Thursday, January 23, 2020
Trigonometry :: essays research papers
Trigonometry Trigonometry uses the fact that ratios of pairs of sides of triangles are functions of the angles. The basis for mensuration of triangles is the right- angled triangle. The term trigonometry means literally the measurement of triangles. Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that developed from simple measurements. A theorem is the most important result in all of elementary mathematics. It was the motivation for a wealth of advanced mathematics, such as Fermat's Last Theorem and the theory of Hilbert space. The Pythagorean Theorem asserts that for a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. There are many ways to prove the Pythagorean Theorem. A particularly simple one is the scaling relationship for areas of similar figures. Did Pythagoras derive the Pythagorean Theorem or did he piece it together by studying ancient cultures; Egypt, Mesopotamia, India and China? What did these ancient cultures know about the theorem? Where was the theorem used in their societies? In "Geometry and Algebra in Ancient Civilizations", the author discusses who originally derived the Pythagorean Theorem. He quotes Proclos, a commentator of Euclid's elements, "if we listen to those who wish to recount the ancient history we may find some who refer this theorem to Pythagoras, and say that he sacrificed an ox in honor of his discovery". If this statement is considered as a statement of fact, it is extremely improbable, for Pythagoras was opposed to the sacrifice of animals, especially cattle. If the saying is considered as just a legend, it is easy to explain how such a legend might have come into existence. Perhaps the original form of the legend said something like he who discovered the famous figure sacrificed a bull in honor of his discovery. Van der Waerden goes on to comment that he believes the original discoverer was a priest, before the time of Babylonian texts, who was allowed to sacrifice animals and also was a mathematician. This question can never be answered, but evidence that societies used the theorem before the time of Pythagoras can be found. The Theorem is useful in everyday life. For example, at a certain time of day, the sun's rays cast a three foot shadow off a four foot flag pole. Knowing these two lengths, and the fact that the pole forms a ninety degree angle with the ground, the distance from the end of the shadow to the top of the pole can be found without measuring. The first step is to substitute the given data
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil by Claude Monet
Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil The following is an analysis and an interpretation of Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil. This oil on canvas painting can be found in the High Museum of Art. Claude Monet, the artist of this piece painted this in 1873, right as the Impressionism Movement was beginning. Monet played the important role of one of the founders of the Impressionism Movement with his works like Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil. Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil is from a series of paintings that Monet did while in Argenteuil. In the artwork Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil, the lighting used throughout the painting, brushstroke techniques, perspective, and color all play an important role in the piece, as well as in the Impressionism Movement. Impressionist artists attempted to capture candid shots of their subjects outdoors showing the effects of sunlight on different objects at different times of day. Claude Monet was no exception to this statement. Like in Claude Monetââ¬â¢s Rouen Cathedral: The Portal (in Sun) (Garnier, 824), sunlight is an important part in scene created in Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil, though is not the real subject of the piece like it is in Rouen Cathedral: The Portal (in Sun). In Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil, Claude Monet used darker hues of the colors to capture the light and the absence of light throughout the painting. The sun itself cannot be seen, but the intensity of the colors orange, yellow, white, green, and red throughout the tree suggest that there is some sunlight present. The sky is spotted with clouds almost to the point where you canââ¬â¢t see the sky, but there is some blue still seen through the clouds. Monet was obviously wanting to capture the essence of the Autumn season, and did so with the right use of lighting that would not have been possible without the brushstrokes Monet used. The brushstrokes that are used throughout a painting can help classify what movement the painting may have came out of. Impressionist painters created a distinctive short, choppy brushstroke to create better lighting. In painting Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil, Monet uses this technique all over the canvas. At close inspection, the colors red, white, yellow and blue placed side by side looked unintelligible as they are placed throughout the trees on the left side of the painting. At a distance, however, the colors begin to mix into different variations of orange, green, yellow, white, blue, and red, making the palette more interesting. This technique is used on the entire painting. The waterââ¬â¢s reflection of the trees uses the same technique. Like in Claude Monetââ¬â¢s first major Impressionism painting, Impression: Sunrise (Garnier, 823), the