Tissue Engineering

Tissue Engineering The first time tissue engineering was introduced it gave the promise to repair or replace damaged organs, the field has dramatically evolved from its origins in the late 1980s. Tissue engineering is a field that is rapidly growing and becoming extremely important within biomedical engineering, it mainly links the rapid developments in cellular and molecular biology together with chemical and mechanical engineering. The graph below shows the amount of money the US federal government is spending on different areas of stem cell research. The National institute of health in the United States defined tissue engineering, in other words regenerative medicine as being: An emerging multidisciplinary field involving biology, medicine, and engineering that is likely to revolutionise the ways we improve the health and quality of life for millions of people worldwide by restoring, maintaining, or enhancing tissue and organ function. (1) Tissue engineering is in fact the application of certain scientific principles brought together to enhance the design, modification, construction, growth, and the maintenance of living tissue. Tissue engineering is divided into two main categories. The first being Vitro, this involves the construction of bioartificial tissues from cells isolated by enzymatic dissociation of a specific donor tissue. Bioartificial tissues are ones which are used as an alternative to organ transplantation, these tissues are composed of natural and synthetic substances. The second category of tissue engineering is Vivo, this involves the alteration and variation of cell growth and function. Examples of applications of tissue engineering include, bone and cartilage implants, formation of bioartificial skin and nerve regeneration. Perhaps the most important concept in tissue engineering is stem cell biology. This is the concept which brought back the idea of using cell based approaches for treating diseases such as heart diseases. Research made on stem cells aims to get knowledge on how an organism develops from a single cell and how healthy cells replace damaged cells in adult organisms. Stem cells can be defined as ‘a small subpopulation of the proliferating compartment, consisting of relatively undifferentiated proliferative cells that maintain their population size when they divide while at the same time producing progeny that enter a dividing transit population within which further rounds of cell division occur, together with differentiation events, resulting in the production of the various differentiated functional cells required of the tissue. (6) Stem cells are different to other kinds of cells in the human body. All stem cells have three general properties which contribute to their scientific importance. (1) The first is that they are capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods. Other kinds of cells including muscle cells or nerve cells do not normally replicate themselves. Stem cells may replicate many times or proliferate. A population of stem cells that proliferates for many months in laboratory can yield millions of cells. The second property of stem cells is that they are unspecialised, the ability of the cells resulting from proliferation to continue being unspecialised like the parent stem cells makes them capable of long term self renewal. In fact stem cells do not have any tissue specific structures that allow them to perform specialised functions. A stem cell does not have the ability to perform the functions a heart muscle cell or a red blood cell would do. In other words, a stem cell cannot work to pump blood through the body like a heart muscle cell, and it cannot carry oxygen in blood like a red blood cell does. The third property of stem cells is that they have got the potential to differentiate into various cell types in the body, this process happens during early life. When a stem cell divides, new cells formed could either remain as stem cells or become another type of cells with a more specialised function. Unspecialised stem cells develop into specialised cells, including heart muscle cells, nerve cells and others. In research two kinds of stem cells have been used, these are embryonic stem cells and non embryonic stem cells, also called somatic or adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are ‘undifferentiated cells derived from a 5 days pre-implantation embryo that are capable of dividing without differentiating for a prolonged period in culture. (1) Embryonic stem cells are mainly derived from embryos that result from eggs that have been fertilised in vitro. Scientists have discovered a method to obtain stem cells from human embryos and then growing them in vitro, these cells are called human embryonic stem cells. Human embryonic stem cells are derived from the blastocyst. These are embryos that are around five days old, the time required for blastocyst formation to start after fertilisation in humans. A non embryonic (Somatic or adult) stem cell is ‘an undifferentiated cell found in many organs and differentiated tissues with a limited capacity for both self renewal (in vitro) and differentiation. (1) Non embryonic cells are undifferentiated cells found in a tissue or an organ that can renew themselves and can differentiate and develop specialised cell types of the specific tissue or organ. This type of stem cells is found in many organs and tissues. Adult stem cells are present in the stem cell niche, this is a specific region of each tissue. The main roles of adult non embryonic stem cells in humans are to maintain and repair the tissue in which they reside. The cells remain inactivated and do not divide for long periods of time until a certain disease or an injury in the tissue in which they reside activates them, and they will then start dividing as more cells are required to maintain the specific tissue. Recently researchers came up with new conditions that would allow specialised adult cells to be genetically programmed in order to be able to differentiate into any type of cell. This type of stem cells is called induced pluripotent stem cells. Pluripotent stem cells have unique special characteristics that make them very useful in a wide range of applications. They have the ability to replace damaged cells and provide a new potential for treating disease. They are used in the treatment of extensive burns, and to restore the blood system in patients with diseases such as Leukaemia and other blood disorders. Stem cells can be used to study the development of humans from a fertilised egg and all the processes involved, scientists could Identify the mechanisms that determine whether a stem cell chooses to replicate itself or to differentiate into a specific cell type, and if that is the case what cell type would it be, these information would allow scientists to find out and understand what controls normal human development. In practice a more complete understanding of the genetic and molecular control of these processes may provide scientists with helpful information about how certain diseases arise. This allows scientists to suggest new ways of treating those diseases. The exceptional property of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells that they can renew themselves while maintaining the ability to differentiate into useful cell types. For example, they have been used as a source of human cardiomyocytes. This allowed scientists to go further in research by using those cardiomyocytes in cell based cardiac therapies, cardiomyocytes have also been used in modeling human heart development and in testing drugs. (4) Also stem cells have the ability to provide a source of insulin producing cells, or repair the damaged the pancreatic tissues. This provides another potential to treat diabetes. (5) New medications could be tested for safety on specific cells that perform special functions. A large number of the specific type of cells on which the medications are to be tested is generated from stem cells. Stem cells have the ability to replace cells lost due to other devastating diseases for which no cures have been found yet. Today donated tissues and organs are often used to replace the specific damaged tissues or organs. The problem with that is the fact that, the need for transplantable tissues and organs is a lot more than the supply available. Stem cells, with the ability to differentiate into specific cell types could offer the possibility of providing a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat diseases and replace the damaged tissues and organs. However significant technical barriers concerning stem cells remain, but they are to be overcome by research which is increasing in both importance and scope due to the huge benefits that could be obtained. References: 1- www.stemcells.nih.gov 2- Tissue engineering, Bernhard O. Palsson and Sangeeta N. Bhatia. 3- Principles of tissue engineering / edited by Robert P. Lanza, Robert Langer, Joseph Vacanti, 2nd edition. 4- Cardiac applications for human pluripotent stem cells. Shiba Y, Hauch KD, Laflamme MA. www.Pubmed.gov 5- Adipose tissue derived stem cells for regeneration and differentiation into insulin-producing cells. Kim SC, Han DJ, Lee JY. www.pubmed.gov 6- Essentials of stem cell biology [electronic resource] / editors, Robert Lanza †¦ [et al.]. 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Study on Credit Risk and Credit Risk Management

