ShelbyPEuthanasia

Shelby Placke
Mrs. Boresen
Expos P-4
Final Paper
May 10, 2009
Euthanasia
Suffering from intolerable pain, a terminal illness, or being in a permanent vegetative state are all things that one does not wish to encounter in their life. But if any of these medical illnesses were to occur, what would one conclude to do? Euthanasia meaning “good death” in Greek, is one possibility some people take to end their suffering. This simple act of ending a person’s pain by death has been looked down upon by our society. Religion also has played a key role in the downgrading of euthanasia, believing that it is only God’s choice to end a human life. I believe though, that euthanasia does have a place.
There are several different kinds of euthanasia performed including: passive, active, and physician assisted suicide. Passive euthanasia is “the removal of life support, stopping of medical procedures, or dehydration/removal of a feeding tube” (www.religious tolerance.org). This method is commonly used when a patient has no means of recovery, commonly being in a vegetative state. Terri Schiavo’s death was a prime example of this method of euthanasia. Schiavo had become permanently incapacitated in 1990 when she allegedly collapsed to the ground for no specific reason. Terri was severely brain damaged and was only able to sustain life through usage of a feeding tube. After 15 years, Terri’s husband made the decision to remove her feeding tube. He claimed that, “she would not want to be kept alive by artificial means” (Diana Lynne). Her death finally occurred 13 days after the tube’s removal, from mass dehydration. In the end, Terri was finally freed from her suffering. Another approach some wish to take is active euthanasia. This method is the taking of one’s life by request. Dr. Jack Kevorkian became world- renown for his so called “mercy killings”. Dr. Kevorkian, otherwise known as Dr. Death, would assist in helping his patients die. Whenever a patient would come to him and tell of their misery and suffering, he would help them be put to rest. He also commonly did physician assisted suicide, where he would supply information on ways of obtaining death. Dr. Death made a machine, known as the Thanatron, which, “injected lethal dosages of potassium chloride to stop their heart” (Rob Beschizza). All these methods of euthanasia are different, but have the same basic premise behind them.
The motive of gratification and relief, overall, is what I believe to be the driving force behind euthanasia. Assisting a loved one out of their prolonged misery should be accepted. Why should an innocent person be forced to suffer through a miserable life waiting for death to arrive, when it can be granted to them so easily? Terminal illnesses are non-curable. When there is no cure, immediate death can become very comforting. Being in unnecessary, tremendous pain should not have to be suffered through. However, this should not be confused with reasons of the usual suicide. Wanting to die due to depression can always be changed. Mental illnesses, such as depression, are treatable and should be taken care of in a more reasonable matter.
Unfortunately, some people argue that euthanasia is wrong and murderous in nature. In fact, Dr. Kevorkian was sent to prison for his practices because of supposed murder to his patients. Honestly, how can consent and want of death be called murder at all? Who is to say that what Kevorkian did was wrong? Being a good doctor, he just fulfilled his patients’ wishes. Other people say that it is only God’s choice when death should occur. This does play a bearing to religious people. If religion has a role in one’s life they should not chose euthanasia; however, it still should be a choice people are allowed to have.
Death is not a subject that people commonly discuss. It is mysterious and different for all people to experience. One thing about death that remains the same for everyone is that we want it to be good. Euthanasia allows for that request and should be thought of as a logical choice rather than some kind of taboo. People need to consider, “When do we stop doing all that we can do? When do we withhold which therapies and allow nature to take its course? When are we, through our own indecision and fears of mortality, allowing wondrous medical methods to perversely prolong the dying rather than the living.” (Los Angeles Times). When people come to this realization, euthanasia will be finally universally accepted, and become the cure to ending all prolonged suffering of the sick.

Bibliography
Beschizza, Rob. "The Thanatron, Jack Kevorkian?s Death Machine." Gadget Lab. 1 June 2007. 10 May 2009 .
Dianna, Lynne. "The whole Terri Schiavo story." 24 Mar. 2005. WorldNetDaily. 10 May 2009 .
"Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide." 10 May 2009 .
"From a medical perspective, should Terri Schiavo's feeding tube have been removed?" 9 May 2009 .
Los Angeles Times. 9 May 2009 .

Bibliography

Shelby Placke
Mrs. Boresen
Expos P-4
Bibliography
January 31, 2009

Works Cited
Diagram Group. Rules of the Game. New York: St. Martin's P, 1977.
"Michael Phelps Biography." 2008. Black Book Partners. LLC. 25 Jan. 2009 .
"Swimming." Merrian-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. 11th ed. 2003. 1263-264.
World Net Search. 25 June 2009 ..

