Career Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Career Plan - Essay Example These alterations have further attracted the focus of the career planners towards issues concerning the regular job hours, stress level on-the-job, remunerations, growth opportunities as well as versatility in the job responsibilities. Following the determination of these aspects on the basis of the academic skills, cognitive competencies and economic abilities of the candidate, the career path is selected (Fogg, Harrington and Harrington 21-30). Considering these issues, I wish to select my career option as a corporate lawyer. However, owing to the fact that the industrial contexts are rapidly changing which might alter the attributes which I had considered when selecting upon the career option of a corporate lawyer, I have decided the job role of a law professor as my second career option. This paper will therefore attempt to discuss upon my career choices and their attributes which should be taken into concern when developing myself as a prospective candidate for the intended job positions. The strong inspirations to influence me for considering about corporate lawyer as a career option have been my family and friends who knew people from a similar career. Even the friends who were associated with businesses advised me to take up the option as a worthy career choice after identifying my skills and hard-working nature. Contextually, after reviewing various articles and consulting with my professors along with the people whom my friends knew as corporate lawyers, I was able to understand that the job responsibilities in relation to this particular career is quite challenging. Undoubtedly, the sustenance as well as the legal viability of a corporate entity relies upon the shoulders and competitiveness of the lawyer which further determines the livelihood of many people. I also observed that corporate lawyers in today’s highly competitive scenario need to handle multiple deals at once, which further creates

Defendant Ling’s Market Essay Example for Free

Defendant Ling’s Market Essay Facts: Kim was shopping for dinner at Ling’s Market, as Kim entered she slipped and fell due to the water accumulated on the floor (that the manager was aware of) because of the high winds and rain that blew into the Market each time the door was opened. Kim suffered a back injury as a result of the fall. Kim filed suit against Ling’s Market, the defendant, arguing that Lings performed a â€Å"tort of negligence† due to their absence of a warning about the wet floor, and disregard in the exercise of a â€Å"reasonable degree of care to protect business invitees. † Issue: To prove that the defendant, Ling’s should be liable for Kim’s injuries, the plaintiff, must prove that Lings did not in fact exercise a reasonable degree of care to protect Kim and warn her about the wet floor hazard due to the absence of a warning sign or cones, and committed a tort of negligence. Is the lack of a warning sign a tort of negligence, and should it be mandated that Lings is liable for Kim’s injuries suffered as a result of the fall? Decision: The plaintiff feels that the defendant, Ling’s Market, should in fact be liable for Kim’s injuries she suffered as a result of the fall, and a tort of negligence has been committed due to the lack of a reasonable degree of care to protect business invitees. Reasons: At www.barronstad.com it states that â€Å"A business owner is required to use due care to keep the premises presumably safe for customers, or at least to warn them of dangers that might arise from their use of the premises.† According to the author of the text, explains that a â€Å"tort of negligence occurs when someone suffers injury because of another’s failure to live up to the required duty of care.† The defendant, Lings, owed a duty of care to Kim and had breached said duty. As a result Kim suffered a legally recognizable injury. By not providing a caution sign of some sort, Lings did not adhere to the â€Å"duty of care†. The plaintiff argues that the lack in a caution sign or warning of the half inch of water standing on the floor, with the manager knowing about the danger, is in violation of Lings, duty of care. The manager knew the condition of the floor, which was a direct result of more than the mere tramping of many feet under the conditions of weather then existing. The plaintiff argues that the excess water standing on the floor (one half inch) was a foreseeable risk that the business operator (manager) was aware about and should have posted a warning about the danger. If the defendant had posted a caution about the inherent danger the plaintiff, Kim, would have been more liable to avoid the outcome (Kim’s back injury). Citations: http://www.barronstad.com/resources/resources_personal_injury http://www.lawteacher.net/tort-law/cases Miller/Jentz, 9th Ed. Text, Ch 4, pg 112-115.

