Summer and ending my last year of college

 

As I'm currently writing this I'm nearing the end of my first year of college. It's surreal to think at how far I've come as a person and how much I've learned in just this short period of time. Although I've experienced plenty of ups and downs this year I'm looking forward to the things I'm going to accomplish throughout these next couple of years. With this being my final blog post I just wanted to share a couple insights I've gained in regards to myself and aspects I need to work on. 

Going into college I was extremely nervous I was so skeptical on if I would be able to handle the pressure and if I were able to succeed. As I've talked about before in previous posts planning has been a critical reason in why I've been so successful. Although it has helped me tremendously there are aspects I definitely need to improve on one of which being my time management. Although I can plan out months in advance and put in every single due date on my calendar when it comes to actual studying or writing that paper I still find myself getting distracted. My main focus throughout next year and going forward is learning how to better utilize my time and make sure I create time that solely devoted on work and nothing else. 

One of the other things I learned was the importance of relationships especially in regards to my peers and professors. As I continue throughout college networking will play a critical role in my personal growth as well as my future profession. By creating these relationships early I believe I'll have a better chance at success and in turn make lifelong friends in the process. With all these lessons and goals I've developed throughout this past year I'm thankful to have completed my first year of college. Although it's only my first year I'm thankful I have a support system with my family being constantly by my side throughout all the ups and downs. I look forward to seeing how much I grow throughout these next couple of years. 

Final Draft of Rational Argument

 Animal testing has helped ensure many of our most vital medical treatments are effective and safe. Animal testing has been critical in numerous historical discoverers one of which being the Polio Vaccine. Both Dr Landsteiner and Dr Popper made a critical discovery by injecting monkeys with a strand of the polio disease. Subsequently they gained critical information to learn about how the vaccine transmitted through others and the methods on how to treat it. After over 40 years of research using both monkeys and lab rat’s professor Albert Sabin was able to develop an effective cure that was later distributed to millions. Now the polio disease is just one of the many examples in which the use of animal testing has benefited the public. Another prime example of this which I’m sure we all remember was the COVID 19 pandemic. Due to the various discoveries in medical technology scientists where able to develop a cure in record time. In less than a year with the help of various animals such as mice and pigs they aided in understanding the effects the disease had on humans as well as the effectiveness of the vaccines.

While animal testing has been proven to be effective when it comes to developing vaccines there are some limiting factors that activist argue that prove the ineffectiveness of animal testing. Dr Richard Klausner a former director of the US National Cancer institute portrays excellently by highlighting how animal testing isn’t what its shaped up to be: “The history of cancer research has been the history of curing cancer in the mouse. We have cured mice of cancer for decades and it simply didn’t work in human beings” (Cruelty Free International). With how frequent animals are used throughout vaccine testing it's easy for scientists to find cures for animals however when they attempt to transfer it to humans the results aren’t the same. By partaking in these events, it wastes both money and the lives of animals without any effective treatments to show for it.

While there are compelling arguments for and against animal testing, it is important to strike a balance between the potential benefits to human health and the welfare of animals. One way to do this is to use the three Rs approach which was developed by Russel and Burch to cultivate the development of alternative methods to animal testing. The 3R’s campaign was introduced to the public to “uphold its obligation to humanity to further the advancement of science for civilization” (Hajar). It advocates the search for the replacement of animals with non-living animals, the reduction in the use of animals and lastly the refinement of animal use practices. One may argue Why not just cut back completely. Although this potentially will be a solution down the road currently it would greatly set back the development of various medical treatments. With the introduction of various diseases such as COVID 19 it is vital that we have a system in place where scientists can develop cures and fulfill there moral and ethical obligations. Without these standards it's easier for others to bend the rules in their favor and potentially cause unnecessary harm.

