Essay --

Do the names Chaucer, Webster, or Dickens ring any bells? They are only a few of the greatest English poets, playwrights, and novelists of all time! Their writings have influenced many poets and novelists over the years and still influence new authors today. One of the most influential authors in English literature is Geoffrey Chaucer, whom many thought of as â€Å"the greatest English poet of the Middle ages†. Chaucer is known for Troilus and Criseyde, The Book of Duchess, and The Canterbury Tales. Troilus and Criseyde, tells the tragic story of the Trojan prince Troilus, falling in love with Criseyde. With the help of Pandarus, her uncle, Troilus wins Criseyde’s heart. Calchas, Criseyde’s father, persuades the Greeks to release Antenor, a prisoner of war, in exchange for his daughter. Troilus tells Criseyde he wants to elope, but instead Criseyde promises to return in ten days. Upon arriving with the Greeks, she soon realizes she won’t be able to keep her promise and decides to accept Diomedes, the Greek warrior and king, as her new lover. Another acclaimed work of Chaucer’s is The Boo...

“Words Can Hurt You!”

Have you ever been hurt by someone’s words? Words can’t hurt is a controversial statement. Being criticized for your intelligence, race or even where you live, can hurt you physically or emotionally. When I was little, people would tell me I was fat and ugly. I often felt like a symbol (word, sound or visual device that represents an object, sound, concept, or experience) trapped around referent (thing that a symbol represents). I didn’t feel welcome around a certain group of kids. However, my teachers and family would tell me the exact opposite and say words cannot hurt me, but in reality, they did.I thought (mental process of creating an image, sound, concept, or experience triggered by a referent or symbol) everyday would be a better day at school because some people would be positive towards me, but before I changed my lifestyle it was wishful thinking. Going to school every day was fun most of the time until someone had to say something cruel. I disagree wit h the statement words can’t hurt, because they do. Why do people say words don’t hurt, and how exactly are people hurt by those negative remarks? If words don’t hurt, then why do African-Americans get mad when called â€Å"negro†?All through middle school, I was called â€Å"rat boy† for some odd reason. One person told me it didn’t matter because I didn’t have to listen to them. It was hard to do this through my middle school life. It aggravated me and I wanted to move away and go into a deep state of isolation. Finally in eighth grade, most of my peers saw that it made me angry and they quit. It doesn’t matter the type of person you are, I was a three sport athlete that had good grades and still got made fun of. Over the years, my peers have changed. I got into my college classes and my life became pleasant once again.I met a guy at my best friend’s house that thought I was funny and we connected. Being African America n, he is known as a â€Å"Negro† and knew how I felt when I was called â€Å"rat boy†. I grew up being told negative thoughts about my size. This guy not only makes me feel good about myself on the outside, but has helped me find the little girl who was still lost inside a body full of happiness. I would use profanity (words considered obscene, blasphemous, irreverent, rude, or insensitive) to get other's attention, and not realize it how uglier I sounded.I did it to try and fit in and only made it worse. Since words can hurt people, who started the whole false idea about how they don’t hurt? Words can upset you physically or emotionally or you’ll never forget what the bully said to you. I remember back when I was in first grade, one of the other kids at recess called me small fry; he was older than me and thus bigger. I was angry towards him that whole school year, and it still makes me mad when people call me small fry or short.I was around seven when i t happened, I’m twenty-one now, and I still get disgusted by that kid. In my case I was injured emotionally and I never forgot how much it hurt me. Since then my size has changed, but it is very unbalanced. People now are different and don’t vilify me anymore. All through my education at public schools, I have been ridiculed about my size. Being a junior in college and five foot seven inches, I’m considered average. This time in life I can honestly say, I haven’t encountered bullies near as much.It may have been because I took what was being thrown in my face and changed myself. I try to have a healthier lifestyle, by eating healthier and exercising more frequently. Out of all the names I was called, the two previously mentioned made me upset the most. I’m writing about this to show that I have struggled with my self-esteem because of the names I was labeled. People need to change in order for the remarks to stop completely. To conclude this writin g assignment, I myself disagree with words can’t hurt you because in truth they do. â€Å"Words Can Hurt You!† Have you ever been hurt by someone’s words? Words can’t hurt is a controversial statement. Being criticized for your intelligence, race or even where you live, can hurt you physically or emotionally. When I was little, people would tell me I was fat and ugly. I often felt like a symbol (word, sound or visual device that represents an object, sound, concept, or experience) trapped around referent (thing that a symbol represents). I didn’t feel welcome around a certain group of kids. However, my teachers and family would tell me the exact opposite and say words cannot hurt me, but in reality, they did.I thought (mental process of creating an image, sound, concept, or experience triggered by a referent or symbol) everyday would be a better day at school because some people would be positive towards me, but before I changed my lifestyle it was wishful thinking. Going to school every day was fun most of the time until someone had to say something cruel. I disagree wit h the statement words can’t hurt, because they do. Why do people say words don’t hurt, and how exactly are people hurt by those negative remarks? If words don’t hurt, then why do African-Americans get mad when called â€Å"negro†?All through middle school, I was called â€Å"rat boy† for some odd reason. One person told me it didn’t matter because I didn’t have to listen to them. It was hard to do this through my middle school life. It aggravated me and I wanted to move away and go into a deep state of isolation. Finally in eighth grade, most of my peers saw that it made me angry and they quit. It doesn’t matter the type of person you are, I was a three sport athlete that had good grades and still got made fun of. Over the years, my peers have changed. I got into my college classes and my life became pleasant once again.I met a guy at my best friend’s house that thought I was funny and we connected. Being African America n, he is known as a â€Å"Negro† and knew how I felt when I was called â€Å"rat boy†. I grew up being told negative thoughts about my size. This guy not only makes me feel good about myself on the outside, but has helped me find the little girl who was still lost inside a body full of happiness. I would use profanity (words considered obscene, blasphemous, irreverent, rude, or insensitive) to get other's attention, and not realize it how uglier I sounded.I did it to try and fit in and only made it worse. Since words can hurt people, who started the whole false idea about how they don’t hurt? Words can upset you physically or emotionally or you’ll never forget what the bully said to you. I remember back when I was in first grade, one of the other kids at recess called me small fry; he was older than me and thus bigger. I was angry towards him that whole school year, and it still makes me mad when people call me small fry or short.I was around seven when i t happened, I’m twenty-one now, and I still get disgusted by that kid. In my case I was injured emotionally and I never forgot how much it hurt me. Since then my size has changed, but it is very unbalanced. People now are different and don’t vilify me anymore. All through my education at public schools, I have been ridiculed about my size. Being a junior in college and five foot seven inches, I’m considered average. This time in life I can honestly say, I haven’t encountered bullies near as much.It may have been because I took what was being thrown in my face and changed myself. I try to have a healthier lifestyle, by eating healthier and exercising more frequently. Out of all the names I was called, the two previously mentioned made me upset the most. I’m writing about this to show that I have struggled with my self-esteem because of the names I was labeled. People need to change in order for the remarks to stop completely. To conclude this writin g assignment, I myself disagree with words can’t hurt you because in truth they do.