Male Lung Cancer Patients Social Support and Death Anxiety

Male Lung Cancer Patients Social Support and Death Anxiety Rajput Nitu Abstract One of the major challenges faced by India is the rapid growth of lung cancer and its divesting impact upon human life. The lung cancer patients suffering from severe death anxiety and also needs a lot of social support. The present investigation has been undertaken in order to study the social support and death anxiety of lung cancer patients in relation to age. Purposive sample was used to select lung cancer patients from civil hospital in the city of Ahmadabad. The total sample size was of 90 male populations, which were divided into two groups. The first group was 60 lung cancer patients, who were divided into two age groups 31 to 40 and 41 to 50 years age groups. The second group was on 30 normal subjects who were also divided two age groups 31 to 41 and 41 to 50 year’s age groups. PGI social support scale and death anxiety scale were used for data collection. The t test technique was adopted for data analysis, t was found for difference between normal subject and lung ca ncer patients. The study found that there was significant difference between lung cancer patients and normal population in social support and death anxiety. It was found that there was no significant difference between 31 to 40 and 41 to 50 years lung cancer patient age groups. Lung cancer patients suffering from more death anxiety and they receive more social support compared than normal population. Social support and death anxiety of male lung cancer patients in relation to age. Lung cancer has become one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in developed countries and is also rising at an alarming rate in developing countries. Despite the advances made in diagnosis and treatment in the last few decades, the prognosis of lung cancer is still very poor (Parsons, 2010).The most common cause of lung cancer is long-term exposure to tobacco smoke (Merck Manual Professional Edition â€Å"lung carcinoma tumors of the lung, 2007). Lung cancer forms in tissues of the lung, usually in the cells lining air passages (U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2010). Projection estimates from the WHO has shown that by the year 2030, cancer will account for 12% of deaths in India (WHO, 2010). Cancer pain is not a purely physical experience but involves complex aspects of human functioning, including personality, affect, cognition, and behavior, coping and social relations. Research on psychological factors influencing cancer pain has focused on two main areas: Psychological distre ss and pain coping. Numerous Studies have examined the relationship between cancer pain and various forms of psychological distress. Social Support Social support may be viewed as a part of the coping process in living with a chronic strain such as a chronic illness like cancer (Thoits, 1986). Consequently, the chronic strain/psychological adjustment relationships is likely to be mediated by moderator variables such as social support (Katz and Vami, 1993). Social supports are commonly defined as function performed for an individual under stress by significant others such as family members, friends, or professionals (Nelles, 1991). Rose (1990) determined the dimensions and characteristics of components of support functions in 64 non hospitalized adult cancer patients. They showed distinctiveness of primary network members by their overall preference for tangible aid from family, for modeling from friends who had cancer, and for open communications and clarifications from health professionals. Family and friends were equally preferred for dealing with affective reactions to the stressfulness of cancer. Houston and Kendall (1992) e xamined this aspect by studying patients with lung cancer. They found that patients who are encouraged to and permitted to verbalize their feelings by a friend or staff who is interested in, empathetic, and non-judgmental are better able to overcome feelings of anxiety and fear, and they progress through the stages of the illness process easily. Ell (1992) examined the relationship between social relationships and social support and survival following a first diagnosis of breast, colon, or lung cancer in 294 patients. Results suggest that the emotional support provided by the primary network members was a critical factor explaining the relationship between indicators of social relationship and mortality. Rose (1993) measures the processes and outcomes of emotional support in interactions between adult cancer patients and health providers. Emotional support processes were assesses as desired support, received support, and congruence. The older patients were found to expect intimacy a s the most important, whereas the younger patients felt that being able to ventilate their feelings was the most important. In addition, the older patients received less emotional support from providers than did middle -aged patients, but younger patients were more inclined