Anthem Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Anthem Essay   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As one reads Ayn Rand’s significant quotes from the story of anthem, there is always a main theme that is trying to escape, just as Prometheus escaped in her story. All three of the listed quotes work as a trio to sing that We; as society, works to defeat individuality. The quotes emphasize that we cannot survive without individualism and being alone brings out our unique personalities. It is true that all the quotes work as one, but at the same time they have their own individualism. Each quote holds a purpose of its own and the author wants to express the quote to each persons understanding. Rand’s quote, â€Å"The word ‘We’†¦ crushes all beneath it, and that which is white and that which is black are lost equally in the tray of it,† implies that the black and white are the independent people in society. It is shown that as people are made on in society by gathering they lose their independence. As one all the minds of the people mix their black and white paint to produce a lost tray. They no longer have their own ideas, but now they have a conclusion of everyone’s ideas All the unique qualities of the people are crushed and the group gets all the credit for being unique. People do not want to be put together and treated equally. People want to be treated with respect for what they have done. In the novelette, Prometheus invents electricity by using his own mind. He wants credit for this invention and wou...

Hard Skills Vs. Soft Skills Essay

Introduction One million dollar question, which project and human resource management have asked for several years while doing recruitment, is whether do recruit individual endowed with hard skills or soft skills. This leads to asking the quest that between the two is the most important for an organization. Hard skills can be defined as technical know how or specific abilities that relate to the core business that an organization does to networking, machine operations among others. Soft skills, on the other hand, are subjective and undefined (Peggy, 2007).   It mostly deals with issues like communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution among others. However, everybody agrees that both skills are necessary for the success of an organization, which between the two is most crucial? The crucial character of a manager is the ability to be flexible, a manager who can understand organization process, tools and techniques being utilized within the organization. Managers should be able to adapt to all types of organization and project process and have technical know-how on running team operation. This characteristic emphasizes on the soft skills and portrays technical skills as added advantage (Peggy, 2007) Managers spent most of their time almost 90% communicating, solving problems, negotiating planning among others. These are mostly soft skills that are being put to use. One can, therefore, argue that although both skills are essential, soft skills are being required in a higher percentage to help in coordinating hard skills for an organization success. Peggy (2007) states that whenever one wants to stay competitive and ahead of the game, one need to keep his or her hard skills sharp. However, for one to succeed faster, he needs to keep his soft skills updated. Therefore, in conclusion, soft skills always precede hard skills for an average person and training institution should ensure more soft skills in their employees. Motivation is one of the key elements for the performance of organization employees, as individuals who are highly motivated performs more than individuals who are not highly motivated. The motivation factors come from soft skills which when combined with hard skills then individuals can be in a position to achieve or reach self actualization. All employers needs employees who could deliver assignments in time and factor of time management plays very important aspect of project success. It also brings the idea of planning within organization which is an aspect of soft skills. Therefore we can conclude that even if one possess greater aspect of hard skills, without elements of soft skills the project can not be successful and always hard skills plays second place to soft skills. Good leadership calls for effective communication and without effective communication, project cannot pick off and starts operating smoothly, most researchers have argued that one with soft skills can assembly individuals with technical know-how and operates organization smoothly while individuals with only technical know-how could not manage an organization. This supports the arguments that human beings in terms of labour are the most valuable asset of an organization and if well managed then the organization will realize success. Hence soft skills are superior to hard skills. Reference Peggy K. (2007) THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT SOFT SKILLS: WORKPLACE LESSONS SMART PEOPLE WISH THEY’D LEARNED SOONER by.   Klaus & Associates, Inc.