painting Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil also uses the brushy strokes. Both use a body of waterââ¬â¢s reflection in the piece, making the water itself more interesting, and giving Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil perspective. The technique most artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface is called perspective. Objects are painted smaller the farther away from the audience is supposed to be, and are painted bigger the closer the audience is supposed to be. A vanishing point is helpful in creating perspective. This technique helps to make up a sense of depth in a piece of art. In Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil, perspective is created by the body of water that is in the foreground of painting. This body of water is going off into the distance in which you cannot see itââ¬â¢s end. In the background, there are buildings that are barely visible, making them appear to be farther away. This technique draws the audienceââ¬â¢s eye to the center of the piece, perhaps at the building that is set of into the distance. Color has value, hues, and intensities that differ from piece to piece. Color can also be broken down into color schemes. Color is always a very important part to any work of art. Impressionism painters usually only used the primary colors blue, red, and yellow in their works, like Monet did in Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil. They did this so they could place the primary colors side by side to create secondary colors like the greens and oranges seen in the trees in Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil. This technique was used because Impressionists believed that color is not a permanent characteristic and changes due to weather, lighting, or reflection, which is true in this painting as the leave are all changing colors. The color of the water in Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil effects the colors of the reflections of the trees, boats, and buildings very little. Impressionism paintings have an overall luminosity because the painters avoided blacks and earth colors. Shadows in the painting are composed of many complimentary colors, like on the sides of the boats on the left side of the water in Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil. Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil by Claude Monet was interesting and very tranquil to analysis and an interpret. This oil on canvas painting can be found in the High Museum of Art, but was originally painted in 1873 in France, right as the Impressionism Movement was beginning. Monet played the important role of one of the founders of the Impressionism Movement with his works like Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil. In the artwork Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil, the lighting used throughout the painting, brushstroke techniques, perspective, and color all play an important role in the piece, as well as in the Impressionism Movement. Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil is an amazing work of art that will not soon be forgotten by its many adoring fans.
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Aristophanes Vs Socrates - 1472 Words
ARISTOPHANES VERSES PLATOââ¬â¢S VIEW OF SOCRATES Studentââ¬â¢s Name Course Name Date Introduction The historical story of Socrates depicts why he was able to attract critics and followers from different geographical locations. A more profound assessment of his biography reveals how his arrogance put him on the wrong side of the law on many occasions throughout his life. It is essential to note that the significance of Socrates contribution to the society cannot be sidelined based on the dynamics which still expose his attributes in line with the perspectives of many experts of the ancient and present times. For example, both Aristophanes and Plato were determined to present their opinions over the life of Socrates . However,â⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦His decision to use the comedic tactic in the play might be avowed to be an effective method which squeezed the interests of the public. This concept is in connection to their views and desires to evaluate Socratesââ¬â¢ legit contribution in the stabilization of westernization and democracy not only in Athens but also, in othe r parts of the world Aristophanesââ¬â¢ Viewpoints The comic play, the Clouds, by Aristophanes negatively mocks Socrates professionalism. In this play, Socrates is portrayed as an unethical character who is willing to use his authority and power to corrupt the minds of the young people who came seeking for his advice. Strepsiades and Pheidippides are used as baits to bring to light how Socrates besmirched the goodwill of the masses and how he mobilized the society to overlook all the laws which were elevated by the authority. He is exposed as the protagonist and the enemy of development and the people. He is described as a head teacher of the Thinkery institution who participates in weird activities like experiments to investigate the number of flea-feet fleas that jump . At this point, it can be argued that the primary objective of the playwright was to show how arrogance can shape the ego of an individual. To clarify further, the philosopher is depicted as a man who trusted his perspectives. He firmly believed that he was the brigh test individual, and therefore, he had the power and ability to understandShow MoreRelatedEssay Clouds vs. The