Study on Credit Risk and Credit Risk Management Abstract The purpose of this research is to make clear the importance of credit risk management and how the firm can get the benefit by using different methodologies by different actions of credit risk management. Introduction Many institutions such as banking and enterprises are well-known to its clever usage of financial sources. The correct management of the financial sources and attributes makes it spirited for the organization to tolerate the different economic uncertainties and threats. In addition, the strategy on managing the risks can be the most attractive strategy of the company that cannot be deteriorated but can be passed through the next generations of other managers. Background and problem statement The evaluation of risks can be the fundamental strategy in all of the organizations. Through the assessment of the risks, the organization can create a subjective decision and well plan. This all can help the accomplishment draw out from the process. In the classification of various system that are concerned in the assessing and managing the risk, the credit risk management is an rising activity that lies within the organization. Many researches attempted to answer the remuneration of the credit management within the organization. However, it remained indistinct for the management on how to manage and the principle of the credit risk management. Literature Review The credit risk management is accepted among the banks and other financial resources. The main purpose of the credit risk management is to minimize or diminish the possessions of the non-performing loans came from the consumers. The procedures and processes of the banks and their affiliates create a great collision in the flow of the financial resources. However, various economic reservations, international markets, or financial constraints can cause the financial status to be unbalanced. Aside from the financial deficiencies, the other causes of the financial constraints are the lack of buoyancy among the financial market to provide external help for the needed consumers, lack of potential to gather the information of the consumers, and the lack of push to have an forceful debt collecting. The non-performing loans can definitely cause too much stagnation of the financial sources. To provide the credit risk management efficiently, the banks and other financial institutions should ass es the reliability of the loaners. In terms of an enterprise, the estimation of their credit portfolio is enough to provide a system that continuously promotes the reviewing the risks and the ability of the business enterprise to pay. It is very common that the banking process restrict the occurrence of the risks during every transaction; for this reason, the bank managers should also rely on the effectiveness of the imposed regulations to predict the future risks.   From the different financial indicators, the position of the institution on the market disappointment are still depends on the internal process and the actions of the people. The economic theory in banking encompasses the interest and income theory in which is the basis of the cash flow approach in bank lending (Akperan, 2005). Credit risk management needs to be a vigorous process that enables the banks to proactively manage the loan portfolios to minimize the losses and earn an acceptable level of return to its shareholders. The importance of the credit risk management is recognized by banks for it can establish the standards of process, segregation of duties and responsibilities such in policies and procedures sanctioned by the banks (Focus Group, 2007). Credit risks appear in banking institution because of the uncertainties plagued the financial system. The uncertainties remain a major challenge in country. Still, the major approaches applied by the banks are the continuing efforts on research and close monitoring. Banks believe that the research and monitoring are the key sources of uncertainties like data generating institutions and the treasury (Uchendu, 2009). The market structure is important in banking for it influences the competitiveness of the banking system and companies to access to funding or credit investment. The economic growth affects the structure and development of the banking system. In addition, the vast knowledge in risk assessment and managerial approach is recognized as part of the development. Moreover, because the banks and the processes are highly regulated, it became very useful in assessing the effects or impact of the credit risk management in the banks and even in other financial sources (Gonzalez, 2009 ). Research Objectives The first objective of the study is to convey the purpose as well as the center of the credit risk management. Second is to determine the different actions of the management or the managers regarding the credit risk management. Through this two interconnected objectives, the study can ascertain its common ground in discussing the essential parts of the credit risk management. The credit risk management is admired among the banks and other financial resources. The main purpose of the credit risk management is to reduce or diminish the possessions of the non-performing loans came from the consumers. Credit risk is an investors risk of loss arising from a borrower who does not make payments as promised. Such an event is known as a default. The other term for credit risk is default risk. Investor losses include lost principal