Homeschooling And Public Schools Types Of Schooling Essay

Homeschooling and public schools are two types of schooling in America. Both types of education have their similarities as well as their differences. Statistics indicates that â€Å"about 3 percent of the school-age population was homeschooled in the 2011–12 school year† (http://nces.ed.gov/FastFacts/display.asp?id=91). Statistics also show that, â€Å"In fall 2015, about 50.1 million students will attend public elementary and secondary schools. Of these, 35.2 million will be in prekindergarten through grade 8 and 14.9 million will be in grades 9 through 12† (http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=372). Homeschooling and public schools are the same in a few ways, including the same courses are being instructed and they are a form of education. They are different in schedules, extracurricular activities, and differ in number of staff. From the results of statistics, it is clear that both types of schooling are actively being utilized. Whether more children a ttend public school, or are homeschooled, there are a few similarities and differences between them. Homeschooling and public schools deliver a small amount of similarities. Both kinds of schooling share the same courses as well as being educated. Homeschoolers and students who attend public schools have to learn the same subjects. Whether you are in public school or homeschooled, you will be required to complete â€Å"four English’s, three Mathematic classes, three sciences, three social studies, two arts or humanities, and oneShow MoreRelatedDisadvantages Of Homeschooling1426 Words   |  6 PagesHomeschooling should be considered as a viable option for educating children K-12 along with public schooling and private schooling. Homeschooling can be chosen for negative reasons, such as sheltering children or providing an easier opportunity for parental abuse. It is somewhat controversial both legally and socially with stigmas attached to it that are not always true. However, homeschooling is a form of education that has many benefits. It can provide a safe environment and b e a worthwhileRead MoreThe Pros And Cons Of Homeschoolg And Homeschooling773 Words   |  4 Pagesnecessary for success and improvement. Two controversial forms of education are public schooling and homeschooling. Though public schooling is beneficial, homeschooling has proven itself to be better in almost every area, including productivity, socialization, testing, cost, and flexibility. While in public school students are required to stay for countless hours, having no say in the curriculum. In homeschooling students have a flexible schedule; they can spend as much time as they want onRead MoreAdvantages and Disadvantages of Homeschooling1749 Words   |  7 PagesHomeschooling In today’s society, homeschooling is looked down upon. Many think the students involved will lack social skills. Some people are against it because they think it gives younger children a sense of authority by being able to plan their own schooling. Others are opposed to homeschooling just because it is uncommon in society and they do no want to be outcasts. To home school a child it does require much more attention and time than traditional schooling, but the results prove it can beRead MoreHomeschooling Vs Public Schools Are Two Forms Of Education Essay963 Words   |  4 PagesHomeschooling and public schools are two forms of education in America. Both types of education have their similarities as well as their differences. Statistics show that â€Å"about 3 percent of the school-age population was homeschooled in the 2011–12 school year† (http://nces.ed.gov/FastFacts/display.asp?id=91). Statistics also show that, â€Å"In fall 2015, about 50.1 million studen ts will attend public elementary and secondary schools. Of these, 35.2 million will be in prekindergarten through grade 8Read MoreIs Homeschooling A More Effective Way Of Teaching Than Public Schooling?1297 Words   |  6 PagesIs homeschooling a more effective way of teaching than public schooling? Before I can answer this simple yet controversial question I first must look into two types of educational environments. The first type is public schooling where there is one teacher with a classroom full of usually around 25 to 30 students sitting at a desk or tables. Here the children learn self-help skills and different ways of communication with one another. The other type of learning environment is homeschooling, whereRead MoreA Starvation At Learn : Growing Up Essay1258 Words   |  6 Pagesthe child starts school becomes the focal of the conversation. Unfortunately, homeschooling is not even considered, by a majority of parents, as a relevant alternative to forms of more tradit ional schooling. Parents unquestionably assume to send their children to public schools, but do their child a disservice in not considering this viable option. Although both public schooling and homeschooling s focus primarily on providing students with a quality education, today’s homeschooling affords studentsRead MoreThe Many Drawbacks Of Homeschooling1733 Words   |  7 PagesDrawbacks of Homeschooling Carole Kennedy, a principal at a school in Columbia, Missouri, talks about how time and time again she has seen many bright young children turn into lazy and poor students when they decided to turn to homeschooling. Carole specifically remembers a young boy who used to go to public school. He had some behavioral problems and his parents constantly received calls from school. She said that eventually the parents grew sick of dealing with the student’s problems at school and decidedRead MoreHomeschooling1010 Words   |  5 PagesHomeschooling is an education choice that allows parents to educate their children at home, but the efficiency of this system is questionable. â€Å"Advocates say home schooling is the best way to assure a high-quality education and want it exempted from federal and state accountability requirements. †¦. And school officials complain that when home schooling doesnt work, parents â€Å"dump† their children back in the public schools, which are then blamed for the home-schoolers poor performance† (Home SchoolingRead MoreHomeschooling Is An Adequate Form Of Schooling For College1110 Words   |  5 PagesHomeschooling is a type of education which typically occurs in the home with the child’s parent or guardian serving as the primary educator. Currently, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and is considered to be one of the fastest growing segments of K-12 education in the United States. In 2007, homeschooled students represent approximately 3 percent of children attending K-12 in the United States (Cogan 19). Since homeschooling is outside the control of the traditional education system, questionsRead MoreThe Impacts of Homeschooling on Interpersonal Skills among University Students759 Words   |  3 Pages2.5 Impacts of Homeschooling on Interpersonal Skills There are quite numbers of studies related to interpersonal skills and socialization of homeschooling children including the positive impacts and also the negative impacts. According to Hatter (n.d.), homeschooling children are often expose to a various situations and people throughout educational activities by their parents. Thus, homeschoolers actually gain very essential experiences by interacting with adults and children from different ages

