The Effects Of Technology On Our Classroom - 1166 Words

Using technology in the classroom gives students a much greater advantage in whatever job or lifestyle they decide to pursue after their academic careers. Technology has become so much apart of our daily lives, and routines that we cannot expect the younger generation to be able to keep up unless they are equipped with the tools that are necessary. Some people might argue that inundating kids with too much technology can be harmful. Another argument against technology is that it is putting kids out of touch with reality, and causes damage to the social aspect of child education. However, using technology in the classroom helps children learn, and grow in a way that follows the direction the world is taking. Technology should be used more in classrooms, as it gives students an expanded view of the world beyond the four walls of their classroom, we need more and better technology in our schools to ensure the success of the students today. Technology has become so integral to our daily routines that denying it, or limiting it can be a great disadvantage to students later on. Because technology is so much more prevalent in our society it has fundamentally changed the way we learn, therefore, the way we teach has to be altered to accommodate this change. A high school teacher in Potomac, Maryland, uses technology to assist in teaching calculus to her students. The teacher, Stacey Roshan, uses iTunes to save and distribute lectures on math. Roshan uses a video editing suite toShow MoreRelatedTechnology And Its Effects On Our Classroom Essay1452 Words   |  6 Pages Technology In Classrooms When people walk into a classroom and a teacher is up front lecturing, all they see are heads down on desks. As they walk around people are sleeping and doodling things like â€Å"I love you†, and writing their names 1000 different ways. The room makes someone feel like they are standing in a funeral home. It is boring and no one pays any attention, and anyone could notice that when there is dried drool on the desks for the next class. Not all classrooms are bland thoughRead MoreInstruction On The Context Of Curriculum1544 Words   |  7 Pages†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..4 Effects on Curriculum†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..5 Effects on Students†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..6 Effects on Educators†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.6 Effects on Schools†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..7 Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦8 2 Abstract: Today’s educators are faced with a new generation of students who are sometimes referred to as a digital generation. These students have grown up with technology. In responseRead MoreThe Impact Of Technology On Our Schools1376 Words   |  6 Pageswe go further into the digital age, the role that technology plays in our lives will be constantly increasing. We can already see the reach that technology has, as it is making its way into our classrooms now more than ever. Is this integration beneficial, constricting or simply nothing at all? There are a lot of different factors such as learning and teaching styles, effects on student learning, and aptitude. It is safe to assume that if technology is involved, it will be a step in the right directionRead MoreEssay on Effects of Technology on Education1563 Words   |  7 PagesMacDougall Effects of Technology on Education 12/11/2011 Abstract Technology is used in classrooms today and has both positive and negative effects on both students and teachers. I want to show in my paper how technology is not a substitute for a good teacher. Technology must be well implanted by a good teacher to be successful. Computers do not give successful teaching. I start out by discussing the positive effects on teachers and students, in my paper. I then debate the use of technology and itsRead MoreImpact Of Technology On Our Daily Lives1505 Words   |  7 PagesTechnology in Education No one can deny the effects that technology has on our daily lives. We might disagree weather or not technology impacts education in a positive or a negative way, but we should agree that technology is everywhere, in our homes, hospitals, schools, companies and institutes. According to Ken Funk (1999), â€Å"The word technology comes from two Greek words, transliterated techne and logos. Techne means art, skill, craft, or the way, manner, or means by which a thing is gained. LogosRead MoreIs Technology a Boost to Life or an Obstacle? Essay examples1352 Words   |  6 PagesWhat is technology?.Technology is how people use and make modifications to everything that is in the environment as tools, knowledge, machines, techniques and even methods of organization in order to solve a problem or make something easier. Technology can significantly affect humans and animals to adapt to natural