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Career Exploration Paper

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Course Tittle

Professor’s Name

Date

Introduction

It is a reality that every person desires to pursue a certain career after graduating. In my overall life, I have learnt and experienced many things in and out of the classroom. Some of them have assisted me in deciding what career I want to pursue when I graduate. My desire has always been a career that gives back to the community. For me, anticipating being a social worker is a worthy goal. It has got several benefits that make it a fantastic career. There are numerous opportunities to play in being a social worker. I am drawn to be a social worker because I want to make a difference in people’s life. One thing about me is that I am usually concerned for the welfares of others; hence I can go a long way with being a social worker. My interest in social work comes from the love of volunteering that I have ever since I was young, whereby I usually expressed great enthusiasm for school and church events. As I continued growing, I started volunteering for numerous other community events, such as aiding with free cancer screenings and serving over 100 hours at a local clinic. I feel that the potential career path that I would like to take after graduating will be a social worker. 

Things that my Dream Career entails

Being a social worker usually is a rewarding and challenging profession. It entails helping people, families, and groups of individuals to deal with the issues they go through to better their lives. One feature of this is developing mechanisms and teaching skills for patients to depend on to improve their experiences and lives. I will be responsible for aiding individuals cope with difficulties in every stage of their lives when I become a social worker. It entails helping with an extensive range of situations, such as being diagnosed with a terminal illness or adopting a child. Social workers work with a lot of populations, including individuals with disabilities, children, and individuals with addictions (Ricciardelli et al., 2020). For the reason that everything matters, social work entails helping those who need it most. Every person, including those with tough or challenging situations, deserves to live a gratifying life and to have someone by their side ready to stand with them. Being a social worker involves feeling that role and making a difference on multiple levels.  

Social work is a career that supports social change and problem-solving in human relationships and the liberation and empowerment of individuals to promote wellbeing. By utilizing the theories of social systems and human behavior, social work intervenes at the instance where individuals interact with their environments (Chenoweth & McAuliffe, 2017). The principles of social justice and human rights are essential to social work. This career that I desire is organized as a professional career with a sustainable universal knowledge, value, and expertise foundation. Social workers normally give advice, resources, and support to people and families and aid them in several difficulties (Mapp et al., 2019). I must therefore adopt a holistic approach when I become a social worker. It signifies fully understand and be aware of the probable individual or family’s whole history and situation. In the field of social work, there are a number of specializations and industries that I can possibly pursue and focus on. In all these fields, having flexibility, empathy, and persistence is essential. Social workers are usually required to assist in problems triggered by low-income family circumstances, trauma, disability, terminal illnesses, and drug abuse.

Reasons why I think this career is fit for me

I am fully confident that social work is my ideal career, and it best fits me. One thing is that I possess great communication skills, which are essential in being a social worker. I also enjoy working with individuals, I am stress-resistant, and I am passionate about human rights. It is a fit for me because it will allow me to appreciate the best in life and give me a chance to work in various settings and towards multidimensional collaborative change. By working in this field, I will be able to advocate, avoid fallacies, empower, motivate, and encourage resilience. I am fit for this career because I have the ability to help individuals and give them the most accurate and updated information to help them overcome the obstacles in their way and make a difference in their life. 

The Role of Communication in Playing an Integral Role in Being Successful in this Career

Effective communication is one of the most crucial components of a social worker’s career. Each day, social workers must communicate with clients in order to get information, make significant decisions, or convey critical information. Effective communication is essential to enable social workers to obtain or convey particular details and avoid clients’ detrimental effects (Chenoweth & McAuliffe, 2017). Communication helps build a relationship between the social worker and the client. As a social worker, the availability of good communication helps to pass information between other professionals and the client. Communication lies at the heart of social work practice. It assists in understanding people better hence removing misunderstandings and creating clarity of expression and thought. Communication in social working an essential management function closely connected with all other managerial functions.   

Conclusion

Being a social worker is my ideal career after graduating. I consider this dream of being a social worker as an inspiration. Just like other students, I have a dream that I desire to pursue after graduating from school. It’s good to be a social worker since they help people to cope with their lives. They also aid in a broad range of circumstances. Advocacy is a significant aspect of social work. Being a social worker is my potential career path.    

Reference

Chenoweth, L., & McAuliffe, D. (2017). The road to social work & human service practice. Cengage AU.

Mapp, S., McPherson, J., Androff, D., & Gatenio Gabel, S. (2019). Social work is a human rights profession. Social Work, 64(3), 259-269.

https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swz023

Ricciardelli, L. A., Nackerud, L., Quinn, A. E., Sewell, M., & Casiano, B. (2020). Social media use, attitudes, and knowledge among social work students: Ethical implications for the social work profession. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 2(1), 100008.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2019.100008

Achieving APTA’s Vision for Movement

Student’s Name:

Institution:

Achieving APTA’s Vision for Movement

Introduction

The quality of life is always enhanced by the freedom granted to the human beings through movement. Several aspects of life such as work and play demand that people can move from one place to the next or from one position to the next. However, the existence of different disabilities, through either natural causes or accidents implies that some people have difficulty in their movement. Several organizations, coupled with health care givers have arisen to ensure that the right of movement is restored.