The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald - 1411 Words

An author, Moffat Machingura, once stated, â€Å"Follow your dreams. I am not saying it’s going to be easy, but I am saying it’s going to be worth it.† His message, â€Å"follow your dreams,† describes a common theme found in the American society. Countless movies and books entertain the possibilities presented by striving for one’s aspirations and display the rewards granted through the achievement of it. Most of these tales portray dreams as glorious, which they definitely can be, but few stories wrestle with the unpleasant reality that dreams may mislead and consume a human. The literature that emcompasses these difficult truths immensely aids in understanding entire ideas. For this reason, the beloved novel, The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, should be read and discussed thoroughly in order to correctly gain an understanding of the American Dream, moral controversies, and beneficial practices that have shaped the United States thr ough the power of literature. One of the main themes found in The Great Gatsby concerns the American Dream, a fundamental topic that aids in the understanding of the United States’ history and lifestyle. Unfortunately, the glorification of the American Dream creates a distorted idea of the actual ideals within the dream, bettering oneself through hard work. Many people associate money and unimaginable success with it, but in response to Gatsby’s dilemma Nafisi, an Islamic teacher, argues that â€Å"the dream is not about money, but what heShow MoreRelatedThe Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald1393 Words   |  6 PagesF. Scott Fitzgerald was the model of the American image in the nineteen twenties. He had wealth, fame, a beautiful wife, and an adorable daughter; all seemed perfect. Beneath the gilded faà §ade, however, was an author who struggled with domestic and physical difficulties that plagued his personal life and career throughout its short span. This author helped to launch the theme that is so prevalent in his work; the human instinct to yearn for more, into the forefront of American literature, where itRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1343 Words   |  6 PagesHonors English 10 Shugart 18 Decemeber 2014 The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald s 1925 novel The Great Gatsby is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life. The Great Gatsby is about the lives of four wealthy characters observed by the narrator, Nick Carroway. Throughout the novel a mysterious man named Jay Gatsby throws immaculate parties every Saturday night in hope to impress his lost lover, Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby lives in a mansion on West Egg across from DaisyRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1155 Words   |  5 PagesThe Great Gatsby The Jazz Age was an era where everything and anything seemed possible. It started with the beginning of a new age with America coming out of World War I as the most powerful nation in the world (Novel reflections on, 2007). As a result, the nation soon faced a culture-shock of material prosperity during the 1920’s. Also known as the â€Å"roaring twenties†, it was a time where life consisted of prodigality and extravagant parties. Writing based on his personal experiences, author F. ScottRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1166 Words   |  5 Pagesin the Haze F. Scott Fitzgerald lived in a time that was characterized by an unbelievable lack of substance. After the tragedy and horrors of WWI, people were focused on anything that they could that would distract from the emptiness that had swallowed them. Tangible greed tied with extreme materialism left many, by the end of this time period, disenchanted. The usage of the literary theories of both Biographical and Historical lenses provide a unique interpretation of the Great Gatsby centered aroundRead MoreThe Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald845 Words   |  3 PagesIn F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, colors represent a variety of symbols that relate back to the American Dream. The dream of being pure, innocent and perfect is frequently associated with the reality of corruption, violence, and affairs. Gatsby’s desire for achieving the American Dream is sought for through corruption (Schneider). The American Dream in the 1920s was perceived as a desire of w ealth and social standings. Social class is represented through the East Egg, the WestRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald Essay970 Words   |  4 Pagesrespecting and valuing Fitzgerald work in the twenty-first century? Fitzgerald had a hard time to profiting from his writing, but he was not successful after his first novel. There are three major point of this essay are: the background history of Fitzgerald life, the comparisons between Fitzgerald and the Gatsby from his number one book in America The Great Gatsby, and the Fitzgerald got influences of behind the writing and being a writer. From childhood to adulthood, Fitzgerald faced many good andRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald2099 Words   |  9 Pagesauthor to mirror his life in his book. In his previous novels F. Scott Fitzgerald drew from his life experiences. He said that his next novel, The Great Gatsby, would be different. He said, â€Å"In my new novel I’m thrown directly on purely creative work† (F. Scott Fitzgerald). He did not realize or did not want it to appear that he was taking his own story and intertwining it within his new novel. In The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, he imitates his lifestyle through the Buchanan family to demonstrateRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1607 Words   |  7 Pages The Great Gatsby is an American novel written in 1925 by F. Scott Fitzgerald. One of the themes of the book is the American Dream. The American Dream is an idea in which Americans believe through hard work they can achieve success and prosperity in the free world. In F. Scott Fitzgerald s novel, The Great Gatsby, the American Dream leads to popularity, extreme jealousy and false happiness. Jay Gatsby’s recent fortune and wealthiness helped him earn a high social position and become one of the mostRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1592 Words   |  7 PagesMcGowan English 11A, Period 4 9 January 2014 The Great Gatsby Individuals who approach life with an optimistic mindset generally have their goals established as their main priority. Driven by ambition, they are determined to fulfill their desires; without reluctance. These strong-minded individuals refuse to be influenced by negative reinforcements, and rely on hope in order to achieve their dreams. As a man of persistence, the wealthy Jay Gatsby continuously strives to reclaim the love of hisRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1646 Words   |  7 PagesThe 1920s witnessed the death of the American Dream, a message immortalized in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Initially, the American Dream represented the outcome of American ideals, that everyone has the freedom and opportunity to achieve their dreams provided they perform honest hard work. During the 1920s, the United States experienced massive economic prosperity making the American Dream seem alive and strong. However, in Fitzgerald’s eyes, the new Am erican culture build around that