environments. Technology has played an important role in the development of the quality of life of humans and animals and has also played an important role in the conservation of our environmentRead MoreSocial Institutions and the Effects on Technology Essay862 Words   |  4 PagesSocial Institutions Effect of Technology Effects of Technology on the Education System CS300 Technology in Global Society Park University October 28, 2010 Outline 1. Introduction 2. History 3. Applications a. Distance learning b. Tutorials c. Books and other Materials 4. Benefits a. Affordability b. Accessibility c. New skills learned 5. Setbacks a. Privacy Issues bRead MoreTechnology And Technology Essay978 Words   |  4 PagesTechnology is changing the world of education. Students today have adapted to having their cell phones, smartphones, tablets, etc. on them at all times, and they use them for everything. Technology is used for â€Å"calling friends, messaging, listening to music, watching videos, and especially for using social networking sites† (Gok, 2016, p.89). It has become part of an everyday routine. Many studies have been conducted on whether or not technology has a beneficial impact on students when incorporatingRead MorePositive And Negative Impact Of Technology Essay805 Words   |  4 PagesDoes Technology have a positive or negative effective on America’s future education system? Livening in today’s age we see the use of technology everywhere. People are constantly on their phones, looking for the newest update on life. We have heard about the positive and negative impacts of technology in our society. However, how has this affected our schools teaching environment? Studies have shown that technology advancement is the way of the future. Firstly, technology has had a high influenceRead More The Multitasking Generation an Article by Claudia Wallis1015 Words   |  5 PagesThough there are some positive effects, the adverse impact of technology on education has been extraordinary. The technology community has worked hard to bring useful technology into our classrooms, all with good intentions to broaden our knowledge. With these good intentions also came about unwanted side effects such as distraction and disruption in the classroom. I can clearly remember many of my teachers yelling at us to put our cell phones, iPods, and iTouch phones away especially during lecture

Free Guns ! Yes Or No - 1599 Words

Free guns! Yes or no? One highly discussed topic has always exist in US history: if it is right having a gun instead of a restrictive gun- policy as it exist in almost every other country around the world, like for example in Germany. This issue comes up a lot, especially after those mass shootings like in Connecticut, and it seems that there is not one way to a satisfying solution. Should government ban every weapon? Which are usually used for self- protection? Or just some of the weapons, for example semiautomatic rifles? Or can we do something else? These are the questions everybody is asking himself about the gun use issue. However, most people agree that something needs to be done, although it is not clear which way to go. Among those people, who want to do something, is also the President of the United States, Barack Obama, and Tom Gresham, the host of the nationally syndicated radio show Tom Gresham ´s Gun Talk. However, they disagree in the way they want to solve it. Obama presents three actions to restrict the gun- use in America in his speech â€Å"Now is the time: a background check, ban of some weapons and more law enforcement. In comparison to Obama, Gresham gives evidence in his article â€Å"Gun control has a clear record of failure† that the policy of free-gun-use has decreased the number of violent crimes and murders and that, therefore, stricter gun laws should not be seen as a solution for reducing such crimes. He rather believes that more education in gun useShow MoreRelatedgun control research essay1222 Words   |  5 Pages ProCon.org recently featured an article that studied gun control. â€Å"Stricter state gun laws associated with fewer gun deaths, study finds.† The article discussed gun control laws in states with stricter laws tend to have lower rates of gun related homicides, and a suicide (ProCon para. 1) Gun control in the United States is becoming a wide spread issue and is becoming a problem everywhere. Although I am living in a city with uprising crime that has been skyrocketing over the years, I wasn’t awareRead More Private Gun Ownership Should NOT be Banned Essays1056 Words   |  5 PagesWould you choose to own a gun if your life depended on it? America has defended itself with guns since December 13, 1631 when the National Guard was born. We are a country that defends what we love. What do we defend ourselves with? Guns of course. Guns and America were discovered around the same time. Guns will forever be a part of America. Without guns the American Revolution woul d not have been won (Boehm). There have been some times in American history where guns have caused the loss ofRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie Chicago 902 Words   |  4 Pagesfor the Gun† is musical number illustrating Roxie’s feeling during her press conference. The song begins with Roxie perched on Flynn’s lap as a marionette doll. Every time Roxie is asked a question, Flynn answers for her as her puppeteer. He describes her as a wealthy, innocent woman who got dragged into the world of â€Å"jazz and liquor.