Vision Statement Essay Example

Vision Statement Essay The 21st century is shaped by the eclectic interplay of political, cultural, social, economic, environmental, moral and other factors; The rapid development and change of factors like globalization, technological explosion, the impact of supranational organizations, changing economic and demographic patterns all work together to define and shape the 21st century’s events, decisions and goals. These factors shape the agenda and inform opinions in the 21st century.In the face of all these forces one cannot afford to be ignorant and negligent of the trends. I have to analyze the current trends, and extrapolate/project myself into the future. While I may not be accurate in my predictions, I believe at least I will have a somewhat reliable guide in the goals I set. I agree that things will seldom turn out as we anticipate them to. When we allow ourselves the marginal error, we put ourselves at a safer position not to suffer disappointments. To me, the major thing is not to be accur ate but to be within the bracket of correctness; to remain competitively relevant on the global map. For I am aware that if I do not endeavor to remain relevant, I risk suffering obsoleteness just like the revolutionizing science of Einstein made some Newtonian ideas obsolete and totally irrelevant. My values should be able to fit within the larger picture of the globe.I seek to ensure that my values, despite the decay we are witnessing, will be described at least by majority as not the best but excellent. While the rapid civilization is causing a moral catastrophe, my moral sanity is vital and I will not allow whatever aspect of life to corrupt it. I will jealousy guard it. When it comes to my moral vision, I’m certain my ideals of what is morally excellent will stand the test of time.Everyone will agree that it is not possible to predict all possible developments just as Castells says, we use past experience to envision possible future scenarios. I am working hard to stay a lert to keep a breast with the rapid changes. Jim pinto says â€Å"just as America come to prominence in the early decades of the 20th century, china, India, and other developing countries are coming alive †¦ America needs to re-structure and re-energize at home to compete in the new global environment† Re-shaping the world in the 21st century). This tells me how I should remain constantly progressive, otherwise, even if I on the right track, I stop moving, I will get run over. . I have to muster my future. This Excerpt captures how everyone including those in the perceivably most emerging trends otherwise there is the risk of being irrelevant. Nathan (1986), speaks of new technologies as building blocks shaped by forces that cannot be foreseen.I am aware that success takes time and the sustained personal effort and commitment. Looking a head, I see an over whelming case for making that effort. My backgrounds should not jeopardize my focus and my target. Samuelson (1997) says, â€Å"We must remember that our culture and circumstances create the climate for continued technological innovation.†A number of predictions are made, which include: 1.Information technologies will become small enough to implant into our bodies. Tiny implanted chips will serve as a combination credit card, passport, drivers license, and personal diary.2. Future offices may look like hotel lobbies or restaurants. While much teamwork can be done remotely with the help of teleconferencing and other communications technologies, many people will still need and want to meet face-to-face. Lobbies, living rooms, outdoor cafes, and other places where people enjoy meeting each other may become the models for the office of tomorrow. Gunn and Burroughs, Mar/Apr 96, p. 24.(3)Temporary help may be a permanent hiring trend. The use of temps in the United States has increased 240% in the past decade and will likely increase as companies look for strategic ways to remain flexible. Just -in-time work may also benefit employees: Job seekers can gain experience in a wider variety of organizational settings, develop more skills, and build up a long list of references. Mar/Apr 96, p. 6, and Barner, p. 16. In the face of globalization, I have to set ambitious but realizable goals.4.Retirement may soon be a thing of the past. Reasons: Most older people need to feel useful, especially after their families no longer demand their daily attention; most jobs no longer require strenuous physical labor; and businesses will seek to retain their experienced older workers.(www.wfs.org/outlook.htm.)Other innovative products that are likely to come up include: Next-generation television, Electronic wallet, Home health monitor, Smart maps and tracking devices, Smart materialssensors that detect stress in bridges, buildings, among others: Weight-control and anti-aging productsranging from genetic cures for baldness to nutritionally enhanced fruits and vegetables; Never-owned, leased-o nly productshigh-definition, wall-sized flat screens for information, communication, and entertainment. With all this emerging technologies, life is bound to be better as anew society emerges. The Interstate Highway Act of 1956 provided for construction. The 42,000-mile interstate highway system represents the largest single civil engineering project in history. The greater mobility provided society by the car resulted in significant changes in social behavior and a decentralization of social activities (Arnold, 1983). I have no reason to not to think of another major invention of a transport system and a mode that may even replace aircrafts or make them appear ineffective. And this is likely to lead to further changes in social behaviors.I am aware that the success or failure of the poor people around me will have a profound influence on my goals and that is fully I do all I can to faster shared commitments and effort with those around me for I knew synergy pays off.   Some of th e targets in 21st century include:-Economic well-being a reduction by one-half in the proportion of people living in extreme poverty by 2015 with only 7 years left are we anything near there?-Universal primary education in all countries by 2015. This means there will be more elites and one has to remain watchful to remain competitive in the education world.