Apology1649 Words à |à 7 Pages Clouds vs. The Apology In Aristophanes Clouds and in Platos Apology we see extensive fictional representations of the historical figure, Socrates, who left us no literary works under his own name. When comparing these two representations, readers often assume, as a result of the nature of the comedic genre, that Aristophanes portrayal of Socrates is exaggerated and fallacious. On the other hand, Platos account is often taken more seriously as a result of the philosophical genre and theRead MoreClassics Essay on the Play Wasps1699 Words à |à 7 Pages * Provide supporting evidence from the literary text you have written Plan Intro Wasps, Aristophanes, symbolism, theme Main Body One Symbolism, how Cleon is portrayed Main Body Two P educated by B, symbolism of a new world. Old vs. new Main Body Three Trial of the dogs, symbolism of greed in the old society, Laches/Labes Con A summary and overall evaluation In the play Wasps written by Aristophanes there is a focus on a single contemporary political issue, the abuse of the judicial systemRead MoreThe Question of Socrates Obedience3243 Words à |à 13 Pagesï » ¿The Question of Socrates Obedience, Supported by Confucius Introduction Is it right to act in ones own best interest, or to obey the state? In other words, was Socrates right to obey the orders of the state of Athens to take poison, or should he have acted to preserve his own life by choosing exile or escaping? In The Trial and Death of Socrates, the question is posed to the philosopher whether it is right to act in ones own best interest or to obey the State. Crito argues that the StatesRead MoreThe Influence of Martin Luther King Jr.3372 Words à |à 14 Pagesrather across the Red Sea, through the wilderness on toward the promised land. And in spite of its magnificence, I wouldnt stop there. I would move on by Greece, and take my mind to Mount Olympus. And I would see Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Euripides and Aristophanes assembled around the Parthenon as they discussed the great and eternal issues of reality. But I wouldnt stop there. I would go on, even to the great heyday of the Roman Empire. And I would see developments around there, through various
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Professional Philosophy Sports Psychology - 778 Words
A potential career that I have in mind is becoming a Sport Psychologist. The first scholarly article I found is titled ââ¬Å"NCAA Athletic Administratorsââ¬â¢ Preferred Characteristics for Sport Psychology Positions: A Consumer Market Analysisâ⬠. The study conducted in this article looks into the market for Sport Psychologist in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). It compares different Athletic administratorââ¬â¢s preferences for sport psychology positions based on time, commitment, affiliation, payment, services, and clients. The next scholarly article I found is titled ââ¬Å"Professional Philosophy in the Sport Psychology Service Delivery: Building on Theory and Practiceâ⬠. The purpose of this article is to explain the role of professional philosophy in sport psychology practice. Examples of how professional philosophy is the foundation of sport psychology practice are shown. And a conceptualization of the philosophy of service through s discussio n of the the necessary components that were grouped using a hierarchy chart are explained. Both of these articles use a unique research process, and have relevance to my potential career path. The article titled ââ¬Å"NCAA Athletic Administratorsââ¬â¢ Preferred Characteristics for Sport Psychology Positions: A Consumer Market Analysisâ⬠uses a consumer marketing approach to look at the market for sport psychology positions. A research tool used was an internet based survey asking 2,976 Athletic administrators what characteristics they preferShow MoreRelatedCareer Philosophy : Coaching Philosophy1189 Words à |à 5 PagesCoaching Philosophy. Coaching is a training in which person supports a student or learner in achieving a personal, professional or specific goal. Coaching is a relationship between two people one of them more experience and can advice and give guidance to the learner. Many of the problems in relationship between coach and players are based on difference in objectives: priority for the long term goal, winning, or having fun. There are different types of coaching philosophy. Iââ¬â¢m going to talk aboutRead MoreReflection Of My Own Personal Development1637 Words à |à 7 Pages1. Within Sports Coaching Literature, it has been established that reflection is a generic term for intellectual and effective activities, in which individuals examine their experiences, in order to develop new understanding and intrapersonal appreciation (Knowles, et al., 2006). Research in this field has advocated reflective practice as an approach to professional development which positively impacts coaching effectiveness (Cropley, et al., 2012). This reflective report shall discuss, analyse andRead More What it takes to become a coach Essay examples1100 Words à |à 5 Pagesplanning for a practice or a game. Many times a person who would like to coach an interschool athletic team has little or no preparation to teach sports skills and techniques. The only qualifications is often the personââ¬â¢s participation on his or her high school, college, or universityââ¬â¢s team, coach of a community youth team or even perhaps as a professional player. While all that experience is valu able in one way or