† Flynn sings that both Roxie and Fred reached for the gun. The reporters then repeat back the chorus: Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes, they both, oh yes they both Oh yes, theyRead MoreGun Violence And The United States Essay1269 Words   |  6 PagesGun Violence in the United States For many years there has been a growing controversy between two sides. The side that wants to take away our right to have firearms and those that want to keep our rights in place. Because of this, gun violence in the US varies from state to state, depending on current gun laws in each individual state. States with the toughest gun laws are the states with the highest crime rates because of a victim inability to protect themselves. One must also remember that CriminalsRead MoreIs The Government Restricting Our Rights?1077 Words   |  5 Pages Is The Government Limiting Our Rights â€Å"If we ever forget we are one nation under god, then we will be a nation gone under† - Ronald Reagan. Gun control, free speech and social media, some of the most controversial topics of this century, many believe they limit our rights, others think they’re useless and need to be gotten rid of. I, on the other hand, just think they’re exaggerated. Our government may be corrupt in some places, and really almost any spot of power or wealth is corruptRead MoreThe Violation Of The Word Militia Essay1528 Words   |  7 PagesAmerica right to bear arms. The amendment states A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. A University instructor Sanford Levinson, who is a liberal Democrat who stands behind many measures in gun control, says the embarrassing second amendment empowers people to want to own guns to protect themselves. Some of the American historians belie ve that the use of the word militia is not meant forRead MoreThe Pros And Cons Of Gun Control785 Words   |  4 PagesGun control is a big topic in the United States today, a lot of people have many different opinions on this. They are usually about whether we should we have gun control or not. We should not need gun control to solve crime in the United States. We need laws, background checks and more. The conversation about gun control will continue on as long as guns are made and used. The argument about gun control is doubled sided. This means that on one side citizens want the government to have control overRead MoreGet a Knife, Get a Dog but Get Rid of Guns by Molly Ivin1125 Words   |  5 PagesKnife, Get a Dog, but get Rid of Guns† is the authors personal opinion on how guns should be banned from public use; she argues guns only kill that it would be safer to carry a knife or get a dog to protect us. She uses the Second Amendment to back up her argument about guns being only for the well-trained militia. The claim of the argument is Guns are a Danger, so it’s safer to get a knife or a dog. Ivins’s argument is unclear without addressing the main reasons why guns are bad overall. Ivins’s firstRead MoreElection Of 1860 And 2016 Divided Our Country Essay1500 Words   |  6 Pagessometimes change. Clinton’s views on gun control is that she will let gun manufacturer’s get sued, she’ll balance lawful gun ownership and keep guns away from criminals (isn’t that smart?) She will give local police access to federal gun tracking information, she’ll let states and cities determine local gun laws, and she is against illegal guns, she wants to crack down on illegal gun dealers, right now it seems like she is stating the obvious. She also wants to keep guns away from people who shouldn’tRead MoreThe Issue Of Gun Free1016 Words   |  5 PagesThe Second Amendment says that a well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. History has shown that it is necessary to keep this Amendment. There are now places where this right is infri nged upon. They are called â€Å"gun-free zones.† In these gun-free zones, people’s safety is constantly compromised, because shooters know that they can come to these places and attack, without fear of their own lives

Gender Identity in Marge Piecys Barbie Doll Essay Example For Students