-Reversing of current environmental resources trends at both global and rational levels by 2015. The Power of Identity (1997, 112), Manuel Castells identifies some facets of environmentalism as a social movement, for instance,† Save the Planet groups, such as Green peace, mount campaigns to capture public attention about specific environmental issues (such as the excesses of the whaling industry and destruction of the ozone layer).http://www.unep.org/Geo/geo1/exsum/ex1.htm)Most of these challenges and problems are likely to be solved in the 21st century but certainly in our quest to solve this problems, will culminate in mod ern challenges and problems. I want it that when I overcome one barrier, that will result in another for instance solving environmental riddles should not result in economic declines.Looking at the current position of technology everyone will see a possibility of a technological leap in the next decade or so. New standards of technology are likely to be reached. As I go to bed everyday I only pray that I will not wake up to find myself irrelevant in the world of technology. It is like every thing is getting computerized-we can only hope robots will not replace manpower. This compels me to make my commitment to excellence ranging from technological to economic my private. I am challenged to exceed the rigorous standards in every aspects of life. This then implies that I have to brace up my enthusiasm for lifelong learning and should not be limited to the boundaries of my classroom.Communications technologies that can quickly link all parts of the world have led to the rise of a globa l economy and a global perspective. Nation-states no longer singularly control their monetary policy. The International Monetary Fund can dictate fiscal policies in some Third World nations in the interests of global economic stability.National competitiveness is still a factor in the global arena; nation-states continue to use their regulatory powers to protect their capital and commodities and to promote the interests of multinational corporations that consider the state home base.I see the drastic development as a challenge and opportunity of great worth. Collaboration with those around me is inevitable and must appropriate the available resources to maximize benefits and keep loses as low as possible. The end of isolationist policy of the United States during the Cold War, the growing interdependence of financial and currency markets, the transnationalization of production by both multinational corporations and trade networks all reflect how fast our society is changing.Competit ion is cutthroat and therefore resources and opportunities will be scarce and survival will be for the fittest as Charles Darwin puts it.With the increased agitation for human rights, (http://www.amnesty.org/aboutai/udhr.htm), globalization, environmental awareness, change of focus to development, peace movements and technological explosion, I hope the world will unite more and the civil wars we are witnessing decrease drastically, hoping that Iran will not use its nuclear to destroy the world.I am given to the conviction that the difference between our dreams and their accomplishment is the desire. I have the desire to see the realization of my ideals and writing can hold me back. I will go forth and grab all the opportunities that can help me get there. I envision a life characterized by excellence in all dimensions. I believe success hinges on a passion for excellence. In conclusion, I want to sit when the world lies, to stand when the world sits, when the world stands I want to be the standard.

Biography of Wilfred Owen, a Poet in Wartime

Biography of Wilfred Owen, a Poet in Wartime Wilfred Owen (March 18, 1893- Nov. 4, 1918) was a compassionate poet whos work provides the finest description and critique of the soldiers experience during World War One. He was killed towards the end of the conflict in Ors, France.   Wilfred Owens Youth Wilfred Owen was born to an apparently wealthy family; however, within two years his grandfather died on the verge of bankruptcy and, missing his support, the family were forced into poorer housing at Birkenhead. This fallen status left a permanent impression on Wilfreds mother, and it may have combined with her staunch piety to produce a child who was sensible, serious, and who struggled to equate his wartime experiences with Christian teachings. Owen studied well at schools in Birkenhead and, after another family move, Shrewsbury- where he even helped to teach- but he failed the University of Londons entrance exam. Consequently, Wilfred became lay assistant to the vicar of Dunsden- an Oxfordshire parish- under an arrangement designed so the vicar would tutor Owen for another attempt at University. Early Poetry Although commentators differ as to whether Owen started writing at the age 10/11 or 17, he was certainly producing poems during his time at Dunsden; conversely, the experts agree that Owen favored literature, as well as Botany, at school, and that his main poetic influence was Keats. The Dunsden poems exhibit the compassionate awareness so characteristic of Wilfred Owens later war poetry, and the young poet found considerable material in the poverty and death he observed working for the church. Indeed, Wilfred Owens written compassion was often very close to morbidity. Mental Problems Wilfreds service in Dunsden may have made him more aware of the poor and less fortunate, but it didnt encourage a fondness for the church: away from his mothers influence he became critical of evangelical religion and intent on a different career, that of literature. Such thoughts led to a difficult and troubled period during January 1913, when Wilfred and Dunsdens vicar appear to have argued, and - or because perhaps as a result of - Owen suffered a near nervous breakdown. He left the parish, spending the following summer recovering. Travel During this period of relaxation Wilfred Owen wrote what critics often label his first war-poem - Uriconium, an Ode - after visiting an archaeological dig. The remains were Roman, and Owen described ancient combat with especial reference to the bodies he observed being unearthed. However, he failed to gain a scholarship to university and so left England, traveling to the continent and a position teaching English at the Berlitz school in Bordeaux. Owen was to remain in France for over two years, during which time he began a collection of poetry: it was never published. 