and interest, decreased cash flow, and increased collection costs, which arise in a number of circumstances. Consumer does not make a payment due on a mortgage loan, credit card, line of credit, or other loan .Business does not make a payment due on a mortgage, credit card, line of credit, or other loan .A business or consumer does not pay a trade invoice when due .A business does not pay an employees earned salaries and wages when due A business or government bond issuer doesnt make a payment on coupon or principal payment when due .An insolvent insurance company does not pay a policy obligations .An insolvent bank wont return funds to a depositor .A government grants bankruptcy fortification an insolvent consumer or business .There are three types of credit risk. Default risk Credit spread risk Many companies use credit to pay for short-term supplies or to finance long-term growth. While most companies view loans and credit lines as a important part of business, those who understand how to alleviate credit risk are far more likely to succeed. This is because those lending money are viewing at credit risk when issuing any type of loan or credit line. To lessen credit risk a company wants to be sure it is not seeking more credit than it can credibly repay in a timely fashion. An emerging company may not want to grow in phases that allow it to recoup some of the debt spent. Companies can increase their credit rating, thus mitigate their credit risk, by starting to set up credit long before they need it. This can be adept with vendor credits, small business credit cards and loans. Your average balances in your bank accounts also help set up a lower credit risk. After all, if you have had an account for a long time with money in it to wrap debts and obligations, you are seen as credit-worthy. Mitigating credit risk Lenders mitigate credit risk by using several methods: Risk-based pricing: The Lenders generally charge a higher interest rate to borrowers, who are more likely to default, a term called risk-based pricing. A lender considers factors related to the loan such as loan purpose, credit rating, and loan-to-value ratio and estimates the effect on yield (credit spread). Covenants: Lenders may write provisions on the borrower, called covenants, into loan agreements: Periodically report its financial state. Cease from paying dividends, repurchasing shares, borrowing further, or other specific, voluntary actions that negatively affect the companys financial position Repay the loan in full, when the lender request, in certain events such as changes in the borrowers debt-to-equity ratio or interest coverage ratio Credit insurance and credit derivatives: The Lenders and bond holders may evade their credit risk by purchasing credit insurance or credit derivatives. These contracts move the risk from the lender to the seller (insurer) in exchange for payment. The common credit derivative is the credit default swap. Tightening: Lenders can overcome credit risk by reducing the amount of credit extended, either in total or to certain borrowers. For example, a distributor selling its products to a disturb retailer may attempt to lessen credit risk by reducing payment terms from net 30 to net 15. Diversification: Lenders to a small number of borrowers (or kinds of borrower) face a high degree of random credit risk, called concentration risk. Lenders lessen this risk by diversifying the borrower pool. Deposit insurance: Many governments set up deposit insurance to guarantee bank deposits of insolvent banks. Such protection discourages the consumers from withdrawing money when a bank is becoming insolvent, to shun a bank run, and motivate consumers to holding their savings in the banking system instead of in cash. Credit risk is risk due to uncertainty in a counterpartys (also called an obligors or credits) capability to meet its obligations. Because there are many types of counterparties—from individuals to partners and sovereign governments—and many different types of condition—from auto loans to derivatives transactions—credit risk takes many forms. organizations manage it in different ways. In evaluating credit risk from a single counterparty, an institution must consider three Default probability: What is the probability that the counterparty will default on its obligation either over the life of the compulsion or over some specified horizon, such as a year? Calculated for a one-year prospect, this may be called the expected default frequency. Credit exposure: In the experience of a default, how large will the outstanding obligation be when the default occurs? Recovery rate: In the event of a default, what portion of the exposure may be recovered through bankruptcy actions or some other form of settlement? When we speak of the credit quality of a requirement, this refers generally to the counterpartys capability to perform on that obligation. This encompasses both the obligations default probability and estimated recovery rate. To place credit exposure and credit quality in perception, recall that every risk include two elements: exposure and uncertainty. For credit risk, credit exposure represents the former, and credit quality represents the latter. Conclusion: From the above mentioned description it has cleared that credit risk management is the important aspect of any organization. If the management keeps in mind the methodologies and techniques mention in this study paper it can overcome this risk and can increase the value of the business.