Definition Essay

Shelby Placke
Mrs. Boresen
Expos, P-4
Final Draft
January 27 2009

A True Swimmer

Dive into the ice cold, brisk water and feel it envelop your entire body. Smell the essence of the chlorine as you breathe from side to side. These are some of the desires a true swimmer looks forward to experiencing everyday. The word, swimmer, is not only a word, it is a lifestyle. Being a swimmer defines one’s life and helps to show where someone’s dedication truly lies.
According to WorldNetSearch.com, the definition of a swimmer is, “A trained athlete who participates in swim meets”. This is the noun definition, while as the verb definition is “to propel oneself in water by natural means (as movements of the limbs, fins, or tail)” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). Both of these definitions meet the requirement that any average person would expect. Unfortunately though, they do not achieve in showing the emotion and value behind the word. To me, a swimmer is a person with passion and desire for the sport of swimming. They are a devoted athlete who spends countless hours at the pool everyday in order to improve their skills and prepare themselves for competitions. None of these concepts were mentioned in either definition, and that devastates me. It does not allow for people to experience the genuine meaning of a true swimmer.
I, myself, have been swimming since I was five years old. Ever since middle school, I have participated in competitive swimming by joining the recreational swim team during the summers. Summer swimming was very enjoyable, but not very “hard-core”. The work outs were full of laughing and splashing around in the water. Now in high school, I swim for Valley High School’s swim team. I have learned throughout these past three years that summer swimming was not true swimming after all. At Valley, every practice is filled with intense workouts and strenuous sets. Everyday we swim three to four miles in ranging distance sets with very few breaks for rest. It is a completely different level of swimming compared to what most people would expect. No one ever truly sees the competitive side of the sport, and just expects swimming to be playing around in a pool. That is why most people do not have an appreciation for the sport like I do. This year, I have grown into an all-around better swimmer. I have improved my times in both my 50 free and my 100 free races. My times have improved so much that I am now even swimming on all three of the Varsity relays that have qualified for state. My goal is now to do well and hopefully, place at the state competition. I dream of swimming my way to a medal at state. Imagine racing in a close race. You can see your opponents ahead in the lanes next to you, but this doesn’t stop you; it drives you forward even faster. Stroke, stroke, stroke, breathe; this is the constant repetitive motion that you continue to follow. Feel the adrenaline rush through your body as you come closing to the finish, outreaching your rivals at the wall for the win! Picture all your teammate’s joys and the smile on the face of your proud coach. Knowing that all the long, hard practices were finally worth it in the end, is my overall goal.
The word, swimmer, has a lot of history behind it. First off, the definition of a swimmer has grown more modern in the last century. Swimming became more of a competitive sport, and grew with interest due to the Olympics. The greatest swimmer of all time in Olympic competition is definitely Michael Phelps. My dream of becoming a true swimmer was achieved from the inspiration I have received from him. Michael is a great role model for me to look up to. He is pretty much the poster child of swimming. Michael has “rock star status among swim fans and is drawing a tidal wave of attention from the non-chlorinated world, as well” (JockBio.com). He practices at least three times a day, spending a total of two to five hours in the pool. Beginning at the age eleven, Michael started his quest in becoming a swimming champion. His goal continued to make progress, when he made the American Olympic team at only 15 years old. Phelps participated in the 2004 Olympics and then went on to compete in 2008 as well. In Beijing, all his hard work finally paid off. Michael miraculously won eight gold medals at the Summer Olympics. This achievement was extraordinary and a world swimming record. Phelps was able to not only swim, but conquer over his opponents in so many different swimming events. Ranging from relays, to backstroke, to butterfly, Michael took it all. His dedication and drive are what inspired me to continue in my swimming career. In fact, I was considering quitting swimming this summer, until I saw Michael on the television. His addiction and love for the sport drew me into swimming again. He was my swimming savior and has definitely become my hero. Many other people around the world were also inspired by Michael. He helped to make swimming a more popular sport, and a main event to watch in the Olympics. Obviously, Michael Phelps has been a major factor in the history of swimming.
The word swimmer should now have more significance and meaning when said. I believe that I, myself have developed into a true swimmer. Swimming has become a major part of my life, something that I am proud to dedicate my life to. Now swimming might not attract all, but that does not mean that dedication shouldn’t. Dedication drives people in many forms; try to find an activity that will motivate you. Anything from cooking, to writing, to dancing, to running; find an activity that will drive you forward. To some, a swimmer is just a simple word, but to others, like myself, it is a way of life.

Winter Narrative

Shelby Placke
Mrs. Boresen
Expository Writing
Winter Break Narative
1/13/09
New Year’s Eve
Over Winter Break, I had several wonderful experiences. I went to Nebraska with my family for Christmas, hung out with relatives, went swimming, and much more. The one event that stood out as the most profound to me was my New Year’s Eve. That night was filled with new experiences and wonderful memories that I will never forget. It was consumed with brightly lit fireworks, colorful city lights, laughing, and most importantly, my amazing boyfriend.
My fun-filled adventure began in the early evening of December 31. Nick, my boyfriend, came to my house to pick me up for the evening. We then went with his parents to Denver to start off the night. First, we decided to go and eat dinner. Nick’s family and I went to Chile’s, and luckily got a seat right away (even though the place was completely packed). People everywhere surrounded not only the little restaurant we were in, but the streets as well. You see, Denver was a crowded, hectic place to be at on New Year’s Eve because of the fireworks. Many people came to the city to watch the sky become lit up by a beautiful firework display at midnight. After our dinner, the much anticipated firework show was about to begin.
Nick and I decided to watch the show from the heights of his parents’ office. They work on the 50th floor of one of the major skyscrapers in Denver, so we were going to see the lights at almost eyelevel. Nick found a perfect view of the city by sitting on the ledge near one tall window. I decided to join him and sat closely next to his side. It was such an amazing feeling to be able to spend this event right by my boyfriend. Spending the night with someone you deeply care about made the fireworks even more special. Once the firework show began, I was hypnotized by their dazzling lights. I watched the beautiful colors shoot up into the sky like rainbows of the night. It was beautiful and relaxing all at the same time. I was filled with comfort and joy as the New Year was brought in by the lights. Knowing that I was starting yet another year with my boyfriend was another perfect feeling in itself. Once the lights faded dim, it was time to end the night and go home.
New Year’s Eve was obviously a very amazing experience to me. Firework display’s occur every year on Independence Day, and yet, they feel more special and significant on New Year’s. This was an exciting experience for me that would not have been complete without Nick being there to share it with. Bringing in the New Year with each other made me hope for yet another great year together to come, and hopefully another firework show to look forward to.

Extra Credit Visual