another, it does not constitute an adequate preparation for coaching an interschoolRead More Sports and Gender Essay1653 Words à |à 7 PagesSports become stereotyped as gender-neutral, feminine, or masculine based on conceptions regarding gender, gender differences, and beliefs about the appropriateness of participation due to gender (Colley et al., 1987; Csizma, Wittig, Schurr, 1988; Koivula, 1995; Matteo, 1986). Sports labeled as feminine seem to be those that allow women participants to act in accordance with the stereotyped expectations of femininity (such as being graceful and nonagressive) and that provide for beauty and aestheticRead MoreRegistered Nursing Certification662 Words à |à 3 Pagesdecided that I wanted to pursue a degree in nursing and then move forward to certification and potentially more advanced nursing courses, I began to research nursing theory and help develop a personal philosophy for the kind of nurse I hope to be. To me, the best way to describe my personal philosophy of nursing and what I hope to accomplish is through the Advocacy/Caring theory of Jean Watson. Watson has been a nursing educator for over three decades, and certainly believes that the core of nursingRead MoreThe Role of a Coach: Much More Than Just Sports Essay1354 Words à |à 6 Pagesas someone that teaches people ranging in all ages a particular sport. But what people do not know is that coaching is more than just a position; it is a partnership. ââ¬Å"Coaching is a one-to-one procedure and a connection between an individual and a coach with specific objectives and goals focused on developing potential, improving interactions, and increasing performanceâ⬠(Blanchard, 2013). Coaches are usually an expert in their sport and are willing to push potential achievers to where they want toRead MoreSocial, Sociology, And Sociology857 Words à |à 4 Pagesindividuals who need that extra support. Social work as a subject area includes eleme nts of psychology, law and sociology. Social policy is the study of various areas of policy, within political or governmental setting, and is concerned with everything from the welfare state, to social services. Social policy is an academic study of theory, rather than current policies and draws from psychology, sociology, philosophy, and economics. What A Levels do I need? Each university will ask for varying grades andRead MoreAmericas : The Victim Advocates1131 Words à |à 5 PagesVictim Advocates protect and serve those in need on an unmatchable level. First, it is important to understand what makes someone a ââ¬Å"Victim Advocateâ⬠and explain why the position came to be in the first place. Well, simply put, Victim advocates are professionals trained to support victims of crime. Advocates are expected to provide many things. Some of these include victims information, emotional support, and assistance in an array of things such as finding resources and filling out paperwork. In mostRead MoreCollege Athletes and Scholarships: Not what it Seems1528 Words à |à 7 Pagesschedule, it is easy to forget important things or at the very least ones effectiveness is hindered thus weaken the ability to be successful. There is also a great deal of stress and anxiety that comes with the game. In fact, there is a field of psychology specifically designed for athletes and their mental privation. The mental ailments and lack of free time definitely prohibit athletes from being as successful as they can academically. Conversely, non-athletes have much more time available allowingRead MoreThe Psychology Of Happiness By Saberi Roy Essay1356 Words à |à 6 PagesThe Psychology of Happiness By Saberi Roy | Submitted On September 11, 2011 Recommend Article Article Comments Print Article Share this article on Facebook Share this article on Twitter Share this article on Google+ Share this article on Linkedin Share this article on StumbleUpon Share this article on Delicious Share this article on Digg Share this article on Reddit Share this article on Pinterest Expert Author Saberi Roy A lot has been written about happiness and from psychology to philosophy
Saturday, December 21, 2019
The Bureaucratic System Of Public Administration - 1078 Words
Introduction ââ¬Å"How Kristin Diedâ⬠is a prime example of one of the many issues inherent within the bureaucratic system and the misfortunes that can stem from it. This case forever changed the lives of those involved and unfortunately resulted in the death of Kristin Lardner, a 21 year-old college student, at the hands of Michael Cartier, her estranged boyfriend. It is important to public administration because public administration contains many issues of hierarchy and redundancy. Public administration also has the power to mold the environments where it is present in many ways. This case is strongly related to organizational theory, the relationship organizations have with the environment and how individuals behave within. When presented, the information within the case surrounding the details of Kristinââ¬â¢s death proves that had the bureaucracies involved taken the necessary preventative measures, this tragedy may not have occurred. The main individuals of this case include: Kristin Lardner, Michael Cartier, Tom Case and Rose Ryan. Although others were involved, these individuals had the most influence within the case. Although Lardner was originally from Washington, DC, this event takes place in Boston, Massachusetts, where she attends college in the early 1990ââ¬â¢s. History Cartier showed signs of trouble very early