Education And National Standards Of Excellence - 808 Words

Our world is all about living up to expectations. As children, we were respectful of our elders, we studied hard to make good grades. Our motivation was pleasing our parents and teachers because it was what they expected from us. The child knows that the expectations have been met when they receive a smile from parents, a sticker on a test paper from the teacher, or even the weekly allowance. In the adult world, educators must also live up the expectations. Those set forth by our students, their parents, our principals, the school district, the state board of education, and even national standards. The leaders of this world must also please these same people but must do so for hundreds or thousands of students within their care†¦show more content†¦More recently, Louisiana, and many other states across the country, have adopted the Common Core State Standards in an effort to accomplish this goal of creating a system of standards to educational excellence. According t o Uecker, Kelly, and Napierala (2014), these standards serve to provide â€Å"clear, consistent, and targeted benchmarks† that will provide a system for all students to be better prepared for the next level of education and for the future. The Common Core State Standards are a set of mathematics and literacy standards that outline what a student should be able to do at the end of each grade level. Rather than focusing on the minimum needs of the educational system like NCLB, the Common Core State Standards strive to meet the rigorous needs of student learning in order to prepare them for the future. Common Core State Standards Initiative (2015) states, â€Å"The standards were created to ensure that all students graduate from high school with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college, career, and life, regardless of where they live.† The initiative explains that the standards were created because of the growing trend of students in theShow MoreRelate dPosition Statement For Women In America1594 Words   |  7 PagesIn addition to the rotating two-hour program, we have a peer-led, 60-minute curriculum that can be facilitated by a chapter Education Chairman for an entire chapter as well as online Behind Happy Faces courses for advisers, alumnae and collegians who are interested in learning more. As part of our yearly chapter programming, Kappa offers members Not Anymore, an engaging online program facilitated by peers. Throughout the course, young women share their stories about difficult topics, including sexualRead MoreRegulatory and Accreditation: the Effects on Nursin Faculty Essay1093 Words   |  5 Pagesregulation of nursing began as a simple registry process to protect both nurses and the public alike. Today, the primary purpose of regulation is still the protection of the public, but also relates to defining nursing practices as well as nursing education (Flook, 2003). The roles that regulatory agencies play in the nur sing educational setting are many. In order to understand exactly what function any of the participating regulatory or accrediting committees has, a simple definition needs to be understoodRead MoreArroyo Fresco Community Health Center Applied For The Baldrige Program1037 Words   |  5 Pagesperformance excellence. The program raises awareness about how an organization performance effects the United States and global economy. The program is an organizational assessment tool and criteria. It also recognizes national role models and award them with the Presidential Award for performance excellence. Their mission is â€Å"To improve the competitiveness and performance of United States organizations for the benefit of all United States residents (Baldrige Performance Excellence Program , 2016)Read MoreNursing Is Defined As Moral And Medical1490 Words   |  6 Pagesthe other hand, professional competence is the capability to perform and demonstrate technical skills, abilities, know ledge, attitudes, values, judgment, and different tasks and take responsibilities according to employment standards (Bowen, Donkin Sinclair, 2013). The excellence of care carried by nurses employed in Australian overall exercises breaks on a solid basis of nursing teaching and guidance (Pascoe et al., 2009). Nurses working in overall perform in Australia need a structure of ongoingRead MoreEducation: The Down Fall of the U.S.1680 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"Our Nation is at risk.† This was the very first line of the 1983 report from President Ronald Reagans National Commission on Excellence in Education. The report focused on the growing concern that the American education system was in a rapid decline. With such powerful statements like the educational foundations of our society are presently being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens our very future as a Nation and a people and If an unfriendly foreign power had attempted to imposeRead MoreSpeech Given at P artido State University779 Words   |  3 Pagescelebration of individual achievements, and I am honored to be a part of this celebration. Your graduation theme is â€Å"Building Excellence, Leading the Way†. In this regard, institutional responses to pursuit of quality and accessible education had been diverse and I commend the school for doing its share. The Commission on Higher