Elaeagnus Angustifolia and Tamarix Ramossisima :: Agriculture Plants Environment Essays Papers

Elaeagnus Angustifolia and Tamarix Ramossisima Introduction The topic that is going to be discussed is the Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) and the Salt cedar (Tamarix ramossisima). Both of these species are noxious weeds that are also non-native plants that were brought over from Europe. Both of these subjects history, where they originated, and where they occupy will be covered. Also both of their economic advantages as well as their disadvantages will also be discussed. Salt Cedar The salt cedar is believed to have originated from southern Europe, the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, and Africa. Out of the 54 species known worldwide eight of them preside and have been introduced into the U.S... A brief description of this species is that it can grow up to 5 to 20 feet tall. The reason for the great distance in size is because they are divided into two groups, which are similar to the evergreen tree or a deciduous shrubby type species. It was mainly used as an ornamental landscaping plant on the sides of roads. The reason why this tree was chosen is because of its ability to survive in a variety of areas and because it is very adaptable and tolerant. However, because of some of these traits it also ended up becoming a hassle. Other traits that make it a lot of trouble is it is able to produce rapidly from hundreds to thousands of seeds being dispersed. These seeds are numerous but what makes the matter worse is that after being exposed to moisture it only takes the seedling 24 hours to germinate making it able to reproduce at an astounding rate. Which means more plants competing in an ecosystem that has been changed to the salt cedar conditions. This is done by the salt cedar through its glands that release salts in its leaves and younger stems that when they fall to the ground it makes the soil no to the standards of many of the other species of plants in the area reducing diversity in the area. They are also less tolerable to fire, which causes them to burn easier and allows the fire to spread in a wider area. However, the advantage they have over the other plants after this occurs is that they are able to recover faster than other species because they have become better adapted to fires. The ones that grow near streams and other water sources narrow channels causing an increase in the water flow, which can eventually lead to flooding.