than the other 2 groups to feel that the emotional support they received was not congruent with support they desired. Aymanns (1995) studied the interrelationships between the coping behaviors of 169 cancer patients and perceived amount and adequacy of family support, as well as the role of these factors in predicting psychosocial adjustment to cancer. Survey data suggested that cognitive strategies of coping may be more effective in mobilizing family support than behavioral strategies. Klein (1994) explored the relationship of daily hassles demand of illness, and social support to the psychosocial adjustment of people with newly diagnosed, primary lung cancer. It was found that the participants report relatively high social support, low hassles, moderately low demand of illness, and positive adjustment. Death Anxiety Patients with cancer experience the approaching of death, which increases their fear of dying and the intensity of suffering. Cancer carries the threat of death and during the stage in which they may be approaching their last days; patients can experience the approach of death with increased fear of dying and fear of increasing pain intensity. Studies have attempted to explore the components of death anxiety. Adelbratt and Strang, (2000) studied death anxiety among 20 patients with brain tumors and 15 of their next of kin. Death anxiety has been analyzed with reference to various socio-demographic factors and most frequently with age. Tsai, (2004) conducted a study in 224 patients with terminal cancers admitted to the Palliative Care Unit. The severity of death fear decreased gradually in both groups after being admitted to the hospice. However, the elderly (≠¥ 65 years of age) displayed higher levels of death fear than the younger group at two days before death. A significant n egative correlation was observed between the degree of death fear and the total good death score in both groups at two days before. The relationship between death anxiety and other personal factors were examined in some of the studies. Grumman and Spiegel, (2003) conducted a study among twelve cancer patients to determine their approach towards death anxiety. The results indicated the presence of significant death anxiety among the subjects. It was also reported that they were troubled by unresolved issues and higher anxiety and pain. The majority of the subjects expressed a desire to actively discuss their impending death and more than half of the patients reported being afraid of death and high death anxiety was associated with fear of dying in pain, high peak or usual pain, unresolved issues, and difficulty in parting with family in death. Most subjects experienced their religious faith as an important source of comfort and strength.In some of the studies, death anxiety was found to be related to affective factors such as anxiety and depression Mystakidou, (2005) reported significant correlation between death anxiety depression and anxiety among terminally ill cancer patients. On the whole, the studies suggest that death anxiety is related to age, state of illness, and other affective components such as anxiety and depression, fear of being separated from significant others indicating the possible existence of an affective network related to death anxiety. Method Sample: The sample size of this study was 90 male subjects. Subjects were divided into two groups. The fist groups was experimental groups which included 60 male lung cancer patients, and the second groups was control groups which consisted of 30 normal and physically fit male. Male lung cancer patients and normal male subjects will be sub-divided into two age groups :- (1) 31 to 40 years age groups. (2) 41 to 50 years age groups. Out which 31 to 40 years 30 male lung cancer patients and 41 to 50 years 30 male lung cancer. Research Design: The general objective of present study is to find the significant difference between social support and death anxiety of lung cancer patients and normal subjects. In particular, t was found difference between social support and death anxiety of normal subject and lung cancer patients. t will also be found for difference in means between the two age groups. Research Tools: P.G.I social support questionnaire (SSQ):- social support questionnaire constructed and standardized by (Dr. Ritu Nehra, Dr. Parmanand Kulhara, and Dr. Santosh K. Verma, 1998). Thakur death anxiety scale (TDAS):- Death anxiety scale constructed and standardized by(Giridhar Prasad and Manju Thakur, 1984). Both SSQ and TDAS test provide consistent, reliable and valid scores. Research Procedure: The above mentioned two scales were administered on the selected sample of lung cancer patients and normal subjects. Some personal information was also collected with bio-data sheet prepared for the same purpose. After establishing rapport with each lung cancer patients and normal persons respectively and Social Support Scale and death anxiety scale were administered in Individual setting, scoring of eachtool was done by the