on. As a child it is stated that he would light matches behind a gas stove, and even mutilated his pet rabbit. Due to these acts, Cartierââ¬â¢s mother sentShow MoreRelatedThe Classical Public Administrative Theory1158 Words à |à 5 Pages CLASSICAL PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIVE THEORY Most twentieth century scholars in sociology and the science of administration consider the classical public administrative theory as the early form of organizational theory and accompanied by three main types of management: scientific, administration and bureaucracy. All of these management ideas are linked to different academics. `The scientific management was developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor (1856-1915); the AmericanRead MoreBureaucracy Is An Efficient System Bureaucracy1715 Words à |à 7 Pagesbureaucracy. Although bureaucracy is an efficient system that allows maximum production to occur, bureaucracy has resulted in the loss of individualism and is particularly undemocratic. In public administration, bureaucracy plays a major role in how many institutions function however, tensions arise between democracies and bureaucracies as a result. Bureaucracy and democracy are conflicting forces due to the difference of ideals between the two systems because of: hierarchica l demands, authoritarianRead MoreBureaucracy Is An Indispensable Part Of The Government Essay1082 Words à |à 5 Pages Introduction: Bureaucracy is an indispensable part of the government. A government mainly depends on bureaucratic organization for formulating policy and implementing it. More or less Bangladesh administration is bounded by the ideal type of bureaucracy. In this assignment, we ll try to find out the effectiveness of ideal type of bureaucracy in Bangladesh administration. The word ââ¬Å"Bureaucracyâ⬠was first used by the French economist M. de Gourney in 18th century. It was popularised in the 19thRead MoreThe Role Of Public Administration Within Bureaucracy743 Words à |à 3 Pagesbureaucracy be a good thing? Many Public Administration theorist, argue that bureaucracy is essential to the growth and expansion of the United States. Most of the criticism of the bureaucracy within the government is based on myth versus reality. Federal agencies play a critical and a valuable role within society and are indispensable to the operations of the federal government. Bureaucracy can be simply defined as the system in which decision are made by Public Administrators rather than electedRead MoreBureaucratic Structures : Power And Authority1371 Words à |à 6 Pages Sarah L. Vital Bureaucratic Structures: Power and Authority Dr. Hansen Public Administration and Modern Society September 13, 2015 Power and authority organize people in bureaucratic structures. The hierarchical structure of these organizations dictates the scope of authority that each individual has relative to their respective position. Standardized rules, methods, and procedures within the bureaucratic structure stimulate strict discipline as an essential element for success.Read MorePolice Agencies Are Multifarious Organizations Comprised1073 Words à |à 5 Pageshierarchical relation between citizens and administration. Over the past several years agencies have changed internally and externally. Consequently personnel must upgrade their knowledge, skills, and techniques. Bureaucratic organization is part of contemporary democracies that enrich our understanding of public administration. Adhering to the rules of the organization orders and respect are implemented among the agency. Bureaucratic Organization Public administration involves civil servants that implementRead MorePower, Authority, And Authority1679 Words à |à 7 Pagesauthority organize people in bureaucratic structures. The hierarchical structure of these organizations dictates the scope of authority that each individual has relative to their respective position. Standardized rules, methods, and procedures within the bureaucratic structure stimulate strict discipline as an essential element for success. The organizations are impersonal places to work and do not conform to the needs of the workers. Historically, power and authority in bureaucratic structures has limitedRead MoreThe Bureaucracy Of The United States Bureaucracy1594 Words à |à 7 Pagesdense twist of organizations and branches of government which need to relate to each other in order to serve the public needs of the society. Bureaucracy, as a result, is the internal engine of each public branch of government which coordinate and organize through rules and in a hierarchical way, all the administrators, as to provide an efficient system which is able to satisfy all the public demand of goods and services. However, most of the time it is subject to ridicule and condemnation by the citizensRead MoreMax s Bureaucratic Model With Frederick Riggs Model Essay1169 Words à |à 5 Pages ââ¬Å"Public Administration is the systematic execution of public lawâ⬠. There are various theoretical models that have been developed in terms of the execution of public law. Such models may be identified as the bureaucratic or prismatic models. These models both differ in many ways. This essay will seek to compare and contrast Max Webberââ¬â¢s bureaucratic model with Frederick Riggs Prismatic model. A society in which there is a mixture of traditional and modern structures is recognized as prismaticRead MoreEssay on Leadership of Public Bureaucracies1401 Words à |à 6 PagesLeadership of Public Bureaucracies ââ¬â The Administrator as Cons ervator November 3, 2010 In Leadership of Public Bureaucracies ââ¬â The Administrator as Conservator, Larry D. Terry explores public administration from a relatively new perspective, that of Bureaucratic Leadership, which he describes as historically neglected by scholars. Bureaucratic leadership, according to Terry, is ââ¬Å"â⬠¦institutional leadership in the administration of public bureaucracies within the executive branch of all levels