Gender Identity in Marge Piecys Barbie Doll Essay Gender Identity in Piercys Barbie Doll Dolls often give children their first lessons in what a society considers valuable and beautiful. These dolls often reveal the unremitting pressure to be young, slim, and beautiful in a society which values mainly aesthetics. Marge Piercys Barbie Doll exhibits how a girls childhood is saturated with gender-defined roles and preconceived norms for how one should behave. In order to convey her thoughts, the author uses familiar, yet ironic, imagery, as well as uses fluctuating tone in each stanza to better draw attention to the relevant points of her The first four lines of Barbie Doll are written in a trite, simplistic tone which represent the normality and basic needs of infancy. It is at this point in ones life that a child has no ability to deviate from the norm, simply because they have no knowledge of it and are completely influenced by what their parents present them with. It is at this point in ones life that a child has no ability to deviate from the norm, simply because they have no knowledge of it and are completely influenced by what their parents present them with. The presentation of a doll and an oven, along with lipstick (1-3), ensure that the girl will know exactly which gender role she must be. These lines imitate the rigidity in which sexual and gender roles are defined. The tone of the introductory stanza changes abruptly in line five when the speaker relates Then, in the magic of puberty, a classmate said/ You have a great big nose and fat legs. What is particularly ironic is that puberty is referred to as a magic time, when really it is a time for emotional crisis within many children as they struggle to develop their autonomy. This line is directed in a candid fashion which digresses from the mildness of the first few lines, rendering it quite more effective than simplistic speech. The second stanza of Barbie Doll starts off as normal as the first, but easily strays into different meaning. While She was healthy, tested intelligent (7) connotes positive aspects of the girl, possessed strong arms and back/ abundant sexual drive and manual dexterity connotes an entirely divergent idea. Gender roles always defined the man as strong and the woman as weak, the man as skillful with his hands and the woman as skillful with a cookie tin, and finally, the man as the sexual aggressor while the woman was the submissive help-mate. In lines eight and nine, the girl is identified by the characteristics typically associated with the male gender, something quite unusual and completely opposite that of what line seven implies. She went to and fro apologizing (10) conveys that the girl recognizes her traits as disparaging and dishonorable. The last line of the second stanza again changes in tone from simple to forthright with the statement Everyone saw a fat nose on thick legs(11). This line re-emphasizes the ugliness of not measuring up to the standard of an ideal female, a standard set by society. Piercy addresses the stereotypical manners that women are pressured to perform in the third stanza when she writes She was advised to play coy/exhorted to come on hearty/exercise, diet, smile, and wheedle(12-14). By advising the girl to act enthusiastic in response to a man, starve herself to be thin, fake emotions, and influence men with soft words and flattery, the author makes a general statement about how women were practically forced to be something whether or not they wanted to. The words coy and smile conjure up images of a false passivity that women must endure, images that help to shape the poem by providing a better view of what the subject experienced. Line fifteen contains a reference to a fan belt, an object that, similarly to a persons good nature, will wear out from use and abuse. The change in tone is repeated once again as the author switches from mild lines about personality to a dramatic line in which an analogy is made to represent an internal change in the characters mentality. .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466 , .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466 .postImageUrl , .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466 , .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466:hover , .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466:visited , .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466:active { border:0!important; } .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466:active , .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466 .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u92adac1d129378f292edaf9a73679466:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Divinity, Sexuality And The Self Essay With the beginning of the last stanza of Barbie Doll, the reader can achieve almost a sense of relinquishment as the subject symbolically cut off her nose and her legs/ and offered them up. The reader is led to believe that the girl has come to a realization that she must account for the loneliness and emptiness that she has felt as a result of imitating a false person. This culmination is her death, an act of her surrendering herself to the pain. With line twentys mention of an undertakers cosmetics painted .