Rational Argument Draft 2

 

Animal testing has long been debated around the ethics and efficiency. We’ve all benefited from the advancements of Animal Testing, however, as Society continues to evolve, we naturally must develop a safer more ethical alternative. Animal Testing has long been criticized for its inhumane and unethical nature. The argument has been raised that there are alternative methods to this issue yet there have been none provided that have been effective. As many know Animal Testing has greatly benefited the lives of millions as it’s helped develop treatments and cures for a variety of diseases. Animal Testing isn’t something that’s new and has been around for centuries. Aristotle and Erasistratus both famous Greek Philosopher’s performed experiments on living animals to advance the understanding of Anatomy and Physiology (Hajar).

While many think that Animal Testing is a simple issue its far more complex than one can imagine. Throughout time activists from around the world have provided insights on this issue. Mahatma Gandhi at the time was a leading activist throughout India and states “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”(Hajar). This quote suggests that the country that treats its animals with a high level of respect is a great nation while the country that does the opposite is morally inferior.

With the Public gaining significantly more insight into Government Practices their actions have begun to be monitored under a microscope. In recent years, the practice of using animals for biomedical research has come under intense criticism from various animal protection and animal rights groups. Laws have been passed in several countries to make the practice more “humane” yet there are still various issues being presented. Debates centered around the ethics of animal testing has been ongoing since the seventeenth century and are continuing even today. Those against, contend that the “benefit to humans does not justify the harm to animals.” (Hajar). Those in favor argue that experiments on animals is necessary to advance medical knowledge. Claude Bernard a French Physician who’s known as the father of physiology states that “experiments on animals are entirely conclusive for the toxicology and hygiene of man.” (Hajar). This statement consequently set the groundwork for future Physicians and greatly advanced Society’s knowledge on how to treat ailments. As a result, Bernard established Animal testing as the standard scientific method.

Rational Argument Rough Draft 1

We’ve all benefited from advancements from Animal Testing however as Society continue to evolve, we naturally must develop a safer more ethical alternative. Animal Testing has long been criticized for its inhumane and unethical nature. The argument has been raised that there are alternative methods to this issue yet there have been none provided that have been effective. As many know Animal Testing has greatly benefited the lives of millions as it’s helped develop treatments and cures for a variety of diseases. Animal Testing isn’t something that’s new and has been around for centuries. Aristotle and Erasistratus both famous Greek Philosopher’s performed experiments on living animals to advance the understanding of Anatomy and Physiology. Biomedical research continues to be the leading solution in solving a variety of diseases more recently aiding in the discovery of the Coronavirus Vaccine.

While many think that Animal Testing is a simple issue its far more complex than one can imagine. Throughout time activists from around the world have provided insights on this issue. Mahatma Gandhi at the time was a leading activist throughout India and states “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”. With the Public gaining significantly more insight into Government Practices their actions have begun to be monitored under a microscope. In recent years, the practice of using animals for biomedical research has come under intense criticism from various animal protection and animal rights groups. Laws have been passed in several countries to make the practice more “humane” yet there are still various issues being presented. Debates centered around the ethics of animal testing has been ongoing since the seventeenth century and are continuing even today. Those against, contend that the “benefit to humans does not justify the harm to animals.” (Hajar). Those in favor argue that experiments on animals is necessary to advance medical knowledge. Those opposed argue that with our modern-day technology we should figure out a safer and more ethical alternative. Claude Bernard a French Physician who’s known as the father of physiology states that “experiments on animals are entirely conclusive for the toxicology and hygiene of man.”. This statement consequently set the groundwork for future Physicians and greatly advanced Society’s knowledge on how to treat ailments. As a result, Bernard established Animal testing as the standard scientific method.

Now one may argue that there is nothing stopping a Physician from undergoing unethical tests on animals to find a cure. If one where to bring this issue up they would be correct regardless of how many measures that set-in place by the government, there is no stopping a person’s actions. Former United States President Theodore Roosevelt states that “Common sense without conscience may lead to crime, but conscience without common sense may lead to folly, which is the handmaiden of crime.”. We live in a world where common sense is no longer a common trait and could easily lead down a dark road. With laws now being set in place it helps hold people accountable and to a higher standard. 