Embodying APTA’s Vision for Movement

APTA’s vision was structured to ensure that all individuals can move from one place to another. This is a vision of a true physical therapist willing to improve the experiences of individuals with a disability in the society. As I am one of these individuals, I will follow the following principles to ensure that I operate in accordance with this vision.

Identity

My practice will ensure the promotion and definition of the human movement system as the central element in enhancing the movement. This will ensure that all my operations will be directed at taking care of the movement system, and the same time formulating ways of rejuvenating a damaged movement system through research and design.

Innovation

Since the health needs concerning movement change each day, I will ensure that my therapy methods are innovative enough to offer feasible, viable, and successful movement solutions.

Quality and Value

The best way to achieve successful movement outcomes is through designing quality movement systems that are affordable to all the individuals in the society. This makes sure that I achieve APTA’s vision.

Collaboration

In order for my practice to offer quality movement services, I will ensure that I collaborate with other physical therapists, concerned organizations and even the government. This will ensure the formulation of an impeccable system capable of improving movement in the society. This will happen through sharing of ideas and pooling of finances.

Conclusion

Movement is a crucial element in a human’s life. The central objective of a physical therapist is to ensure that this objective is realized. For this reason, my physical therapy practice will embody the vision presented by APTA through following its main principles.

Career Exploration Questions

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Course Number and Name

Instructor Name

Due Date

Career Exploration Questions

• Fire prevention

Some people think that installing fire prevention systems or fire counter systems is expensive, how do you convince them that it is an important part of their construction?

How frequently should a home be inspected for fire prevention intactness?

What should a fire prevention officer look for when inspecting a home or a business building?

• Employment in the fire and emergency services

What qualifications do I need to be employed as a firefighter in your firefighting station?

Apart from the educational qualifications of a person looking for employment at your facility, what else is required?

Is the distance from my home to the workplace a consideration when am getting a fire fighting job or I can get a job even if I come from very far away from the firefighting station?

• Work practices / daily activity/job tasks

Do firefighters have a daily schedule of events or do they just get to work in case there is a fire that needs to be put off or inspection done?

When do firefighters go for leave and when they are on leave and there are many fires to be put off can they be called back to help?

What happens if the best and most experienced firefighter keeps reporting to work late and always gives the same excuses?

• Educational needs for the fire and emergency services

For those workers who are not actively involved with firefighting, do they need an education related to firefighting, or can be trained here at your station about the basics?

Must I have a bachelor’s degree for me to work as a firefighter or a lower qualification is okay?

Those with high levels of educational qualification like masters or PhDs, do they go to the field or most of the time stay in offices?

Achieving High Performance in an Organization

Student’s Name:

Institution:

Date:

Achieving High Performance in an Organization

Abstract

For a company to experience maximum profits and expand its boundaries, proper management is very essential. Proper management will ensure the workforce gives their best of skills and talents to the company (Nohria, Groysberg, & Lee, 2008). In addition, the employees will feel more motivated and attached to their working environment. However, low employee morale results into very serious concerns for an organization. Unhappy employee results into problems with employee retention, poor customer service and reduced productivity. This research paper aims at analyzing reasons for low employees’ morale and ways of coming up with effective management strategy that will ensure all employees are satisfied and happy with their work and feel incorporated in achieving the overall success for the company.

Although good incentives such as benefits, raises and employee recognition programs can boost morale in employees, when a company suffers from low morale, it is extremely crucial to unearth the root cause. Many employees felt less motivated for the work because they were overworked, offered poor wages for the services rendered, the organization was understaffed, wasted potential in them such as talents, lack of clear guidelines hence spending too much time without knowing what is expected of them, and most importantly is the inexistence of effective and open communication strategies.

Since good employees morale is an essential requirement for any organization or business to achieve success, proper strategies must be put in place to ensure all employees are well motivated and happy with whatever job they are assigned. This can be achieved by showing them respect. By showing employees respect, managers can achieve best results with just a little time invested in each employee. The secret is by defining their expectation, showing them respect and avoiding micromanaging (Martín Cruz, Martín Pérez & Trevilla Cantero, 2009). Morale can also be achieved by forming cordial relationships that is built on trust with the employees, nurturing creativity in employees and promoting effecting team building amongst employees. Finally, the managers must adapt what is called “Make It Real”. This strategy is usually very simple to an extent that most managers tend to overlook it yet it is what makes the employees believe the employer or the manager is honest, genuine and practices very high levels of integrity. Unless the manager adapts this strategy, any single effort he makes towards improving employees’ morale will raise suspicion. However, any employee who adopts the “Make It Real” strategy will find it rather easy to improve the overall morale in employees and hence enjoy benefits such as better retention, higher productivity, low cost or production and maintenance of the establishment, and happier and more satisfying workplace.

It is also crucial for the organization to encourage individual efforts by employees so that they can feel their efforts are appreciated. In cases where the company experiences financial constraints, the management can implement other performance payment strategies such as non-monetary and indirect payment strategies rather than relying on direct payment method as the only method of appreciating individual efforts. In addition, the management should give employees more control. Employee’s happiness is greatly influenced by sense of control they have over their lives.