Friday, December 13, 2019
The Need for Computer Education and Access Free Essays
The need for computer education and access is not a luxury anymore: itâ⬠s a necessity. People from all lifestyles can benefit from the Internet. Recently a local agency was giving a grant expand public access to computer networking. We will write a custom essay sample on The Need for Computer Education and Access or any similar topic only for you Order Now The next question would be is where to place the computers outside of school. Any lifestyle still allows people to have access to the internet. For example mentioned in the articles. A homeless person was able to make her own web page. Which resulted in a job with a good company therefore she was able to get her life back on track. The internet is now considered a necessity because present job skills require familiarity with the internet. According to the article â⬠access to the internet is an important part of civic life as parks, public transit, libraries, and cultural centersâ⬠. Another reason the internet is a necessity is community assets. Some examples are crime-fighting efforts within the community, accessibility to investigate crimnial active when buying real estate. According to the chart 10 Community Networks, some networks have been place throughout the Eastern part of the U.S. Accessibility has been made possible for recycling programs for the disabled, low-income neighborhoods, and participates in public web markets. Having public access to the people has had many positive impacts on the society as a whole. Itâ⬠s helped lifestyles, itâ⬠s become a necessity and accessibility had been made possible. The Internet provides information to everyone. How to cite The Need for Computer Education and Access, Papers
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Princeton Acceptance Essay Example For Students
Princeton Acceptance Essay A creek is no place for shoes. I think its unreasonable to ask such children to keep their shoes on in such a place. My bare feet were always covered with calluses from walking down the rough pavement of Pine Street and around the corner, past the tall oaks, but not as far as the Lindsays squeaky old swing-set. It was hard to see from the road, and as far as I could tell, nobody ever went there, except for me. Large pines nearby stood tall and erect, looking down at the ripples and currents that nudged each other about playfully, like children in the back seat of a car on a long drive. Stones and pebbles lined the shallow bottom and allowed the water to glide in creative patterns over their smooth surfaces. Larger, moss covered rocks dotted the back and provided ideal spots for a child to sit around watch and wonder. The creek taught me things; it was my mentor. Once I discovered tadpoles in several of the many eddies and stagnant pools that lined the small rivulet. A cupped hand and a cleaned-out mayonnaise jar aided me in clumsily scooped up some of the more slothful individuals. With muddy hands and knees, I set them on the kitchen table and watched them on a daily basis as they developed into tiny frogs. I was fascinated by what was taking place before my eyes, but new questions constantly puzzled me. Dad was usually responsible for assuaging these curiosities. He told me about different kinds of metamorphosis and how other creatures lived in the water that I couldnt see without a fancy magnifying glass. By the creek, my mind was free to wonder. I remember sitting on a mossy rock and watching birds; I used to pretend I was one. As my body lay still, my imagination would take flight. High above, looking down on this stream from the pale blue heavens, the wind whistled over my face and the sun warmed my body. When my eyes flickered open, it was usually time to go home. Sometimes I even did. I was always up for a challenge. My neighbor and I used to jump from rock to rock in a kind of improvised hopscotch obstacle course that tested our balance and agility against one another. He was four years older and I had to practice every morning when he was at school. On the rare occasions that I outdid him, I wore a goofy smirk for the rest of the day. The creek was a frontier. The stream extended far into the depths of the woods. I thought that if I wondered too far into its darkness, I might be consumed by it and never heard from again. Gradually overcoming my fears, I embarked on expeditions and drafted extensive maps using my fathers old compass, a sheet of paper, and a few colored pencils. As my body grew in height and weight, my boundaries grew in extent and breadth. Years later, I happened to be walking to a friends house by way of the creek. It occurred to me that what was once an expedition was now merely a shortcut. Although I had left this stream behind, I found others: New questions and freedoms, new challenges and places to explore. But this creek would remain foremost in my memory, whatever stream, river, or ocean I might wade. Acceptance Essays
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