10 Facts About Military Schools

If you are looking at a private school for your son or daughter, military school is one option worth considering, particularly if you are looking for  a boarding school. Here are some facts about military schools to help you make that decision, including a few that may surprise you. There Are Approximately 66 Military Schools in the US There are approximately 66  military schools in the U.S., most of which serve students in grades 9 through 12. However, more than 50 of those military high schools also include junior high, typically grades six, seven and/or eight. A few schools enroll students in younger grades, but the military curriculum doesnt always apply. Most military schools are residential schools, which means students reside on campus, and some schools offer the option of boarding or day.   They Instill Discipline Discipline is the first word which comes to mind when you think of military school. Indeed, discipline is the essence of military schools, but it doesnt always refer to a negative form of discipline. Discipline creates order. Order creates results. Any successful person knows that discipline is one real secret to her success. Put a young, rough around the edges man in a military high school and the transformation will astound you. The structure smooths and refines. The program demands greatness from its participants. This environment is also a place for students looking to engage in advanced studies and leadership opportunities in a rigorous environment. The level of positive discipline prepares them for the rigors of college, careers or military involvement.   Build Character Being a team member, learning to execute orders and sacrificing ones personal needs for the good of the group - these are all character building exercises every good military school teaches its students. Service above self is an integral part of most military schools philosophy. Integrity and honor are core values to which every school commits. Students who attend military school leave with a sense of pride in themselves, their communities and their roles as good citizens of the world.   Selective Admission The idea that anybody can get into military school is simply not true. Military schools set their own individual admission requirements. In most cases, they are looking for young people who want to make something of themselves and succeed in life. Yes, there are some military schools devoted to helping troubled teens turn their lives around, but the majority of military schools are institutions with some of the highest admittance criteria around.   Demanding Academics and Military Training Most military schools offer extensive college preparatory courses as part of their academic curricula. They combine that demanding academic work with rigorous military training so that their graduates are poised to matriculate to college and universities everywhere. Distinguished Graduates The rolls of military schools are filled with distinguished graduates who have gone on to be successes in just about every endeavor you care to name. Not just in military service either. JROTC JROTC or Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps is a Federal program sponsored by the U.S. Army at high schools nationwide. The Air Force, Navy, and Marines offer similar programs. About 50% of JROTC program participants go on to active military service. JROTC provides an introduction to military life and philosophy at the secondary school level. It is an important part of most military schools programs. The instructors are usually retired officers of the armed forces. Leadership Development Developing leaders is at the core of a military schools philosophy. One of the objectives of that kind of training is to develop students leadership skills. Most schools offer carefully designed leadership programs designed to maximize each students fullest potential. A Path to the Service Academies Military schools are often seen as a path to the service academies. And, while it is true that they offer the right sort of training and experience the academies require, parents and students need to bear in mind that nominations to our nations service academies are extremely selective and limited. Only the best of the best get in. Patriotism Patriotism is at the core of military training. The history of our country and how it got to where it is in the 21st century is an important part of what military schools teach as well. Inspiring service to our nation is the mission of a military school. Resource Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States    Article edited by  Stacy Jagodowski