Finally, the organization should implement a participative kind of management style since it encourages collective involvement of all the stakeholders of the organization at all levels of the organization in analyzing problems, developing strategies and executing the solutions. By adopting these strategies the workers will be given a chance to take part in the decision-making process of the organization by taking part in activities such as determining work schedule, setting goals, and making suggestions (Lustri, Miura & Takahashi, 2007). By implementing a sense of ownership in an organization, participative management motivates employees and implants a sense of pride; increasing their productivity in order to attain their aims.

References

Nohria, N., Groysberg, B., & Lee, L. (2008). Employee motivation: A powerful new model. Harvard Business Review, 86(7/8), 78.

Martín Cruz, N., Martín Pérez, V., & Trevilla Cantero, C. (2009). The influence of employee motivation on knowledge transfer. Journal of Knowledge Management, 13(6), 478-490.

Lustri, D., Miura, I., & Takahashi, S. (2007). Knowledge management model: practical application for competency development. The Learning Organization, 14(2), 186-202.

Name

Professor

Course

Date

1st Amendment Law

Most Americans know the 1st amendment as the amendments in the bill of rights with clauses such freedom of speech, religion, and the press. The 1st amendments encourage one to believe and practice religious principles s/he wishes to do and his right to convey what s/he like. It protects lawyers’ right to publish any information he/she wishes, provide his/her service to anyone s/he wants and questions the government doings especially those that s/he do not like. Most clauses in the 1st amendment law are controversial, however, in many cases the uncertainty deals with how the amendment requires the Americans to go in a given direction.

The first is the establishment clause which forbids the government from creating state religion and from compelling citizens in what they should believe. However, the clause has some controversies. Some citizens consider that whenever there is state involvement, totally, all religious expression must be prohibited in order to fulfill the establishment clause (LII). For instance, a public school basketball team should be banned from praying at a basketball game because the institution is a government funded school. Others argue that the government should allow religious expression in public occasions and premises given the religious nature of Americans. Truly, in some people’s mind, prohibiting expressions of religious belief in this manner is an infringement of the free exercise clause that is part of the first amendment as it requests to control religious expression of Americans (Revolutionary War and Beyond).

The second clause is the free exercise that restricts the congress to regulate somebody’s religious observations. That is the congress cannot direct citizens on how they should practice their religious faith. However, controversy may arise whereby minority religious groups seek to exercise something that is not legal or that the government has a tough interest in regulating. For instance, such behaviors like ritual sacrifice, drug usage and polygamy are outlawed due to a public compelling interest. This signifies that this clause does not provide a free license to anyone to practice any behavior s/he claims is religious (LII).

The next is freedom of speech clause, which restricts the congress from reducing the freedom of speech. This allows Americans to express their concerns about state policies they do not like. It allows them to convey their religious faith. This clause is distorted especially where some citizens insult others they disagree with and using hateful languages. Freedom of speech goes beyond word people speak to expressions that are deployed in communicating ideas. Expressions such as wearing symbols, picketing and flag burning, are protected speech forms (Revolutionary War and Beyond).

Another significant principle is the freedom of the press clause and this clause is believed to have played a crucial role during the revolutionary war. It helped Americans strengthen their views against England and spread concept that justified a break with England. Historically, English had no press freedom at all. All publications were to be reviewed first by the state before publication. Government criticism were subjected to trials and charged with treason. Therefore, every American aspired to have the right to criticize their authority fearlessly as well as to debate other subjects whenever they wish (Revolutionary War and Beyond).

Lastly, is the freedom of assembly clause which goes “congress shall make no law… abridging … the right of the people peaceably to assemble…” this clause guards the rights of Americans to associate peacefully (LII). This right has proved to be significant, for instance, women minorities assembled and petitioned their argument to why women received no fair treatment as compared to their male counterpart (LII).

In conclusion, for Americans effectively enjoy their lives, then all the aforementioned clauses need to exist practically. However, the clauses are controversial forcing the government to protect some rights. This call for law specialists to assist interprets some contradicting clauses.

Work cited

Legal Information Institute (LII). “First Amendment: An Overview.” 2010. Web. 7 Dec. 2012. <http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/first_amendment>

Revolutionary War and Beyond. “The 1st Amendment”. 2012. Web. 7 Dec. 2012 <http://www.revolutionary-war-and-beyond.com/1st-amendment.html>

Students Name

Institution of Affiliation

Course Title

DateMoney as The Root of All Societal Evils

Money is both a blessing and a curse, making life simpler and better while at the same time, total dependence and the inability to control money may lead to confusion among the people. In the present world, people have become too dependent on money such that they have forgotten the social values that have held communities together for a long time, tearing them down to individuality and selfishness. Money has turned people into evil, never inputting in their minds the desire to do good to people. Money rules the world, taking control of all activities in human endeavors with the aim of controlling human beings, as it brainwashes people’s minds, leaving them mindless.