Education gives emphasis on pursuing excellence and empowering students and new entrants to the workforce to become transformational leaders by taking advantage of their educationalRead MoreCharacteristics Of An Organization Health Care Provider879 Words   |  4 Pagesproviders (National Provider Identifier, 2007). One common thread that all of these organizations have is the identifier standards, developed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and followed under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA). This standards dictates that: â€Å"all covered entities under HIPPA are required by regulation to use NPI’s (National Provider Identifier), to identify health care providers in standard HIPPA transactions† (National ProviderRead MoreApplying Project Management Body Of Knowledge1205 Words   |  5 Pagesbusiness practices that provide a sound framework that is vital within the institutions mindset (Am are, 2012). Research will then illustrate the relevance of constructing a contract process model that gives explicit instructions, which includes standard business practice within an institution. Concurrently, it promotes quality products and services, highlights deficiencies in a timely manner, and fosters good communication throughout the institution, according to the United States EnvironmentalRead MoreMovers and Shakers in Education1270 Words   |  6 PagesFelicia Rumsey EDU 210 01/19/13 Bryce Budoff Movers and Shakers in Education Sacrifices have been made throughout history by many to advance the field of education so all children have the opportunity for a proper education and a successful future. With these advances come all types of adjustments to keep the idea of a proper education moving. Just in the last fifty years, there have been several significant attempts to improve the educational system. The first being the A Nation atRead MoreProject Classroom Makeover, By Cathy Davidson1169 Words   |  5 Pagestechnology and education. In â€Å"Project Classroom Makeover,† she argues that the way the United States teaches students is not preparing them for the skills needed for success in the twenty-first century. To illustrate her point, Professor Davidson presents the historical development of the educational system in the U.S. She differentiates â€Å"high standards† from â€Å"standardization† and stresses the need for education to offer rigor, relevance, and relationship (2 01). In 2010, the National Governors Association

A Ride in the Park free essay sample

It was a cool summer day at Six Flags. My sisters church hosted the trip, but she went off to look for her friends. I was with my mother looking out for food to eat and games to play. Anything to avoid riding the roller coaster. I was attracted to a stall giving out electric guitars to anyone who could make an impossible throw over the wooden ledge, off a board, and into a basket. Mom must have sensed the real reason for my interest in those impossible games. I was trying to avoid those scary rides. â€Å"How about this one?† she said, pointing at the Superman ride that seemed to blast off into space. â€Å"Not that one,† I said in a half-chuckle. I thought back months earlier to an 8th grade trip at Dorney Park. I was standing in line waiting to ride the roller coaster. When it came I walked away to ease my accelerating heartbeat. We will write a custom essay sample on A Ride in the Park or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Im not really comfortable being in the air. I have never been on a plane before, and we didnt go out on these types of trips every year. Even when I was younger and would jump down the steps from the front porch, I only experienced a split-second of flight. Naturally, I was apprehensive when mom suggested the Superman ride; I didn’t want to go on. My mothers attention switched to the Scream-o roller coaster. My blank stare at the ramp extending high above was enough to convey an answer. â€Å"Well, Im going.† she said, walking away from my side into the entrance. Reluctantly, I followed her. I have since realized this was the moment when I began to act with my mothers resiliency in the face of fear. The older I get the more conscious I become of the values my mother instilled in me at a young age. I think of the many times I have seen her walk out onto the porch and start praying moments after we heard shots ring out in the streets below. Fear has no place in her house. It can never control me either. If it had controlled my mom, she would not have been able to sacrifice everything and raise four children alone. She would not have been able to thrive after her pastor, her father, and her husband (my father) all died within months of each other. If my family had let fear rule our actions, we would have become victims of the circumstances and made no progress in life. I dont make excuses and I do not allow anyone to make them for me. Thats why the day after Christmas I walked two miles from home to go and shovel snow at school, where I work for the student maintenance team. Fear is an atomic bomb that can destroy a field of dreams. My upbringing has taught me that I can accomplis h anything. Waiting for the Scream-o car to approach, I didnt realize how much this ride would mean years later. That day I conquered my fears, inspired by my mom, a woman who has given me a reason to dream.

