Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 30

Personal Statement Example The character of a person who thinks critically is strengthened with intelligence. As a student, I have encountered situations that demanded critical thinking and through my intelligence and character, I managed to overcome the situation. When making the choices, both character and intelligence were my guide. A situation that warranted me to apply critical thinking skills was when I was choosing the course to study at the University. When I was in high school, I had not made a decision on what I would study at the University. However, with time, I came to think critically and settle on what I wanted to study. In making this decision, one of the guiding factors was my interest in the course. After evaluating my character, I came to realize that I was best suited in this course because it fell under the areas I have always been interested in since my childhood. I knew that I would enjoy the course contents and become a good student in my class. There were many good options to choose from, but I had to make an informed decision to pursue this course. I though critically of what was offered in the other courses, and after a careful and thorough evaluation, I came to realize that I would prosper upon undertaking this course. The course that one chooses to pursue has a significant impact on the academic performance. Therefore, it is always vital to choose a course which one knows that they will excel in without many difficulties. Before I choose my course, I evaluated the subjects being offered and made sure that I had the capacity to handle the course contents (Brookfield 35). Another critical thought that was in my mind when choosing the course was the facilities offered by the University. I knew that, in order to be competitive in the job market, I had to study in an institution that had adequate facilities. Although there are many local colleges I could have

Edward R. Murrow & Socrates Essay Example for Free

Edward R. Murrow Socrates Essay Indestructible courage, persistence and public service drove both Socrates and Murrow to live their lives with unwavering commitment for truth, critical thinking and unbendable integrity. With these values, Socrates and Murrow made their own lives as vivid examples of truth and veracity. They set the standards for all subsequent Western philosophy and the ideal broadcast journalism respectively. Nevertheless, their enduring courage may have brought them also to make half of themselves as merely ego maniacs or perhaps, self-centered intellectuals. Socrates pursuit of virtue and his strict adherence to truth clashed with the current course of Athenian politics and society. During his time, Socrates appears to have been a critic of democracy wherein some scholars had interpreted his trial as an expression of political infighting. He boldly face the charges made by the jury as seen in Platos â€Å"Apology,† an account of Socratess (unsuccessful) speech in his own defense before the Athenian jury. Socratess speech includes a detailed description of the motives and goals of philosophical activity as he practiced it, together with a passionate declaration of its value for life. I was really struck when Socrates purposefully gave a defiant defense to the jury because he believed he would be better off dead. With this statement, we can say that Socrates really happens to be a man of truth and valor similar to his modern counterpart, Edward Murrow. According to Wadleigh, â€Å" Murrow, at every juncture, did what he thought was right. He took risks that at the time seemed outrageous and he was not afraid of anything. † Furthermore, his exceptional courage is seen when he let Senator McCarthy hang himself with his open criticism program- but without any â€Å"expose† (Wershba Hottlelet). It was found out that Socratess works are often philosophical or dramatic texts rather than straightforward histories. Parallel to Murrow, â€Å" his voice made the words catch fire! The way he could add drama to the simplest looking text made him amazing! † (Wershba Kalb). Murrow offered himself to public service analogous to the teaching life of Socrates. Socrates pointedly declined to accept payment for his work with students whereas Murrow fearlessly did his job as a broadcaster. â€Å" He was a driven reporter – truly driven to tell people what was going on. He do it with intensity! † (Hottlelet) Plato refers to Socrates as the gadfly of the state (as the gadfly stings the horse into action, so Socrates stung Athens), insofar as he irritated the establishment with considerations of justice and the pursuit of goodness. If Socrates stung Athens, then Murrow stung America: â€Å" using his charisma, integrity and personal standards† (Wershba). It is Socrates and Murrows critical thinking that made themselves â€Å"men of worth. † Socrates showed this (critical thinking) through his philosophical works while Murrow made this appear through his jobs as a writer and broadcaster. These two men were really exceptional by committing themselves in pursuit of truth. However, their deep thinking and boldness has somehow conflicted their commitment to truth thus making half of themselves as merely ego maniacs or self-centered intellectuals. It was supported by the reasons why Murrow left his job at CBS: â€Å"Then there was the other side of Murrow, the driven news reporter. Murrow made Harvest of Shame and showed the rotten spots of American life. [CBS Chairman William] Paley didn’t like that. It scared away sponsors. Paley wanted it tame. Murrow wanted it real. † (Hottlelet) Another statement was from Hewitt telling that â€Å" Murrow would talk with his Person to Person guests beforehand Murrow felt that for entertainment some discussion to prepare the subjects was legitimate. Paley disagreed, so Murrow left. † He has that hidden pride in his self. Like what Ive said earlier, he did what he thought was right which is to leave CBS. Another thing I noticed about Murrow is his sense of egoism or perhaps, self-importance. It was stated in one of the interviews that â€Å"Murrow selected very good people, who, in his presence, got better. Those around him never wanted to disappoint or embarrass Ed—so they pushed themselves to their outer limits He set the pace; he was the example. † (Kalb) This statement was further supported by Hottlelet â€Å"He never gave instructions. He knew his worth. I think he just expected the trained reporters he hired to follow his example. † The life of Socrates appears to be really parallel to the life of Edward Murrow. By following what they thought was right and by pursuing the truth, they made half of themselves as the greatest and the most defiant men in history but half as conceited and egoistic individuals of all times.