scoring key of each tool. After respondent completed answered the test, it was checked whether all the items were answered completely. Scoring and interpretation was done using the standard scoring key given in test manual. In particular, t was found difference between social support and death anxiety of normal subject and lung cancer patients. t will also be found for difference in means between the two age groups. After the discussion the result were summarized and concluded according to the design of research study. Result: Table no .1 The mean of social support of lung cancer patients and normal subject’s were 49.75, 37.87 and SD 7.48, 5.10. The obtained‘t’ value is 8.86 significant at 0.01 levels. Hence it is concluded that lung cancer patients and normal subjects have significant difference to level of social support. The above table shows that lung cancer patients receive more social support compared than normal subjects. The mean of social support of 31 to 40 and 41 to 50 years lung cancer patients were 51.2, 48.3 and SD 7.80, 6.9. The obtained’t’ value is 1.53 no significant at 0.01 levels. Hence it is concluded that 31to 40 and 41 to 50 years lung cancer patients have no significant difference to level of social support. The above table shows there is a no significant difference between the mean scores of two age groups on social support. The mean of death anxiety of lung cancer patients and normal subject’s were 57.92, 46.03 and SD 6.73, 10.48. The obtained‘tâ €™ value is 5.69 significant at 0.01 levels. Hence it is concluded that lung cancer patients and normal subjects have significant difference to level of death anxiety. The above table shows that lung cancer patients are suffer more death anxiety compared than normal subjects and there is a significant difference between the mean scores of cancer patients and normal subjects on death anxiety. The mean of death anxiety of 31 to 40 and 41 to 50 years lung cancer patients were 59.86, 55.97 and SD 6.22, 6.67. The obtained’t’ value is 2.32 significant at 0.01 levels. Hence it is concluded that 31to 40 and 41 to 50 years lung cancer patients have significant difference to level of death anxiety. The above table shows there is significant difference between the mean scores of two age groups on death anxiety. Discussion: From the results obtained in the present study it is found that there is a significant difference between social support of lung cancer patients and normal person. The study clearly portrays that the cancer patients receive more social support more than normal persons. These people require someone to sit with them, listen to their expression of feeling and thoughts. Weismen and wortman (1975) found that emotional support was helpful when it came from family members and they also found that social support at the time of diagnosis was associated with less emotional distress and longer duration of life. Moreover, sharing cancer experiences with other group members has positive effects, as participating in the group helps to develop effective coping strategies and improves emotional adaptation (Spiegel, 1981). Till the twentieth century, most patients with cancer were cared for by their families. By the 1930, cancer began to receive wider attention from the medical research community and soon several national cancer society’s by professionals came into existence. In the US, training of social workers for assistance of patients with cancer provided the first professional discipline devoted to the care of the psychosocial issues of patients with cancer. It is also found that there is no significant difference between social support of 31 to 40 years and 41 to 50 years lung cancer patients. There is significant difference between death anxiety of lung cancer patients and normal parsons. Tolor(1989) see the relationship between subjective life expectancy, death anxiety and general anxiety patients with cancer experience the approaching of death , which the intensity of suffering cancer carries the threat of death and during the stage in which they may be approaching their last days. Age difference on death anxiety found that 31 to 40 year’s lung cancer patients significantly high death anxiety than 41 to 50 year’s lung cancer patients. Thorson and Powel, (1998) emphasized age difference in death Anxiety. Study conducted in elder and younger women diagnosed with breast cancer to know the effect of age difference on death anxiety found that younger women had significantly high death anxiety. The element of death anxiety was of principal concern to the younger women. On the whole, the studies suggest that death anxiety is related to age, state of illness, and other affective components such as anxiety and depression, fear of being separated from significant others indicating the possible existence of an affective network related to death anxiety. REFERENCES Adelbratt, S., Strang. (2000). Death anxiety in brain tumor patients and their spouse.Palliative Medicine.14(6), 499-507.Retrieved from:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/. Aymans P, Filipp SH, Klauer T (1995), Family Support and Coping with Cancer:Some determinants and adaptive correlates. Special Issue: Psychology and Health,British fournalofSocial Psychology,34(1),107-124. Blanchard CG,Albrecht TL, Ruckdeschel J.C, et a1 (1995), The role of social support in adaptation to cancer and to survival. Special issue: Psychosocial Resources Available in Cancer Studies: Conceptual and Measurement Issues.10urnal of Psychosocial Oncology13(1-3):75-95. Bloom JR(1982), Social Support, Accommodation to Stress and Compas BE, Worsham NL, EyS,and Howell DC(1996),When Mom or Dad has Cancer:II. Coping, Cognitive Appraisals, and Psychological Distress in Children of Cancer Patients. Journal of Health Psychology,15(3:167–175. Gurowka KJ, and ES (1995), Supportive and Unsupportive Interactions as perceived by Cancer Patients. Social Work in Health Care, 21(4);71–88. Henrichs MH and Schmale AH (1993) Principles of Psvchosocial Oncology. In-Cancer:Principles and practice of Oncologv. ~ditedby De Vita VT, Hellman S, Rosenberg. 4h edition, Phladelphia: J.B. Lippincott. Houston SJ and Kendall JA (1992), Psychosocial Implications of Lung Cancer.Nurses Clinics ofNorth America,27(3):681–690. Katz ER and VarniJW(1993), Social Support and Social Cognitive Problem-Solving in Children with Newlv diagnosed Cancer.CANCERSupplement, 71 (10):3314–3319. Klemm PR (1994), Variables Influencing Psychosocial Adjustment in Lung Cancer: A Prelinlinary Study.Oncology Nursing Forum,21(6):1059–1062. Mor V, Allen S, and Malin M (1994), The Psvchosocial Jmpact of Cancer on Older Vs Younger Patients and their ~amiiiesC.ancer Supplement,74(7): 2118-2126. Nelles WB, McCaffrey RJ, Blanchard CG, and Ruckdeschel JC (1991), Social Supports and Breast Cancer: A Review.oztrnal of PsychosocialOncology,9(2). Rose JH (1990), Social Support and Cancer: Adult patients desire for support from family, friends and health professionals.American Iournal ofConzmunity Psychology,18(3):439–436. Thoits PA(1986),Social support as coping assistance.]ournu1 of Consulting Clinical Psychology,54;416–423. Wortman C and Conway TL(1985),The role of social support in adaptation and recovery from physical illness. In Social Support and Health (edited by C:hen S and Syme L)(281302),Orlando,FL:Academic Press

Modernism In Works of T.S. Elliot And James Joyce Essay -- Literature

Introduction: Modernism is a word that is generally used to understand "new and distinctive features in the subjects, forms, concepts and styles of literature and the other arts in the early decades of the present century, but especially after World War I." (Abrams 167) More often than not "Modernism" engages in "deliberate and radical break" (Abrams 167) with some of the more traditional foundation of art and culture. Peter Childs in his book Modernism remarks "Modernism has almost universally been considered a literature of not just change but crisis" (p. 14, Unit Reader p. 12). This essay will discuss and assess the value of this statement through the parts of the poem "The Waste Land" as well as "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" both of which were written by eminent poet T.S. Eliot and a short story from "Dubliners" named "Eveline" by James Joyece. Both the Poems and the short story in some way celebrate the practical and existent picture of life and culture and the changes with in them. This essay will firstly discuss the poem "The Waste Land" secondly it will discuss "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" thirdly the short story "Eveline" from the "Dubliners" and lastly it will discuss the how the discussions have helped to extend the understanding of the concept of Modernism. The Waste Land Section I: "The Burial of the Dead": This section of the "Waste Land" can be distinguished as a modified dramatic monolog. The four speakers in this part, who are very much frustrated by out side circumstances (a change and crisis) like war, are in dire need of speaking their hearts out but find themselves surrounded by dead people. The poem uses a partial rhyme scheme. The inclusion of language other than English make... ...through made her transform in a different way. Everything for her changes even after her discission to stay in Dublin. Modernism is a very different form of literature than those which were written before the First World War. Through the poems by T.S. Eliot and the short story by James Joyce one thing was evident; the impact of war was the biggest motivation behind all three pieces of writing. Another thing that was apparent was the fact that people were more concern about their individuality at that time which became prominent in the writings as well. Modernism began in a time where the war had shattered both the exterior and the interior of European culture and people embarked on thinking differently and new forms of realisations were embarking. These new realisations and ideas were channelled through different forms of literature and art and formed Modernism.