John F Kennedy Essays (2101 words) - Kennedy Family,

John F Kennedy John Fitzgerald Kennedy John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts on May 29, 1917, the second oldest in a family of nine children. His great grandparents had come the United States from Ireland in the mid-1800, s after a famine caused severe poverty in that Country. Although their families had not come to the United States with much money, Both of John Kennedy's grandfathers became political leaders in Boston. One of them John Fitzgerald, (for whom he was named), was elected mayor in 1905. John Kennedy's Father, Joseph Patrick became a very wealthy businessman, he was and adviser to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the United States Ambassador to Great Britain from 1938 to 1940. John Kennedy (his family called him ?Jack,?) moved to New York when He was ten years old. Since the family spent summer months at their home in Hyannis, Cape Cod, Jack still lived a good part of his life in Massachusetts. As a boy and a young man, he traveled to other parts of the United States and to other countries. After graduating from the Choate School in Connecticut in 1935, he went on to Harvard College and graduated in 1940. That same year he wrote a best selling book, called, Why England Slept, it was about some of the decisions, which led to World War II. In 1941, John Kennedy joined the Navy. He became the commander of a small ?PT? boat, assigned to the battle in the Pacific against the Japanese. One night while on patrol, a large enemy ship rammed Kennedy's boat. Two men in the crew of thirteen were killed, and the rest led by Lt. Kennedy swam to a nearby deserted island. There they managed to survive mostly by eating coconuts, until they were rescued a week later. After World War II, John n Kenney had to choose the kind of work he wanted to do. He considered becoming a teacher or a writer but soon he decided to run for political office. In 1946 he was elected to the U.S. Congress, representing a district in greater Boston, Kennedy a democrat served three terms (six years), in the House of Representatives, and in 1952 he was elected to the U.S. Senate. In 1953, he married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier. The following year he had a serious operation on his back. While recovering from surgery, he wrote a book about several U.S. senators, which had risked their careers to fight for the things in which they believed. The book, called Profiles in Courage, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Biography in 1957. That same year the Kennedy's first child Caroline, was born. Kennedy had narrowly missed being picked as the Democratic Party's candidate for Vice President in 1956. Soon after, he began a long campaign to become President in 1960. At the convention on July 13, 1960, the Democrats chose Kennedy as their Presidential candidate. Kennedy asked Lyndon B. Johnson, a senator from Texas, to run with him for Vice President. In the general election on November 8, 1960, Kennedy defeated Vice President Richard M. Nixon in a very close race, the popular vote was 34,226,731 for Kennedy and 34,108,157 for Nixon. The electoral vote was 303 for the Kennedy campaign and 219 for Nixon. Kennedy was the youngest man elected President and also the first Catholic. John F. Kennedy was sworn in as the 35th President on January 20, 1961. In his Inaugural Address, he spoke of the need for all Americans to be active citizens. ?Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country?, he said. He also asked the nations of the world to join together to fight what he called the ?common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself?. Soon after the election Kennedy's second child was born John Jr. One of President Kennedy's first important actions was creating the Peace Corps. Americans who join the Peace Corps go as volunteers to countries requesting assistance. They served as teachers and provided help in areas such as farming, health care and construction. Kennedy also wanted Americas to travel to more distant destinations. In May of 1961, after Alan Shepard became the first America astronaut to fly into space