Amazing Grace Essay -- essays research papers

Amazing Grace, written by Jonathan Kozol.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At first glance, it seems that the author is going to take us on yet another journalistic ride through the land of the poor. Similar to the ones you read about, or hear in the news. However, this is not the case; the real underlying theme is what is society doing about the plight of the poor? Kozol uses the views of children to emphasize that these reports on living conditions are not being obtained by â€Å"disgruntled† adults, but from innocent, learning children whose only misfortune was being born to this particular area.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The author takes us from the seventh richest congressional district in the nation (being E 59th Street in New York City) to the poorest in the nation. A mere eighteen-minute ride by subway to the South Bronx, to a little place called Mott Haven; where the median family income for the 48000 residents is only $7,600. An area known for crack-cocaine and heroin; prostitution; poor hospital care, where one-quarter of new mothers tested in obstetric wards are HIV positive; and the police say is the deadliest precinct in the city.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kozol writes about the trials and tribulations of everyday â€Å"normal† life for the children and people who live here. Normal for them however is quite different than it is for most of us. Living with drug dealers, pollution, poor hospital care and an abominable education system not to mention the social system of the city, is the â€Å"norm† for these children. In his interviews with the children of this squalid neighborhood, we find that the children speak honestly and freely about their feelings. Forgotten, hidden, abandoned, are just some of the words that come to mind. One boy named â€Å"Malcolm X† wears his hair in a style referred to as â€Å"25 years to life†. His sister asks â€Å"Like in prison..? This is how you want to wear your hair?† His reply †You don’t have to be in jail to be in prison†. This is just one of many examples given to show the reader the effects that this environment has upon you ths.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As we read further, we find that there are multitudes of problems inherent within the South Bronx. One of the only ways of determining where these problems stem from is by looking at the possible reasons as to why they exist. Drugs, violence, AIDS infections, are not new, ... ... must use more education targeted towards social issues in their schools and community to help people learn to live healthier lifestyles. They must make it known that drug dealing and violence are not â€Å"all right†, and to help people obtain some sort of unity. The well known community members need to get involved in politics so that their voices can be heard and let the City know their communities needs/requirements. Creating support groups for people with AIDS, ex-addicts, people who have lost a family member, also for people who just need a place to talk and get their frustrations out would help the community as a whole. If the people of the South Bronx would act as a community bound together to help themselves and each other, there would be less tolerance for deviant behavior among its’ members. The City must also be made more accountable for its’ actions. Clean-up and reconstruction of Times Square to Battery Park is a step in the right direction. How ever, painting a mural of â€Å"†¦ flowers, window shades and curtains and interiors of pretty-looking rooms†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (p. 31) on the walls of empty buildings in the Bronx, just to give the illusion that this area is a good neighborhood, is not.

Frankenstein :: Essays Papers

Frankenstein Protagonist: The protagonist in the novel is Victor Frankenstein. He is the main character who contends with the conflict in the novel. His decision to create life provides a problem that he attempts to escape but eventually marks his death. Antagonist: The antagonist in the novel is also the protagonist, Victor Frankenstein. Victor may have directed all of his hate and blame towards the monster he created, but is worst enemy lay within himself and his refusal to accept responsibility for his actions. Conflict: The main conflict in the novel is based on the â€Å"monster† Victor Frankenstein created in his laboratory. He neglects his responsibility to the monster he created by ignoring its existence, and his cowardice leads to inner feelings of guilt and unhappiness that ultimately cause his life to unravel and the people he loves to perish. His refusal to be accountable for his action brings the misery and misfortune that constitute the foundation of the novel. Chronology: Robert Walton writes in his first letter to his sister Margaret Saville about his desire to explore the world. His second letter then tells about his preparations for a crew and more about how he desires to explore the unexplored. In this letter he also explains how he wishes he had a friend to share his life with. In his third letter, he tells how the voyage is underway and going well. His fourth letter tells how the ship became trapped between floating blocks of ice and, after being freed, the ship encounters and takes aboard a man who was stranded on floating ice. Walton tells how the man is in wretched condition and is very melancholy. He tells how he gradually befriends the man and, after talking for some time, the man agrees to tell Walton the story of his life and how he came to be where he is now. His name is told to be Victor Frankenstein. Walton, during the narration, takes notes in the form of a letter for Margaraet. Victor Frankenstein was born in Geneva, Switzerland, to a family of notoriety. His family adopted a young girl his age named Elizabeth from a poor family who could not support her. As a child, Victor was fascinated with alchemy and sciences. At age seventeen, Victor’s mother died.