Pros and Cons of High Fructose Corn Syrup Essay -- Artificial Sweetene

High-Fructose Corn Syrup Abstract: High-fructose corn syrup is a commonly used artificial sweetener in foods. High-fructose corn syrup is a hydrolyzed version of ordinary corn syrup, which is produced via a steeping process. It is so widely used because it is both economically favorable and it helps to preserve food for extended periods of time. However, the drawbacks of high-fructose corn syrup include issues like potential obesity, diabetes, loss of liver function, malnutrition, and cancer. The fact that the producers of high-fructose corn syrup can deceive people that HFCS is harmless makes matters worse. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is an artificial sweetener commonly used in the United States. As its name implies, this sweetener is derived from agricultural corn. All high fructose corn syrups are corn syrups whose fructose content has been increased via enzymatic processes and then mixed with pure corn syrup. There are several different formulations of high-fructose corn syrup. The product sold in the United States (HFCS #2) has the following composition: moisture, 29%; dry substance, 71% D.S.; dextrose, 50% D.S.; ash, 0.03 D.S.; and nitrogen, 0.002% D.S. The amounts of dextrose, fructose, and other saccharides may vary slightly in HFCS #3, but the analysis is fairly consistent. HFCS #1 hasn’t been commercially sold specifically for consumer consumption in the U.S. for many years. Instead, it is used by food producers in their products. 2 The process by which high fructose corn syrup is made is complicated. To start, ordinary corn syrup must be obtained. Then, enzymatic processes increase its original sweetness. To produce the basic un-enhanced corn syrup, wet milling is a commonly used technique. Wet-milling includ... ...Jones. 2006. 24 July 2008. . Forristal, Linda. â€Å"The Murky World of High-Fructose Corn Syrup.† Westonaprice.org. Ed. Linda Forristal. 2003. 24 July 2008. . Inglett, George E. Symposium: Sweeteners. Westport, Connecticut: The Avi Publishing Company, Inc., 1974. HFCSFacts.com. 2008. The Corn Refiners Association. 25 July 2008. Steindom, Joel. â€Å"My Food Manifesto, Part One: The Bad News.† Steidom.com. Ed. Joel Steindom, Heather Steindom. 2007. 24 July 2008. . National Academy of Sciences (U.S.). Sweeteners: Issues and Uncertainties. Washington, D.C.: National Academy of Sciences, 1975. Lachmann, Alfred. Starches and Corn Syrups. New Jersey: Noyes Data Corporation., 1970.

Determination of Interest Rates Essay

Interest rates are the payments one makes to another as the cost of borrowing funds. Interest rates should be equal to different borrowers under the same prevailing economic conditions. Various factors come into play to determine the interest rate to be paid by a borrower. This paper explores the factors used in determining the prevailing interest rates. Among the factors used to determine interest rates are credit quality, local and world economic and political conditions (Lando 143). In addition, the demand and supply of funds also determine the interest rates set on borrowings. The borrower always has a feeling that the interests charged are the best deal and that better returns will accrue from the funds borrowed. In the same manner, the lender should also feel the interest charged would have the best returns. Credit quality refers to the capability of investors to pay under a given economic situation. Interest rates are charged in direct proportionality to credit quality (Singleton et al 56). Big businesses and government can easily pay for the loans borrowed plus the interests charged. An investor may also compare the opportunity cost of money over a given period. The economic condition may be in a state of either inflation or deflation, forcing the lender to consider the opportunity cost of funds over a given period. An increase in inflation rate results in an increased rate since the expected inflation rate is also accounted for in the rates set (Sullivan et al 505-506). For instance, if in a situation without inflation, the interest rate is 4%, then this becomes 7% if the inflation rate is 3%. The declining value of collateral due to inflation may affect a borrower’s ability to pay. This will increase the risks associated with the repayment ability of the borrower. The higher risks are therefore included in the interest rate charged. Political subsidies by governments also influence interest rates. Governments can lower the interest rates on borrowers by subsidizing certain loans such as college student loans, public housing loans, and other public work program loans. Conclusion Interest rates, the excess on a borrowed money paid to the lender by the borrower, is determined by many factors. The main factor is the prevailing economic conditions. These could be inflation or deflation. The government may also subsidize certain type of borrowers to motivate them to borrow. The ability of the borrower to pay, the credit quality, is also a vital determinant of interest rates.