1915- Wilfred Owen Enlists in the Army Although war seized Europe in 1914, it was only in 1915 that Owen considered the conflict to have expanded so considerably that he was needed by his country, whereupon he returned to Shrewsbury in September 1915, training as a private at Hare Hall Camp in Essex. Unlike many of the wars early recruits, the delay meant Owen was partly aware of the conflict he was entering, having visited a hospital for the wounded and having seen the carnage of modern warfare first-hand; however he still felt removed from events. Owen moved to the Officers school in Essex during the March of 1916 before joining the Manchester Regiment in June, where he was graded 1st Class Shot on a special course. An application to the Royal Flying Corps was rejected, and on December 30th 1916, Wilfred traveled to France, joining the 2nd Manchesters on January 12th 1917. They were positioned near Beaumont Hamel, on the Somme. Wilfred Owen Sees Combat Wilfreds own letters describe the following few days better than any writer or historian could hope to manage, but it is sufficient to say Owen and his men held a forward position, a muddy, flooded dug-out, for fifty hours as an artillery and shells raged around them. Having survived this, Owen remained active with the Manchesters, nearly getting frost bite in late January, suffering concussion in March- he fell through shell-damaged land into a cellar at Le Quesnoy-en-Santerre, earning him a trip behind the lines to hospital- and fighting in bitter combat at St. Quentin a few weeks later. Shell Shock at Craiglockhart It was after this latter battle, when Owen was caught in an explosion, that soldiers reported him acting rather strangely; he was diagnosed as having shell-shock and sent back to England for treatment in May. Owen arrived at the, now famous, Craiglockhart War Hospital on June 26th, an establishment sited outside Edinburgh. Over the next few months Wilfred wrote some of his finest poetry, the result of several stimuli. Owens doctor, Arthur Brock, encouraged his patient to overcome shell-shock by working hard at his poetry and editing The Hydra, Craiglockharts magazine. Meanwhile, Owen met another patient, Siegfried Sassoon, an established poet whose recently published war work inspired Wilfred and whose encouragement guided him; the exact debt owed by Owen to Sassoon is unclear, but the former certainly improved far beyond the latters talents. Owens War Poetry In addition, Owen was exposed to the cloyingly sentimental writing and attitude of non-combatants who glorified the war, an attitude to which Wilfred reacted with fury. Further fueled by nightmares of his wartime experiences, Owen wrote classics like Anthem for Doomed Youth, rich and multi-layered works characterized by a brutal honesty and deep compassion for the soldiers/victims, many of which were direct ripostes to other authors. Its important to note that Wilfred wasnt a simple pacifist- indeed, on occasions he railed against them- but a man sensitive to the burden of soldiery. Owen may have been self-important before the war- as betrayed by his letters home from France- but there is no self-pity in his war work. Owen Continues to Write While in the Reserves Despite a low number of publications, Owens poetry was now attracting attention, prompting supporters to request non-combat positions on his behalf, but these requests were turned down. Its questionable as to whether Wilfred would have accepted them: his letters reveal a sense of obligation, that he had to do his duty as poet and observe the conflict in person, a feeling exacerbated by Sassoons renewed injuries and return from the front. Only by fighting could Owen earn respect, or escape the easy slurs of cowardice, and only a proud war-record would protect him from detractors. Owen Returns to the Front and Is Killed Owen was back in France by September- again as a company commander- and on September 29th he captured a machine gun position during an attack on the Beaurevoir-Fonsomme Line, for which he was awarded the Military Cross. After his battalion was rested in early October Owen saw in action again, his unit operating around the Oise-Sambre canal. Early in the morning of November 4th Owen led an attempt to cross the canal; he was struck and killed by enemy fire. Aftermath Owens death was followed by one of World War Ones most iconic stories: when the telegram reporting his demise was delivered to his parents, the local church bells could be heard ringing in celebration of the armistice. A collection of Owens poems was soon created by Sassoon, although the numerous different versions, and the attendant difficulty in working out which were Owens drafts and which were his preferred edits, led to two new editions in the early 1920s. The definitive edition of Wilfreds work may well be Jon Stallworthys Complete Poems and Fragments from 1983, but all justify Owens long-lasting acclaim. The War Poetry The poetry is not for everyone, for within Owen combines graphic descriptions of trench life- gas, lice, mud, death- with an absence of glorification; dominant themes include the return of bodies to the earth, hell and the underworld. Wilfred Owens poetry is remembered as reflecting the real life of the soldier, although critics and historians argue over whether he was overwhelming honest or overly scared by his experiences. He was certainly compassionate, a word repeated throughout this biography and texts on Owen in general, and works like Disabled, focusing on the motives and thoughts of soldiers themselves, provide ample illustration of why. Owens poetry is certainly free of the bitterness present in several historians monographs on the conflict, and he is generally acknowledged as being the both the most successful, and best, poet of wars reality. The reason why may be found in the preface to his poetry, of which a drafted fragment was found after Owens death: Yet these elegies are not to this generation, this is in no sense consolatory. They may be to the next. All a poet can do today is to warn. That is why the true Poets must be truthful. (Wilfred Owen, Preface) Notable Family of Wilfred Owen Father: Tom OwenMother: Susan Owen