The Future and the Feeling of Burnout

    With this Semester coming closer to the end the importance for assignments begins to grow. With a month left it's crazy to think our first Year of College will be concluded and we would've made in this far. Although it's only our first year I'm thankful that I've been able to make it thus far. With Summer in sight we at times begin to lose concentration and look forward to pure relaxation. I can say from personal experience I've fallen victim to this and there have been plenty of times I've needed to refocus my sights. This past week alone has been jam-packed with papers and exams and is definitely something I'm not looking forward to. However do the structures I've set in place for myself I'm confident I'll succeed. 

    As I had talked about in one of my previous posts planning has been essential in my success. Despite all the planning I may do that doesn't eliminate the fact I feel overwhelmed and burnt out. With how busy this upcoming month will be It's crazy to think that I will be able to survive. Burnout is something that isn't talked about enough especially in terms of students. With the Covid Pandemic being in our rearview mirror the struggles billions had to endure was something like no other. Students especially where forced to adapt to a changing landscape and still continue to strive for excellence despite these challenges. Although it was over 2 years ago I still experience those same feelings as I do now. 

    
Thankfully with the help of my family and having a positive outlet in the gym I've been able to stay strong. Now being a College Student the biggest lesson I've learned is the power of our minds. There have been plenty of times where I've questioned even the point of staying in college yet I still persevere and continue. As I finish this last semester the lessons I've learned throughout will continue to stay present and I will finish this last semester strong.

Spring Break and the Challenges of the Future

 With Spring Break wrapping up the importance of every assignment is becoming increasingly more evident. With the end of my first official year of college I'm sure we are all in need of a break. I've found this year has been challenging as is so I've been looking forward to break for a while. Although I'm on Spring Break the anxieties of school continue to weight down on me as I'm sure it does for many. However just like any break it has been relax full as I've had numerous outlets to relieve my anxiety. 

One of the forms I've relieved stress during this time is by watching Netflix shows. One of current favorite shows at the moment has been New Amsterdam which is a Medical Drama. Although at times those types of shows can be "corny" I still find them to be interesting to give me a glimpse into what Medical Life is somewhat like.  Being somewhat who's interested in becoming a Physical Therapist in the future these types of shows normally gravitate towards me. I'm sure plenty of people watch shows that relate to the field to gain insight on their potential lifestyle.

Another one of the main forms I've done to relieve stress throughout this break has been working out. With my local gym being less than 5 minutes away it's so great to get a quick workout in to relieve any tension I'm feeling. As I've stated in the past fitness has been a passion for me and it will continue to be one regardless of what stage I am in life. Overall Spring Break has been amazing and has been the much needed break I've been craving for. As a result of this it's given me the fuel I need to endure the homestretch of this semester. 

Born Into Brothels Guided Reflection

 

    Throughout this week we were tasked with the job of watching a documentary and then providing a summary and analysis of that film. The Documentary I decided to select was Born Into Brothels which was directed by Ross Kaufman and Zane Briski. The scene that I found to be the most impacting was the initial shots of the children and the environment they grew up in. Coming from an environment where I haven't had to struggle nearly as much as them puts things into perspective. This just served as a reminder to me to be thankful and appreciate the things that I have within my life.

As I progressed throughout the movie a scene that surprised me was the pure excitement the kids felt when they had the cameras. Although this was necessarily a shock I just found it to be heartwarming. These children have been confined to there towns simply because they don't have the financial means to travel. As a result the tradition of working as a prostitute becomes an unfortunate probability. By having these camera's they now have a means of escaping their situation and distract themselves from reality. The main question I had was where these children now. With the Documentary being released in 2004 I'd be interested to see how far these kids progressed and what they did with there lives. 

In Regards to the question of why should we avoid including research in our summaries I believe centers around the overall message of the film. Everyone has their own interpretation of the information presented in a documentary. As a result we're tasked with job either use that information to help teach others or to just absorb it. In the context of writing a paper this can sometimes alter how we view the documentary and in turn create a bias that would be prevalent throughout our paper. By doing so it could easily impact a person's perception on the film and develop an unnecessary bias for any future readers. Overall, the documentary film was extremely insightful as it provided an insight on a lifestyle I've never experienced nor learned about. As I continue throughout my life I'll make a point to consistently show gratitude as I never know when I could end up in that same position.