Money is the leading cause of political instability. One of the main ways that money causes political instability is through hyper-inflation that eventually leads to the fall of governments. Another way is that it is used to finance terrorism, waging war against nations, and spreading chaos around the globe. It is the nations that have financial control that is able to stop or wage war as they are able to purchase ammunitions of their like. The main aim of terrorism is to murder people in large numbers, and when terrorists invade a country, the government is shaken, and this means that there is a probability of the government going down. It is money that makes all these possible.

Money is the sole cause of exploitation that results in the unequal distribution of wealth and resources. The economic structure in the present day is designed in such a manner that there doesn’t exist any regulatory body that monitors the flow of money. Due to this, the society has become aggressive, moving towards the concept of survival for the fittest. Some people are too wealthy, while others are on the verge of poverty. It is money that is responsible for the societal stratification into classes based on the amount of wealth acquired. Individuals with little or no money are at the lowest class, which makes them seem inferior, yet human beings are equal. As a result, the wealthy take advantage of the poor, paying the poor to work for them and paying them peanuts, which translates to oppression.

People have become too dependent on money, and this has compelled individuals to do whatever they can to get more money. As a result, people have sold their souls to the devil in return for money and wealth. Many people from all walks of life that include politicians, musicians, athletes, and business people have sold their souls to the devil for different purposes, such as becoming famous, excelling in business, and winning political positions, all of which are central to the money.

Debts are another way that money has and have been for a long time considered evil. The wealthy class in society lends money to the needy in return for profits. Some of the lenders are too selfish and resolute to extortion. Due to this, they put higher margins on their interests so that they can get more money from what they have given out. If the debt is not paid on time, it may be followed by threats even to lives, and this explains how money has been used to control other people’s lives as someone can even murder without guilt just because of money.

Money has been used to perpetuate social evils in modern society, where moral values have been sacrificed at the expense of money. People have become so much money-minded to the extent that they can indulge in corrupt practices openly in order to satisfy their greed for money. Besides, money can buy freedom in the current generation where people with no money spend more time in jail while those who have money buy out their freedom regardless of the crime they have committed.

According to the bible, God is the owner of the soul and thus has the power to control it. However, money has reversed this as people have reverted to the love for money, which in turn has cost them their lives and souls. Most of the people have sold their souls to the devil and thus going against God’s will and purpose. As the bible says, the love for money is the root of all evil, people have loved money sitting in the middle of a lifestyle that compels them to forget eternity, living selfish lifestyles that prioritize the present and they are more focused on the physical comfort in this world, rather than focusing on the eternal destiny.

Money Equals Happiness (The Great Gatsby)

Throughout history many societies have had upper, middle, and lower classes. The classes formed separate communities of diverse living and never crossed social barriers. In the book, The Great Gatsby, instead of streets and communities separating each class there was a sound. On West Egg, the rich received their money not from inheritance but from what they accomplished by themselves. They worked hard for their money and received no financial support from their families. These people gained in one of two ways; either they worked for it or relied on illegal means for survival. On the other hand, or island, East Egg natives represent the class of society that receive money from their relatives. They were someone’s heir and rich from birth. It was also known that no one on East Egg would marry someone poor or with new money. Fitzgerald reveals that the life of the privileged class is filled with corruption, carelessness, and materialism through his use of characterization in the novel.

Daisy, the wife of Tom Buchanan, has no goals in life; no discipline, nor any morals. She can’t even think for herself because she has never had to before. She talks to Nick as if he is part of a group which is secluded from the lives of the East Eggers and in some aspect he is ” ‘All right,’ said Daisy. ‘What’ll we plan?’ She turned to me helplessly. ‘What do people plan?’,” (153). Daisy lacks competence. Daisy has nothing to do or care about each day. She has no idea of how to plan something because she hasn’t had to do anything that requires thinking since the day that she thought money would solve her problems. She can go through life without having to think about anything that would probably require an elementary education. In the scene where Daisy runs over Myrtle, she doesn’t care what has happened, she just cares about herself. “For Daisy was young and her artificial world was redolent of orchids and pleasant, cheerful snobbery and orchestras which set the rhythm of the year, summing up the sadness and suggestiveness of life in new tunes,” (158). This quote shows that Daisy is living in a dream world where she doesn’t have to obey any laws. Her snobby personality gets her in trouble. Killing Myrtle has no affect on her. She just keeps living her boring carefree life with no regard for other people.

The corruption in this novel can be seen through Daisy and Tom’s way of life. They believe they can run away from the problems they start and not be held responsible for them. Their money corrupts them into thinking that they are untouchable.

‘Don’t tell me, old sport.’ He winced. ‘Anyhow-Daisy stepped on it. I tried to make her stop but she couldn’t so I pulled the emergency brake. Then she fell over into my lap and I drove on’ (151).