Christopher Columbus, the Conquerer Essay -- Christopher Columbus Essa

Christopher Columbus, the Conquerer Depending on how you look at it, Christopher Columbus was either a great man of adventure and achievement Or the kind of person that does not see shame in killing and enslaving thousand of Native Americans. Christopher Columbus came to America in hopes of finding new land, new opportunities, and gold. On the view of the Spaniards side he was helping them expand a money thirsty empire. He was helping route and map new uncharted land. He was bringing his ships back so full of gold that they almost sunk. On the view of Native Americans he was looting and plundering their valubles, family members, houses, pictures and basically anything he wanted. He sacrificed many Natives, crushing their whole world for the purpose of expanding his and make himself known. Christopher Columbus was a destroyer. Whether it was a day of huge discovery or a day of dark doom, Christopher Columbus set out from Spain on August 3, 1492 (Microsoft Encarta). With him he had high hopes, great expectations, a dream, a highly moraled crew, and three Spanish caravel ships. The Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. At that time the crew and Columbus had strong intentions of reaching what they thought was the East Indies (Burdette 26). However, the crews were a week and a half out from Spain. They were sure they were near land. It could have been just a see bird or the weeds growing on the Sargasso Sea. A prime example that the rest of the crew or Columbus himself had not had any exact information such as maps about the sea. Following the trade winds they had followed, they were being lead to N. America With a bold yell Columbus sat perched on the tower of the Santa Maria and hollered, "From the West to the East we will... ...on stake war on great empires such as the Aztecs. Although the natives were very willing to defend their empire, Spain had the upper hand. With canons, swords, and rifles the Spanish soon totally annihilated the people. Killing, burning, hanging or decapitating were of the possibilities (Stannard 237). Spain showed no mercy and ultimately crushed the empire. With enough gold to nearly sink Columbus ships, the ships returned to celebrate. The "fantastic voyage" was nothing short of the expected success. Works Cited Burdette, Silver. Christopher Columbus. Milan: Silver Burdett, 1982. "Chistopher Columbus." Microsoft Encarta. 1995. Levinson, Nancy. Columbus: Voyager to the Unknown. New York: Knopf, 1990. Sperry, Armstrong. Voyages of Columbus. New York: Random House, 1950. Stannard, David E. American Holocaust. New York: Oxford University Press, 1992.

Bill Budd :: essays research papers

Herman Melville’s Billy Budd is a story about true goodness. It entails the conflict of good and evil, but more than that it portrays innocence in its’ most purest form.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Innocence is an exploitable commodity. While this is universally recognized, there are many different ways people confront it. Some people choose to embrace and protect it. While others choose to abuse it and corrupt it. Those who choose the latter are evilplain and simple. By making this choice they are reflecting not upon the innocent, but upon themselves. This reflection is humanity in its darkest configuration.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Billy Budd and John Claggart are opposing forces. Billy Budd who is described as “strength and beauty. Tales of his prowess recited. Ashore he the champion, afloat the spokesman; on every suitable occasion always foremost.'; John Claggart, a man “in whom was the mania of an evil nature, not engendered by vicious training or corrupting books or licentious living but born with him and innate, in short ‘a depravity according to nature.’'; These two people who are clearly on opposite sides of the spectrum contrast one another in a plethora of ways. Where Billy is sweet, John is bitter. Where Billy is naà ¯ve, John is knowledgeable. Where Billy is content, John is jealous. Lastly, where Billy is good, John is bad.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The ugliness that results in the death of both men portrays the triumph of sinister forces over the meek. John Claggart, who is a powerful and feared man aboard Bellipotent, lashes out at Billy who is for the most part defenseless. This is an injustice of biblical proportions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What could have prevented this from happening? Perhaps, if Billy picked up on John’s malicious intent the entire tragedy could have been avoided. But, on the other hand Billy was good and sought goodness. That is why he failed to see the evilness in Claggart.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To discourage Billy’s goodness is to compromise the very thing that makes us human in the first placeHumans seek goodness instinctively. Thus, it is society’s innate responsibility to protect the good (naà ¯ve) from those who are in a position to hurt them (people with knowledge.)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The significance of Billy’s death is that of sacrifice and honor. Billy’s death was, in a wordmajestic. “At the same moment it chanced that the vapory fleece hanging low in the East was shot through with a soft glory as of the fleece of the Lamb of God seen in mystical vision, and simultaneously therewith, watched by the wedged mass