The Train Essay Example

The Train Essay The blistering cold numbed my eyes as I stumbled through the biting snow, dragging a dull, faded suitcase overloaded with necessities behind me, leaving a train in the deadly, ice snow. All abroad! a man in a bright red suit, a funny red hat and an equally crimson nose called, his voice straining to be heard over the howling wind. I struggled up to him and handed over my ticket, which was faded from sweat, tears and the bitter snow. Then man, whom I safely assumed was the train conductor, glanced briefly at the ticket, then smiled at me slightly. Terrible morning isnt it? he commented. I did not reply. In for a long ride, I see! he added when he saw my ticket. I gave no response as I checked my heavy bag. He beamed wider as he said, Welcome aboard the Windows Express, maam! I tried to smile back, but my scarf was bundled around my nose and my mouth, so I nodded instead. Thank you. My voice was barely audible over the gusty breeze as I stepped off the platform and boarded the tra in. The front compartment was crowded, packed like sardines. I squeezed past the numerous bodies to get to the next train ar, which was where I was to be seated. Even though the warmth there was comforting, I hoped it was not too stuffy in my car. I finally broke free from the crowd, swinging the car door open and entering a considerably cooler car. I removed my scarf from my face. My skin was raw with cold, but I barely felt it. I glanced around. This car was deserted, the seats along its aisle empty. I checked the number of compartment I had been assigned then opened the door to it. There was a small bunk bed in the corner, with a little closed off area I guessed was the bunk. I lanced out the single window, but there was nothing to be seen through the fog and slat than plummeted so hard against the glass it felt like hail. Feeling slightly claustrophobic in the narrow compartment, I briskly threw off my jacket and exited, walking back into the aisle. I noticed a door at the back of the car and decided to check it out. I made my way down the aisle and slid the door open. It led into the next car. This one did not have seats, but little booths lined up neatly along either side. There was a bellboy near the back, tending to a little refreshment stand. His eyes were bored, even as he attempted to reet me pleasantly. Hello, maam, welcome to the lounge. Would you like anything? Some pie, perhaps, or a cup of coffee? Uninterested, I declined politely, just as another door caught my eye. Without thinking, I flung it open. There was nothing in the room except a door with a window fixed into it, and a shiny red handle. This is where youll be disembarking, the bellboy informed me. That theres the emergency brake, he added, pointing at the handle. Youre perfectly welcome to pull that at any time. Taken aback, I spluttered on my Coke. What? I wouldnt. Thats ridiculous. Then how will I get to where I am going? I demanded incredulously. The bellboy shrugged. Sometimes you cant rely on trains to get you to where you want to go. I stared openly at him. Quickly dismissing him as crazy, I turned away and hastily returned to my compartment. Once safely inside, I lay on my bed, thinking to myself about my destination, a place I had never been and a face I had not seen for so many years it hurt to think about it. Flashbacks began to attack my once- peaceful mind, invading my would be calm pondering. At four years old, my hands pressed tightly over my ears, rying in vain to block out the sounds of heated arguments over nothing. Seven years old, an empty bottle crashing over my head as I tried to escape the debris of broken plates. Thirteen years, bruises covering my face, blood on my hands, a broken ankle, pain enveloping my body. Sixteen, my broken ribs causing me to shake as I slammed the front door behind me and limped as fast as I could into the night, my mother screaming for me to come home and my fathers threats chasing after me I jerked awake, nearly falling out of bed. My head felt heavy, and my eyes groggy, as if I had not slept or days. Sluggishly, I checked my watch, which still hung from my wrist. My eyes snapped wide open as they read the time, then relaxed again. My watch had stopped at around the same time I boarded that train. I got up, feeling tired, and felt my stomach growl. I stood up, stretched, brushed my hair and hurridly with my fingers and left my compartment. I was about to go to the lounge to eat when I noticed another girl sitting on a seat in the aisle, next to the window. She was clothed very thinly for the morbid weather, and her long locks of auburn hair poured over her shoulders. We will write a custom essay sample on The Train specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Train specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Train specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer I approached her slowly. Hello, I said, and she jumped in surprised. Sorry for startling you, but do you have the time? She looked up at me, and I saw a thin ragged face