Both Daisy and Tom are incapable of guilt and believe if they have a lot of money then they can get away from any situation. Tom’s behavior clearly reveals his lack of guilt when he fails to react to the death of his mistress. He regarded her as an object which really meant nothing to him. He showed her off and used her just like everyone else in his life. Tom’s carelessness and money powered mind makes himthink he can cheat on Daisy because he does not believe he has to answer to anyone for his behavior. ” ‘That fellow had it coming to him. He threw dust in your eyes just like he did in Daisy’s but he was a tough one. He ran over Myrtle like you’d run over a dog and never stopped his car,” (187). Tom had every intention in convincing everyone that Gatsby was the one who killed Mrytle with his car. He didn’t care what happened to Gatsby just as long as the blame wasn’t on Daisy. Then he makes up the idea of Gatsby telling lies to Nick and Daisy. Tom doesn’t care who he hurts as long as the outcome of it is beneficial for him. Tom and Daisy seek justification in only their values when it suits them. Tom and Daisy are products of the pervasive corruption of the 1920’s and demonstrate how the rich are corrupt and careless.

Also, Daisy and Tom are carelessly creating problems and leaving them to be resolved by someone else. They believe they can have a carefree life without anything ever happening to them. Daisy sits around all day doing nothing and believing that her material possessions make her happy and that is all she needs in the world. Her daughter was only something that she could show off to guests just like all of her other possessions that she had. She believes that what she owns is what makes her accepted. She shows off her daughter as if she was a possession that she bought.

‘I waited but she didn’t say any more, and after a moment I returned feebly to the subject of her [Daisy] daughter.’

‘I suppose she talks, and-eats, and everything.’

‘Oh, yes.’ She looked at me absently (21).

The only reason she even acknowledges that her daughter is there is when she feel she needs to show off her possessions, and her daughter is only a possession to her. If she tried to change and actually decided to be less materialistic then maybe she would change her whole outlook on life.

‘Her [Daisy] voice is full of money,’ he said suddenly. That was it. I’d never understood before. It was full of money-that was the inexhaustible charm that rose and fell in it, the jingle of it, the cymbals’ song of it. . . . High in a white palace the king’s daughter, the golden girl. . . . (127).

Gatsby knows what makes Daisy different from the common people. The way she uses her voice shows that she lives a luxurious lifestyle and by proving it to people around her she has made her voice more elegant and almost proper. It is her way of showing people that she is rich when she cannot show off her possessions. She needs to let people know that she’s rich because money is the only thing that she cares about, and the only happiness she gets out of life.

The novel The Great Gatsby shows many different aspects of the upper class. From corruption to being uncaring many characters never change personalities and don’t even try to change. Daisy stayed the same careless, materialistic woman throughout the book and Tom stayed hypocritical and angry. Eventually both run away never accepting responsibility for the damage that they caused. They thought that because they have money they would never have any problems and if they did money would get them out. Money was everything to them and Daisy loved money more than she loved her own daughter. Tom thought that because he had money he could cheat on his wife and that love meant buying his wife a necklace which to his wife was love because it cost a lot of money. Both characters never realized what money couldn’t buy them. Between Daisy and Tom money can buy love. To them money equals happiness.

Morals Without God

Question 1

According to an article by Louise Antony in the New York Times, there is a reason to claim that atheists are right about matters concerning God. In response to this post, there is evidence to suggest that her claims are not true. Antony believes that theists only engage in acts of morality because they are commanded to do so. Theists behave in certain ways to, please their God. Furthermore, atheists are believed to follow commands given to them, without questioning. Atheists do not believe that theists are genuine; rather they are people under obligations. Antony provides an example of whereby; someone will love a child only because they have been commanded to do so. It means that the love the person has for the child is not genuine as they have been forced. The latter is not true, as one cannot force the other to love. Parents have an obligation of loving their children, under all circumstances. It is not true to claim that parents love their children because a higher power has demanded it. It would mean that atheists do not love their children, since they do not have any divine power, which has commanded them to do so. Thus, it is not possible to agree with the article by Antony, as people have an obligation of being morally upright (Antony, 2011. 1). It is not right to claim that theists are only morally upright because they have been commanded by their God. The article by Antony is thus not credible.

Question 2

Post 1

It is not right to claim that atheists do not have morals. Various societies have different moral that are wrong and right. For example, it is wrong to eat pork among Muslims, while it is accepted in Christianity. Atheists, thus have their own right to have their own beliefs (Mills & Sagan, 2006. 78).

Post 2

The God, which people abide by, is responsible for actions committed by them. I do not agree with Antony, as people need a divine power to have morals. People will be judged according to earthly laws, as they await further judgment upon death (Huston & Sponville, 2007.19).

Post 3

Not every human being is aware of the differences between wrong and right. If the latter were possible, people would never commit immoral acts. Thus, people need to have a belief in God in order to acquire morals (Mills & Sagan, 2006. 86).

Post 4

I agree with this post as people will never at one point agree on issues concerning morality. People interpret things in different ways, and it is only if God himself came to earth and preached that will make people agree on the matter (Huston & Sponville, 2007.23).

Work Cited

Antony, Louise. Good minus God. The New York Times. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/good-minus-god/” http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/good-minus-god/ (December 21, 2011).

Mills, David. & Sagan, Dorion. Atheist Universe: The Thinking Person’s answer to Christian Fundamentalism. New York: Ulysses Press, 2006.Print.

Huston, Nancy. & Sponville, Andre. The Little Book of Atheist Spirituality. New York: Viking Adult, 2007. Print.