Five Star and Amtech

Five Star and Amtech Travis Huggard: G00059703 Professor: R. Todd Kane Grantham University Five Star and Amtech When deciding which type of culture was dominant at either 5 Star or Amtech, I had to look at what type of culture their presidents represented. For example, the president of 5 Star, John Tyler â€Å"believed that 5 Star was the far superior company, had effective managers, had clear responsibilities and jobs† (Daft, 2001).On the other hand, the president of Amtech, Jim Rawls, did not believe in organizational ideas, thought that charts were just a barrier in the way of the real job that needed to get done, and he thought highly of the people that worked for him. Five Star makes it obvious that they are an aggressive company, and Amtech is more in the line of kindness brings productivity. After examining the two types of cultures, 5 Star represents a clear achievement culture. They make it no secret that they are competitive, even to the point of acquiring Amtech. St ar also runs everything in an organization fashion that promotes aggressiveness and diligence. They may lack a little in the personal initiative category of the achievement culture, as their managers did state that they â€Å"wish for more empowerment opportunities† Daft, 2001. But even this was not enough to make me change the classification. Amtech represents the culture of clan, as evidence in the way that they promoted face-to-face communication and fairness by rotating jobs so everyone knew how company operations were managed. At Amtech, employees were committed and collaborated often, demonstrating agreement, a value of clan culture.After examining both companies and the way that their presidents conduct business, I am not so sure that there is a culture issue or gap. I did not read anywhere that each particular company’s employees desired for one culture, but worked in another, minus those managers that for more opportunities to be in charge. Each company had th eir own way of conducting business, which was their right, and all employees knew this. As far as the newly formed company, it most likely will be a combination of the four corporate cultures. Each president and his employees promoted and lived by their own set of cultures.I think that this is partly why the the company was formed, to synch cooperate cultures with another while leaning each other’s habits and work ethic. A perfect balance may be asking too much, especially when a culture may have a gap, so it must be taken slowly and not lightly if the combination is going to work. So, If I was John Tyler, or king for a day, the culture technique that I would use or change would be aggressiveness, especially when we know that there will be changes to how work might open up for him during his time here.Also John Tyler might like a little increase in consideration, and personal time After a while, employees like to point out that they need attention, and works of encouragement. Another technique that I would use would be competiveness. I am sore loser, and very competitive, Being good at why I do is why I enjoy comment this culture. References Daft, R. (2001). The Leadership Experience 5th Ed. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning. . .

