just want to curl up in a ball and cry . . . they’ll think you’re an idiot . . . you’re already running late, might be better to just not show up at all . . . why didn’t you say something to herNo! You can’t go there right now, stay focused! . . . remember why you’re doing this.† I search inside myself, grasping for the confidence I had when I was five and decided I wanted to learn to ride a bicycle. I’d simply found a screwdriver, taken off my training wheels, and figured out how to ride it, undeterred by numerous falls. â€Å"You did it then; you can do it now. We will write a custom essay sample on In the Wake of Rejection or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page † I reach the classroom; inside, the students are gone and the teachers sit at desks, presumably discussing the graduation speeches they have just heard. I’m later than I thought. â€Å"Save yourself the embarrassment of appearing irresponsible, just leave.†The idea seems rational; the universe seemed to be telling me not to do this. I’d faced numerous obstacles in writing and recording myself giving the speech and trying out meant I’d be late for an event for my friend, Leah, that being at meant the world to me. But this is something I need to do for myself. Slowly, hesitantly, I open the door. â€Å"Is it too late to try-out?† I ask, clutching the DVD with white knuckles. Unfortunately, it is. Before I can leave, the vice principal pulls me into the hall. â€Å"You know you’re not graduating this year, right?† he asks gently. The curling-up-in-a-ball idea is growing increasingly appealing. â€Å"I know.† I reply. â€Å"You’re welcome to come back next year and tryout then, though.† As I trudge towards my car, face burning, I question why I ever thought this was a good idea. Two weeks earlier, I was sitting in English when someone came in to talk about auditions for graduation speaker. Knowing this didn’t apply to me, I began reflecting on my fear of failure. Throughout my life anxiety had paralyzed me; I feared people would judge me for having the audacity to assume I had anywhere near the talent needed to tryout for a team, submit an application, or even turn in an essay. My shelves have always been cluttered with blank notebooks untainted by my awkward sentences and shallow thoughts, although my head always swam with experiences I longed to record and ideas that demanded to be analyzed. Essentially, I always gave up before I even began, and those times I somehow summoned up the courage to try, I’d give up as soon as soon as confronted with an obstacle. As I half-listened to the logistics of the auditions, I pondered ways to move beyond my fear. Suddenly, it hit me. What better way to desensitize myself than to tryout for something I had no qualifications for whatsoever? I’m not an involved, popular, straight-A student, nor am I a particularly skilled writerI wasn’t even graduating! So, I signed up to be rejected. I try to put it out of my mind as I speed out of the school parking lot, agonizing over the fact that now I’m late and humiliated. When I arrive, I take a deep before walking inside. Immediately, I am overwhelmed by a gallery of Leah’s life and achievements. Her outstanding test scores are proudly displayed on a table in the back near vacation scrapbooks. Her mother, aged ten years overnight, stands beside a picture of a grinning six-year old Leah. Standing there, all traces of my embarrassment are washed away by a tidal wave of grief that knocks the air out of my lungs and leaves my cheeks salty and wet. I sit in the pews and sob into my friend Cole’s suit, collapsing into him, too weak to hold myself up. A steady stream of tears rolls down my face as countless stories are told by friends and family. When Leah’s coach’s turn comes, he marvels in her fearlessness, how Leah never let pride or insecurity hold her back. In that moment, I am unbelievab ly grateful I tried out to be a graduation speaker. After the wake, I give my condolences to Leah’s father; he hugs me and tells me to be strong for her. Today, I try to go beyond that and carry on Leah’s drive and fearlessness, whether that means trying out for a cheer squad or applying to a college whose typical applicant has a much higher GPA than I. Trying out for graduation speaker helped me realize failure is temporary and nothing to be feared. After all, the cuts and bruises adorning my legs only made riding down the block feel that much sweeter.