Career 1 Discussion Post

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Professor’s Name

Date

Career 1 Discussion Post

Similar to other counseling disciplines, career counseling faces ethical standards as other counselors. Counselors can access very personal or private matters of their respective clients. Disclosing this information means a breach of confidentiality which could be criminal resulting in civil penalties for the counselors. Disclosure of private information is one of the ethical issues linked to career counseling. However, there are other ethical issues related to career counseling and not in other types of counseling (Hooley & Rice, 2019).

One of the issues is the undue influence of the desired outcomes (Irving et al., 2019). The counselors might attempt to influence the decision-making process of their clients based on their expertise and beliefs. For example, career counselors from organizations related to aviation might attempt to guide their clients back into the aviation companies since they are very familiar with the aviation industry and the career paths of the employees in this industry.

Another ethical issue is the application of inappropriate evaluation processes and models (Irving et al., 2019). When career counselors apply inappropriate testing or interpretation of the results, they would significantly skew the outcome of the clients. For example, the client may be given advanced skills without an evaluation of their understanding and expertise levels. These poor results would result in the clients foregoing a job or career they look forward to but would need additional training.

Career counselors might also provide counseling to clients in untrained or unfamiliar competencies (Irving et al., 2019). Counseling is known not to be a one-size fits. Every client is an individual and requires different levels and types of support. Clients are known to choose counselors that are competent in particular disciplines and subjects. The clients, therefore, expect that the services of the respective counselors are useful and professional. If career counselors operate outside their competency levels, the outcomes are less likely to match the needs of their clients. For example, women returning to the workforce after a child-rearing period require specialized needs such as legal advice and evaluation, and retraining. The specific nature of their requirements, therefore, requires particular competencies that deal with gender or mid-career counseling matters.

Lastly, career counselors may create intentional errors in evaluation and assessment (Irving et al., 2019). Clients who have contracted and sought out professional counselors are predisposed to act on the recommendations or the results from their meetings. This creates high levels of trust in the counselors from the beginning even before the counselor and the clients meet. With regards to this, the assessments and the evaluation results must be accurate according to the needs of the clients. Results containing errors result in the clients making inappropriate career choices or disregarding opportunities and options for appropriate careers.

References

Hooley, T., & Rice, S. (2019). Ensuring quality in career guidance: a critical review. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 47(4), 472-486.

Irving, B. A., & Malik-Liévano, B. (2019). Ecojustice, equity, and ethics: challenges for educational and career guidance. Revista Fuentes, 21 (2), 253-263.

AccupunctureImagine having crippling back pain as you arise out of bed every morning, or sharp pains in your shoulders and knees that no longer allow you to perform up to your actual ability. Whether it is in athletics, at work, or even just through out your daily life these problems can hinder you from being able to perform at your best. Imagine a therapy that can cure these physical disabilities, relieve stress, and put an end to depression. Acupuncture is an alternative means of therapy that can do just that.

People use acupuncture for many different bodily illnesses, mental illnesses, and addiction problems. One expert states that it can be performed in numerous ways including using heat, pressure, friction, suction, and sending impulses of electromagnetic energy to specific anatomic points in the body, but most commonly performed using needles. (Cook, 1999)

Today there are many options when choosing an approach for improved health and health care. Not only are we making intense progress in modern medicines, but also the use of alternative medicines is widely increasing. One form of alternative medicine that is widely used today is acupuncture. Acupuncture has been a complete system of treatment for at least two thousand years. First documented in ancient China, acupuncture over the past two thousand years, has continued to evolve and develop.

Along with the growing use of this alternative form of treatment, more people in the western culture must be informed of the many benefits that can be received with this type of therapy. More people must know their current options in today’s medicine. Acupuncture is an ancient form of healing that has proven safe and effective in treating a variety of conditions.

Many people are unaware of what acupuncture really is. According to J.M. Helms (2001), “Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.” Acupuncture is performed with many different techniques, but Zoe Brenner (1997) states, “The healing technique of acupuncture is founded on the principle that internal harmony is essential for good health.”

Here are a few cases that you may possibly relate to; studied by author of Thorston’s Principles of Acupuncture, Angela Hicks (1997). Case number one starts with an older woman named Edna. Edna has constant pain in her right shoulder. This condition has made her feel that her life has become,” [not] worth living.” Just lifting her grandchildren is a difficult task. Secondly, we have Paul a fifty six year old gentleman that has severe migraines. Paul has tried homeopathy, reflexology, aromatherapy, and osteopathy and has experienced no improvement. Doctors have provided Paul with painkillers to try and dull the pain. Lastly, there is Marion, a forty eight year old full time nurse and student in college dealing with depression. Marion had felt that she had lost all of her confidence, and found herself consumed with worry about her classes. All three of these subjects have begun acupuncture treatments hoping to one-day return to their normal selves.