The Quest For Moral Perfection (Analysis Of The Au Essays - Virtue

The Quest For Moral Perfection (Analysis Of The Au Essays - Virtue The Quest For Moral Perfection (Analysis Of The Autobiography Of Benjamin Franklin) The Quest for Moral Perfection Benjamin Franklin is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in American history. The numerous advancements contributed by Franklin were made possible by a lot of work on his part. His outlook is best represented by his famous quote, Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of. Franklin did not sway from that philosophy, and spent little time at leisure, as it was not productive. Franklins work ethic, moral outlook, and constant interest in self-improvement throughout his life are his biggest claims to fame. Franklins strict adherence to his thirteen virtues-which he created in his pursuit of moral perfection-is responsible for many of his countless contributions to the colonies. Very important to Franklins life, was the little book he carried on his person at all times. In this book, he charted on a day to day basis, which virtues he had not obeyed, and marked a check for each mistake. Franklin set aside one week per virtue, and ordered his virtues such that whenever perfection in a virtue was attained, it would make achieving the following virtue easier. Franklin found that he had much to improve upon. Another ingredient to Franklins recipe for greatness was his daily schedule. Franklin divided his day up by the hour and knew what he was to be doing at all times. This he found difficult at times, and involving the virtue Order, at one time he almost gave up. In one of Franklin's few pessimistic moments, he is quoted as saying, This article (order) therefore cost me so much painful attention, and my faults in it vexed me so muchthat I was almost ready to give up the attempt and content myself with a faulty character in that respect. An amusing anecdote about a man who concludes that a speckled axe is best follows, and in looking back on his life, Franklin demonstrates his mastery of the thirteenth virtue, Humility. Even before he set his thirteen virtues to writing, Franklin could be seen demonstrating many of them. In one instance involving his friend Collins, Franklin demonstrates Resolution, Justice, and Sincerity. During a voyage, Collins refuses to row, and Franklin resolves to perform what he must. An argument ensued, and Franklin, knowing that Collins was a good swimmer, decided the only course of action would be to throw him overboard. He was in a clear state of mind the whole time, and did absolutely nothing that he would regret later on. Temperance was also a virtue that Franklin had practiced his entire life. He was never a heavy drinker, and always ate in moderation. Franklin prided himself on being an excellent debater, and while creating his virtues, he added Silence as a guide to others explaining one reason he was such an excellent crafter of argument. 2. Silence- Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation. Franklin means for others not to get caught up in petty squabbles, but rather to speak only to that which is important, and when doing so, only to benefit the other party. When you mix the Silence virtue with the Sincerity virtue, which Franklin is quoted as meaning Use no harmful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly. you will become well respected, and a very powerful arguer. Franklin himself was both, and through trials, tribulations, and experience, sets forth these very useful tools of debate. The two virtues that Franklin was exceptionally good at were Industry and Frugality. 6. Industry- Lose not time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions. There was not one time after his childhood during which Franklin was not employed, or at the very least, seeking work. The little leisure time Franklin allowed himself was spent in the pursuit of self-education, by reading books or engaging in conversation or argument with a friend. During most of his life he held down many jobs throughout the city, and had other money coming in from the numerous print shops he had gone into partnership and paid the overhead costs for. 5.