that would have been pretty if not for the exhaustion consuming it, and the melancholy sadness in her eyes. Oh hello, its quite alright. Let me check. She lifted her mobile phone from her pocket, glanced at it, then shook her head apologetically. Strange. It seems to have died. I couldve sworn I charged it yesterday. I thanked her anyway, and asked her where she was going. She looked even weary when I questioned her. Im going to see my long-distance partner for four years, she said, in an almost rehearsed answer. I think he may propose to me, but I doubt Im ready for such a change. She drifted off, her voice trailing away, then came to her senses and asked me where I was headed. Im going to see my father. I havent seen him for nearly a decade, I said quietly. I cant say Im looking forward to it. She agreed with me, and we made small talk for awhile longer before I excused myself and when to the lounge. The bellboy was not there anymore, and I breathed an inward sigh of relief. The batty guy had freaked me out. I saw someone sitting down in one of the lounge booths. Hidden behind stacks of paperwork and a newspaper sat a middle aged man in an impressive suit and tie, muttering to himself in what looked like disgust. I walked over to him. Hi, sorry to bother you, but do you know what time it is? He glanced up and stopped grumbling. Hmm? Oh, yes. he shot a look at his fancy wristwatch. Well, what is this? My watch isnt working! He began to mumble again. I found it strange that nobody knew the time, so I stole a glimpse of the watch, and sure enough it ceased to ick. That’s a shame, I said good-naturedly, and asked him what he was doing. Its for a case I have, he replied. I must have looked puzzled, because he elaborated. Im a lawyer, you see, and Im about to defend the biggest drug cartels of all time- then again, I probably shouldn’t have told you that. I was about to leave him in peace when he continued on. In my defense, my client is one of my oldest friends. I owe him my life and hes gotten me out tons of scraps. I really have no choice. I began to feel a little uncomfortable, and averted my gaze to rest on the window. To my surprise, evening was over-the sun was rising on another day! Had I missed my stop? I was supposed to be off the train by dusk, yet here was dawn, a new day beginning right before my eyes! Panicking, I ran back to my car and asked the girl still sitting on he seat, What time did you get on? Which state are you going to? Bewildered, she told me the details of her travel. I calculated in my head. But what would only take you a few hours! You should have arrived by now, I said, unable to keep my voice from getting louder. She seemed indifferent. Maybe we made a few stops along the way. I wasnt awake the whole time, you know. But I had it all figured out. The pieces of the puzzle were coming together, forming an unbelievable picture in my head. I ran back into the lounge, and flung open the door at the back of it, where the emergency brake ws. The lady came racing after me, asking where I was going. Look, it’s the emergency brake. If we pull it, well be able to get out of here! I exclaimed. She looked at me the same way I had looked at the bellboy- as if one of us had gone bonkers. What? Are you crazy? Why? Its ridiculous. Then how will I ever get to where Im going? I smiled at the distinct resemblance her words had to mine. Reaching over, I grasped the red handle in my right hand and pulled as hard as I could. The train screeched against the metal of the tracks. I pushed against the exit door, and it opened easily. I leaped off the train. The ground was icy and cold beneath my feet, and the cold wind cut my uncovered face like a knife. I became aware that I did not even have my jacket with me as the cold began to envelope my very being. What are you doing? Youll freeze to death! the girl cried next to me. You dont even have your suitcase with you. I vaguely recalled my stuffed baggage, filled with things I suddenly realized were of no importance to me. And just like that, suddenly, I felt free. Free of all my emotional baggage, free of everything that weigh me down, free of guilt, pain and sorrow. A sense of warmth, a beautiful feeling, filled up my body, and I no longer felt the chill. I turned ba ck to the train, smiling for the first time in years. Why don’t you come with me? I asked the girl. She shook her head, eyes wide. And then the train door slammed shut, and began to move again. Free of doubt, I turned from the sight of the train slowly resending out of sight until it vanished, and began to trudge through the snow, in the direction of my destination. Sometimes we are weighed down by the pain, grief and guilt. We go through life day by day, merely existing, not living, and time stands still. Those days we live, so burdened by emotions, are meaningless and pas by without notice of purpose. If we could just let go of it all, forget our troubles for a few seconds, and look around us, perhaps we would see the beauty we are meant to see, and the wonder we would feel if we only let go.