The target ailments that acupuncture can treat are almost endless. Here is a listing of the most common reasons people seek therapy by acupuncture: arthritis, asthma, athletic injury, back problems, chronic fatigue, colds, depression, earaches, headaches, hemorrhoids, indigestion, insomnia, nausea, chronic pain, sore throat, stress, and toothaches. (Brenner, 1997) Acupuncture has also made medical progress in the following disorders: Digestive disorders, Respiratory disorders, neurological/muscular disorders, and urinary/menstrual and reproductive problems. (Helms, 2001)

Not only has acupuncture made a difference in many medical cases, but has also began to cause positive change with many addition problems as well. Charles Vincent (2001) quotes, “Acupuncture is used in more than 20 states in over 800 drug dependency programs. Patients who go through these programs have lower re-arrest rates on drug-related charges than those not treated with acupuncture.” Currently the U.S. Government sponsors the use of acupuncture in drug rehabilitation programs.

Acupuncture can work in many ways to help maintain human health and well being, but it is still considered alternative medicine in the western countries unlike in eastern countries, such as China, where it is considered modern medicine.

Acupuncture dates back over thousands of years ago. An internet information source says, “Some acupuncture needles date back 3,000 years and have been found in Inner Mongolia, (Ivillage, 2002)” but acupuncture can scientifically be traced back to B.C. times. An acupuncture expert, Kevin O’Neil (2001) states, “The history of acupuncture is much longer than the needles are. Most scholars agree that stone probes, found in pre-historic Chinese caves and tombs were the original acupuncture/acupressure instruments. Such stone probes date back to prehistory, over 5,000 years ago. Acupuncture using needles and the systemized meridians [though] is more traceable to the past 2000 years.”

One scientist has made an unbelievable discovery about how far this therapy may really date back. William Corliss (1999) writes “the Tyrolean iceman died in the Alps about 5,200 years ago, but his mummified body is exceptionally well preserved- so well that 15 tattoo groups on his body stand out. Most are at common acupuncture points. Iceman supposedly suffered from arthrosis of the lumbar spine. The iceman’s body is punctured at the points usually used by acupuncturists to treat this condition. Another Scientist named Leopold Dorfer (1998) says, “these findings raise the possibility that the practice of therapeutic intended acupuncture originated long before the medical tradition of ancient China (approx. 1000 B.C.) and its geographical origins were Eurasian rather than East Asian, consistent with far-reaching intercultural contacts of pre-historic mankind.” Even though there is evidence that acupuncture has been practiced for ages, it didn’t become a popular method of therapy in the western countries until the 1970’s. (Ivillage, 2002)

To fully understand the nature of acupuncture and the theories behind it we must take a look at the qi & blood, and the yin & yang aspects of treatment. Honora Wolfe (2001), an acupuncture activist, believes “Yin and yang are the cornerstones for understanding, diagnosing, and treating the body and mind with acupuncture or any other types of Chinese medicines.” George Lewith (2001) also states “The theory of yin and yang is a kind of world outlook. It holds that all things have two opposite aspects, yin & yang, which are both opposite and at the same time independent.”

Every organ within the body has a yin and yang side. Some examples of yin and yang are….

After understanding that everything has a yin and yang, you can relate this to acupuncture by seeing that, for example, if the upper and lower (Yin &Yang) of the spine are unequal they may just need balanced out to return you back a healthy condition. Furthermore, you must understand the qi & blood aspect of acupuncture. “qi (pronounced Chee) is often translated as energy, and has five specific functions: Defense- protecting the body, Transformation- breaking down the substances into vitamins and minerals that the body can use, Warmth- warming the body inside and out, Restraint holds organs and substances in proper place inside the body, and Transportation- motivating force for all transportation in the body.”(Wolfe, 2001) Qi and blood are the two most important complementary pairs of yin and yang within the human body, like fire and water to the earth. The Internet source, Oriental Medicine (1999) quotes, “Oriental medicine views Blood as a manifestation of qi with very different functional aspects than the blood we understand through the eyes of Western Medicine. Spleen and Stomach are the primary sources of qi and Blood as they are the starting point of the transformation process which turns our food and water intake into blood.” Yin and yang along with qi and Blood are very important keys for acupuncturists to properly diagnose and perform treatments.

A lot of people may question the safety of acupuncture. People wonder, ‘Does it hurt?’, ‘Are there any side effects?’, and ‘What kinds of medical qualifications must a acupuncturist have?’. A current website for medical acupuncture (2001) states, “People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all.” “Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt.”(Helms, 2001) The question of how the pain from acupuncture needles differs from the use of hypodermic needles is simple, an informed acupuncture internet source (2001) states, “Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are solid and hard and they are not designed to cut the skin. They are also inserted into more shallow levels than hypodermic needles, generally no more than half-inch to an inch depending on the type of treatment being delivered.”

As for side effects, “Properly administered, acupuncture does no harm.” (Acupuncture Today, 2001) William M Cargile (2001), Chairman of research for the American Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, says “In short [acupuncture] provides maximum benefits without the dangerous side effects associated with many of the approaches of conventional medicine.” Side effects, whether with oriental or conventional Medicine, are some times unavoidable. A clinical abstract by Ernest G. Strzyz (1998), a professor at Humbolt University, showed fabulous results. Out of 409 Patients with 3535 acupuncture treatments, only 11.37% showed adverse effects, most mainly experienced bleeding (2.9%), Hematoma (2.2%), Dizziness (1%), and other vegetative symptoms such as fainting, nausea, and prolonged De-Qi-effect (2.74%).