Orange PLCs Organizational Culture and Structure

Orange PLCs Organizational Culture and Structure Introduction: The Orange PLC Company Orange PLC Company is one of the most profitable international companies in the global PC business arena. The company has its headquarters in New York. The New York branch has 250 employees in the three departments of production, marketing, human resource management.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Orange PLC’s Organizational Culture and Structure specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In order to survive and control a sizable share of the global PC industry, Orange PLC Company has endeavored to remain competitive through an organized structure and culture. Thus, this reflective treatise attempts to explicitly review organizational structure, restructure and culture of the Orange PLC Company located in the United States of America. Orange PLC’s Organization Structure Organization structure refers to systems and channels that control the scope of operations in an organizat ion. The organization structure offers an explicit overview of the general operation of a company within efficiency levels (Sylvia Stanley 2008). Work Specialization Knowing how to improve quality is crucial in the growth of a business enterprise. Improved quality has great reward to the Orange PLC Company. Since the production team is permanently employed in the company, they are engaged in the production process to ensure that the company optimizes labor as a factor of production towards efficiency. This is achieved through quality planning of the labor hours of the employees that relate to their specialization, rather than just keeping them on standby (Sylvia Stanley 2008). Besides, the marketing team is constantly trained on the latest marketing models to ensure that they give their best in online and offline marketing of the company’s products. The HRM team has specialized training on efficient performance among the employees to minimize redundancy. Quality planning of work specialization is an important policy that aims to promote long term success in business objectives since it is focused to enhance the effective exploitation of human resources (Sylvia Stanley 2008).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Chain of Command The Orange PLC Company has demonstrated that there exists a complex network behind its formal organizational chart. The teamwork based organization structure actually identifies the hierarchy of the organization structure in order to understand the complex network. In addition, it provides myriad illustrations of the persuasive importance of problem definition within communication contemporary context. Also, the strategies of investigation, ramification, and elements of the problem definition are addressed in its chain of command. The current organization structure of the Orange PLC Company is characterized by a streamlined chain of bureaucracy in the chain of command. The top bracket in the chain of command consists of the five company board of directors who report to the chairman of the company. Under the board of directors are the departmental managers in the three departments of production, marketing, and human resource management. Team supervisors below the departmental managers report directly to managers and are the bridge between employees and the managers. The ordinary employees are grouped into team units consisting of four employees within the same area of specialization. Thus, whenever there is need to communicate an issue to the chairperson, the team cells will pass the information to the supervisors. The hierarchal procedure will be repeated until the chairperson gets the information. For the self-motivated people, this approach allow them to do more spectacular things as a team and not as human machines (Sylvia Stanley 2008). Span of Control Other factors associated with inh ibiting learning in organizations are inappropriate organizational structures, work pressure, entrenched attitudes towards learning, and emphasis on meeting targets (Douglas 2000). Fear and resistance to change in organizations that are characterized by high levels of bureaucracy and inter-functional rivalry are the main reasons that impede learning in such organizations. Fortunately, since every employee in the Orange PLC Company is his or her own boss, the cultural structure of the company has spurred a continuous growth in the competitive market. Related to changes in organizational structure are the variations in job design and new structures which provide the employees with an opportunity within the work activities. Moreover, the Orange PLC organization exhibits flexibility in its organizational structure that enables jobs to be redesigned thus, facilitating work based innovations.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Orange PLC’s Organizational Cul ture and Structure specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Centralization Orange PLC Company has created a healthy work environment and personal growth perspectives that apply to all situations since all the vital controls organs of the company are centralized. Through centralized and properly designed training procedures, talent promotion, and motivation, productive behavior internalization have presented the best alternative ways of solving problems in role execution. Unless employees take a positive attitude to embrace change and create an environment that motivated the change, quantifiable change may just be a dream (Douglas 2000). Formalization The Orange PLC institution is made up of formal systems of monitoring operations, reviewing performance and rewarding achievements. Employees’ behaviors in the company are influenced by the mutual interests that exist between the company and its workers. This mutual interest offers super ordinate objective which can be achieved only through combined determination of the organization (employer) and individual workers in a formalized production control system. Restructuring at the Orange PLC Company Restructuring in an organization refers to the strategies adopted by an organization to introduce an element of change that is meant to improve on the performance of that organization. Restructuring is necessary whenever redundancy becomes the norm of organization performance (Douglas 2000). The Orange PLC Company has restructured to introduce innovation department in the last two years to properly monitor and manage the logistics and challenges that might exist in the transit channels of product improvement. Specifically, restructuring of the production department was necessary in achieving the company’s goal of being the innovation leader in America. The innovative structure was critical in improving leadership skills, evaluation skills, and promoting creativity within th e production department.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As a result, job performance has greatly improved since the attractive rewards for innovation has become a motivational engine among the employees. Orange PLC’s Organization Culture Organizational culture is a manner in which people in a company operate both unconsciously and consciously on their daily activities (Flamholtz Randle 2011). Through understanding the organizational culture, the Orange PLC institution can understand the culture that prevails, drives and supports essential programs within its workforce to accomplish the strategic objectives. Physical structure The physical structures of the Orange PLC’s organization culture promotes positive relationships between favorable and effective job performance and work environment as attributes of motivation and congenial conditions. The structure encourages security, comfort and safety, and prevailing physical convenience. Measuring factors such as interpersonal relations, working conditions, support and trust, we lfare provisions, and work environment has greatly contributed to the organizational effectiveness as well as good employees’ behavior at the Orange PLC. Symbols The Orange PLC Company has identified that the key driver of productivity is employees’ morale. It is revealed that engaged and productive workers are more likely to be creative and interested in their work commitments. Satisfied workers are more eager to create positive results in their work. This element has been embedded in the company unity of purpose symbol designed to create the culture of efficiency and support among the employees. Ceremonies, language and rituals With the need to establish a proactive organizational culture, the Orange PLC Company has developed a discursive approach in explaining and exploring shared and coordinated actions on roles and channels through which organizational framework functions in the exchange of information formally. This is of great essence towards understanding its o rganizational communication. Employees are also allowed to contribute their viewpoints regarding the daily management and operation of the organization. In order for the productivity quotient to become an effective tool, it is appropriate to ensure that workers and the management team both understand the collective perspective of the institution (Douglas 2000). The managers play a significant role in setting up the learning environment for their employees. This culture has created an ideal climate for innovation and communication among the employees. The proactive communication and team work culture at the Orange PLC Company spells the rules of engagement, expected behavior, and repercussions for misconduct. These rules appreciate diversity and uphold integrity in judgment. In the process, issues of prejudice are minimized as diversity develops into a positive aspect of the organization (Flamholtz Randle 2011). Consequently, when people are absorbed and made to feel part of these g oals, they would strive to give their best towards the organization and uphold the existing culture with minimal struggle. References Douglas, R. (2000). Does corporate culture contribute to performance? American international college journal of business, 4(1), 45-47. Flamholtz, E., Randle, Y. (2011). Corporate culture: the ultimate strategic asset. Stanford, UK: Stanford business Books. Sylvia, F., Stanley, K. (2008). Creating competitive advantage through intangible assets: The direct and indirect effects of corporate culture and reputation. Advances in competitiveness research, 16(2), 34-38.