Major trends in corrections Essay

Functions of photography in police investigation: It can be to heal- using of photography, the investigator solved the crime by examining the photograph and identify who is the perpetrator. It can be to inform It can be to record- to record the crime scene itself and to record the evidence. It can be to influence It can be to entertain It can be to transform It can be to preserve- to preserve all the evidence that captured in the crime scene. Even though the crime scene is cleaned there are the photographs to be examined. It can be to decorate It can be to use- used in examining crime scene. And it is used as evidence. It can be to play 2010: The year of the correctional officerIn a year of tightened budges, officer furloughs, and increased media attention, officers stood strong.| By Barry EvertEvery year I am asked to write about the year prior. Quite honestly, I rarely agree to this because it usually has little training value. This year, though, I have made the exception. 2010 was a lot of things to a lot of people. Overall, probably, it was a rough year for most reading this. 2010 was not the year of the dragon, or the year of the dog; it was the year of the Correctional Officer.Budget cuts was the song sung from high at almost every capitol building in the country. Politicians proudly paraded themselves as the saviors of the economy as they slashed public safety budgets to new lows. At the same time new spending programs were put into place for everything from the protection of tree frogs to building bridges to nowhere. At the bottom of this pile was corrections. Many police agencies were able to scream loudly enough to get enough funding to keep their departments running, albeit barely. When Corrections agencies made the same call, we were largely ignored. Many states implemented a â€Å"furlough† program, or something similar, that cut the salaries of the lowest paid employees. On top of this, training was cut to an all time low, while the hiring of new officers was frozen. Simple math tells us that it was also time for a whole generation of officers to retire. They have yet to be replaced, so mandatory overtime is the norm. During the build-up of the popularity of crack cocaine in the early 80’s, crime rose to an all time high. Incarceration rates shot through the roof at the same time. This, along with tougher sentencing laws, led to a wave of prison building and hiring. By the early 90’s, most departments had outgrown themselves, and were desperately hiring as many people as they could. Those officers are now due to retire. Few states took this into consideration, so as we entered this year under budget cuts, we were expected to do more with less — much less.So was 2010 a loss? Not exactly. Through all of this, the community has learned an important lesson if they choose to look. In almost any other profession, these reductions in pay, along with an increase in danger at the working environment, would have led to catastrophic work stoppages, or large scale protests. But no one walked away from their duties. No one went on strike. And to the best of my knowledge, there were only a few small scale protests by officers. At the end of the day, feeling underappreciated and underpaid, correctional officers punch the clock after protecting society from those they have incarcerated. With many of the resources cut or gone, we went about our business and did our job. Yes, some mistakes were made. Many were due to a lack of resources or just plain tired officers making mistakes. With fewer resources in place, and with less staff, the average officer worked even harder than usual, and did so at a discounted salary.No walk-outs, no â€Å"blue flu,† no rebellion. I would never have expected less from us as a group, but others are starting to take note. People who have never dealt with corrections are starting to understand our predicament. It was not because we sat on the floor and threw a temper tantrum about our working conditions, but it was through our continued dedication to the safety of the public, regardless of what was thrown at us, that people are starting to take note of us. 2010 was the year of the Correctional Professional. I have never been prouder to be part of a group of people than I am today. I realized this about 6 months ago when I overheard several officers talking. The officers were discussing a major union conference that had just taken place. During this conference, the possibility of striking had come up. It was decided at this conference that the membership of this union could vote to strike if they felt it necessary. The officers were discussing the possibility of a strike. By the time the 5 minute conversation was over, all of the officers walked away agreeing that there was no way they would ever strike, even if it was legal to do so. The reasons ranged from not wanting to leave their brothers and sisters behind, to feeling that they were officers first, union members second. Do you think this conversation would have been the same had it been on the floor of a factory?This sentiment quickly spread throughout the state, and it was made clear to this union that striking is not now, and never will be an option; it would be better to resign. This came out of the mouths of officers who, like me, had suffered a 15% pay reduction, an increase in their medical payments, and an increase in retirement contributions. Many officers have lost their homes, or have had members in their family, or themselves, take on another job. Through it all they are still dedicated.This is why this has been the year of the Correctional Officer. Although this has been a tough year, and things are not looking any better for next year, people on the outside are getting to see us for who we really are. How many times have we said: â€Å"If people only knew what we went through.† The people are listening, so speak wisely and keep your head up. Don’t ever forget why you wear that uniform, and continue to be the proud, dedicated officers we know you can be.So I raise my glass as we pass through the last part of this year, to all of those we lost this year. To all of our brothers and sisters who have made the ultimate sacrifice: You are not forgotten. To all of us who continue to protect, I say: Bravo! The people are finally starting to listen. Make sure you are saying the right things.Be safe out there folks, and party sanely.