An acupuncturist must go through years of formal training before he/she may begin to practice. As for education, he/she must have a bachelors and two-year program study in acupuncture or another board approved two-year study. They must also gain successful completion of a board approved tutorial program in acupuncture. As for experience, an acupuncturist must perform no less than 750 patient treatment sessions as a full time acupuncturist during a 12-month period for three years. “The accreditation commission for acupuncture and oriental medicine (ACAOM) is recognized by the United States Department of Education. Acupuncture is a three-year masters level program. Over 45 colleges are accredited in status.” (Vincent, 2001) John Amaro (2000) states, “Currently more than 60% of the chiropractic state boards in the U.S. regulate the practice of acupuncture.” And According to CNN half of all medical schools now offer courses in alternative medicine, and world wide, only 10 to 30% of people use conventional medicine, 70 to 90% now use alternative medicines. (Thinkquest.org, 2002) Currently, traditional Chinese medicine has been chosen by the world health organization for the worldwide propagation to meet the health care needs of the twenty-first century. (Thinkquest.org, 2002) Acupuncture promotes health and well-being, prevention of illness, and provides treatment for specific conditions.

Length of acupuncture treatments varies. “The number of treatments needed differs from person to person.” (Helms, 2001) For long standing conditions, it is generally recommended to have one or two treatments a week. But as for acute problems, generally, you may only need four sessions per year. In Edna’s condition, from previous discussion, she noticed a difference after only her first treatment. Paul had taken treatments once every two weeks for two months, and after only 4-5 treatments he thought, “I’m OK now.” And in Marion’s case, when she had her first treatment she felt it work right away. She felt movement in her temples, and in the sides of her neck. She simply just enjoyed having the treatment. (Hicks, 1997)

Not only has acupuncture made tremendous advances in medicines today, it is now very cost effective versus surgery. Acupuncture treatments can result in the avoidance of surgery, fewer hospital visits and greater return to employment. Acupuncture therapy could possibly save you any where from $26,000 to $9,000. (Vincent, 2001)

After reviewing all of the facts that surround acupuncture, it is obvious that acupuncture has its benefits. It is becoming more of a world-accepted method of treatment everyday. Not only is it effective, but it is cost effective as well. Studies about acupuncture still continue today and new research is being uncovered daily, yet very few are able to prove the method inadequate. Dennis Tucker, Ph.D., L.ac, of Nevada City California (2000) has faith that acupuncture will continually evolve and become a practical method of therapy. “While acupuncture represents a legacy of concepts that predate Western Civilization, as a contemporary health care system it also represents a synthesis of continuously evolving scientific and technological developments which provides us with new tools to meet current clinical challenges.”

Bibliography:

Acupuncture Today: “All About Acupuncture” (Oct. 02, 2001). Retrieved February 20, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/about.html

Amaro, John A.(2001). Retrieved from the World Wide Web: http://www.chiroweb.com/archives/15/25/13.html

Brenner, Zoe (1997) “The Alternative Advisor.” Time Life Books, pp.32

Cargile, William Michael (2001). F.I.A.C.A. Retrieved march 2, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.thinkquest.org

Cook, Allan R. (1999). “The Alternative Medicine Sourcebook.” Omnigraphics, 1st edition pp. 55.

Corliss, William R. (1999). “Science Frontiers.” Jan.-Feb. Vol. 121.

Dorfer, Leopold (1998). “5200-Year-Old Acupuncture in Central Europe?” Science, pp. 282,242.

Helms, J. M., MD (2001). “Doctor, What is Acupuncture all about?” American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Retrieved February 2, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/acu_info/articles/aboutacupuncture.html

Hicks, Angela (1997) “Thorsons Principles of Acupunture.” Harper Collins, pp.4-7.

Ivillage: (2002) “Acupuncture”. Retrieved February 20, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.ivillage.com/acupuncture.htm

Lewith, George T. (2000). “Modern Chinese Acupuncture” Retrieved February 20, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?id=1707

O’Neil, Kevin (2001).”Ancient Way: Acupuncture and Herbs.” Retrieved February 20, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.ancientway.com/Pages/Acupuncture.html

Oriental Medicine (1999) Blood. Retrieved March 2, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.orientalmedicine.com/bt_blood.html

Strzyz, Ernest G.(2000). Retrieved From the World Wide Web: http://users.med.auth.gr/~karanick/english/articles/adv.html

Thinkquest.org (2002). Retrieved from the World Wide Web: http://library.thinkquest.org/24206/facts-stats.html

Tucker, Dennis (2001). Ph.D., L.ac. of Nevada City, California. Retrieved from the World Wide Web: http://library.thinkquest.org

Vincent, Charles (2001). “The Safety of Acupuncture.” Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance. Retrieved February 2, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.acuall.org/safety.htm

Wolfe, Honora Lee (2001). “Acupuncture: Ancient Cure for Modern Ills” Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance. Retrieved February 6, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.acuall.org/hwolfe.htm