Change over Time Renaissance Essay

Because of the Middle ages and the crusades, the Renaissance and the humanistic art and literature and the Protestant Reformation and the splitting of the Catholic Church. Those three ages brought upon important historical events which we all know and study. The Middle Ages and the crusades where first and then came the Renaissance with humanistic art and then the Protestant Reformation and the splitting of the Catholic Church. Middle Ages were one of the most destructive and important times in our history with the bubonic plague and the crusades. The bubonic plague was the cause of invading and unhealthy living when mice and small fleas from a town where transported on to boat with survivors and brought to Europe. It came into Europe because of Mongol invaders, and it killed over 100 million of the world’s population. The crusades began their â€Å"heavenly war† because of Pope urban urging the English and all his subjects to go out to war and recapture the holy land. ————————————————- Around the 1400’s after all the crusades and plague had gone by, the kings work had been done so his subjects were at peace and feudalism was through, so the cultural movement of middle ages(salvation) was gone and was replaced by a new artistic movement called Humanism. Leonardo da Vinci was one of the most fascinating people of the 14th century as he was not only an artist but an inventor, a scientist, an engineer and a botanist among other things, he would often praise the human intellect to achieve things( as was the theme for this time period). Galileo Galilei is also fascinating as he is the first scientist to say the earth revolves around the sun, thus â€Å"defying† the word of god, which no one in the time of the Middle Ages would do as they wanted and believed that they had to work to get to heaven and never blaspheme the word of god. ————————————————- ————————————————- ————————————————- ————————————————- The protestant reformation was a reforming act that was led by Martin Luther and many other early Protestants who thought that you should go to heaven for your acts and not by working towards it unlike the past two ages. The ninety-five theses were written by Martin Luther and were 95 ideas on how to change the Christian church to make it sacred and unsecular again. Since the church only made slight changes to their rules, Martin Luther and his followers created protestism, If it was in the Middle Ages, Martin luther would’ve been slain, and if in the Renaissance he would have been shunned. ———————————————— ————————————————- As These passages tell you there where major changes in Europe have shaped the way the world is today. The Middle ages , the Reniassan ce and the protestant reformation all made the world different . The crusades, humanistic art and ninety five theses are very important. ————————————————-

Personal and Professional Challenges Matrix Worksheet Essay

Use the following matrix to describe three personal and three professional challenges. For each challenge, describe time and stress management techniques along with personal development resources that may help a nurse overcome these challenges. Personal Challenge Time Management Technique Stress Management Technique Personal Development Resources Example: Balancing work and family responsibilities Use a calendar or organizer to plan my schedule. Take regular family vacations. Family counseling and self-help books New development with technology is a bit harder for me to grasp. Write notes to stick on refrigerator, use daily calendars, and books. Post reminder notes on my bathroom wall. Take walks in the park two times per week. Talk to family out of the country once per week. Perform Yoga exercises twice per week, 30 minutes each time. Read more positive books, listen to professionals speakers, read nursing journals. Will join the ANA group and some different organizations after I acquired my BSN next year. Due to school schedules and personal obligations, I am not able to take my regular vacations like I used to. Complete tasks in advance Study at least three hours per day. Will try to take at least two short vacations three days per month. Spa treatments once per month. Attend workshops at the University of Phoenix. Read more materials in order to improve my grammar skills. Overload of work and school prevents me from getting the proper amount of sleep. Complete small portions of assignments each day. Request educational leave in advance when a large assignment is due. Reward myself when I receive a good grade on an assignment by spending time at the movies with my three year old grandson. Find ways to become a better speaker. Communicate more with instructors and classmates. Professional Challenge Time Management Technique Stress Management Technique Professional Development Resources Example: Keeping up-to-date with changing standards Plan time to review professional journals. Join a professional organization. Professional organization and professional journals – Identify the specific organization and list the website. Speeches and presentations Listen to and learn from professional speakers. Take baby steps to improve. Practice once or twice per week. Do deep breathing techniques before giving a speech. Eat balanced meals, no caffeine. Attend lectures on how to give a good speech and stay focused. Time and money for continuing education. Work extra shifts when school is closed on holidays to pay for classes. Don’t procrastinate, meet with study groups as scheduled. Continue to focus on the things that makes me happy. Attend social events. Stay away from negative people. Find resources to help with finances such as: Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aids. Obtain Bachelor’s degree Set aside time to study, schedule monthly goals. Help to build on each other’s strengths and learn from each other’s experiences within the team. Set up work out exercise regimen, eat well and get enough rest as possible. Attend family outings/gatherings. Think positive at all times that I can achieve my BSN degree. Meet with advisors and professors in order to stay on track with grades. Use webinars to research on various topics. Read motivational books.