Consulting for a struggling firm Essay Example for Free

Consulting for a struggling firm Essay Introduction All organizations in the modern society are faced with challenges in economic management. As a psychologist working for a consultation firm, I meet a CEO in dire need of help on future sustainability of works on stress management, diversity and motivation. Therefore, this paper seeks to analyze how the various challenges in the workplace can be mitigated so as to increase efficiency. Stress management Stress refers to a situation in which one feels pressure and cannot cope with it successfully, and results in varied physical, mental and emotional reactions. Stress management thus refers to techniques and therapies often with the aim of controlling a person’s levels of stress. In an organizational context the manager is charged with the responsibility for ensuring that each employee can work without pressure. Stress is common in very many workplaces, employees and the managers both experience stress. In workplaces, stress is often caused by lack of communication, career and job ambiguity, financial stress, personal stress, interruptions and strictness by the managers and poor working conditions. Stress management is important in a firm, in this case a firm that is struggling and needs to pull through. Work stress in this case is an important issue because it has financial impacts on the business, it is also important on legal obligations and organizational effectiveness. Practice of stress management in companies helps in the efficiency of the organization as the employees are able to know their roles thus doing tasks efficiently and thus making the organization effective, the employee’s working conditions are improved also,   as stress management helps to identify some of the problems that the employees suffer. Stress management boosts the morale of the workers as they are able to work with ease; it also ensures that equal opportunities in terms of promotion and training are given out fairly (Ivanko, 2013). In a situation that employees have been laid off, and some are remaining in the organization, those remaining are affected, and they develop stress. The type of situation can be achieved by applying ways of managing stress. One way would be to encourage the remaining employees to adopt a positive attitude and mindset towards their stress. Another way would be to emphasize on acceptance that some things cannot change; once something has happened we should accept and move on. Creation of time for recreation would also help to alleviate stress among employees; alterations of situations can also be an excellent remedy in doing away of stress. After layoffs the firm can rebuild by assessing and looking at the weaknesses and failures and try to address them, the organizational structure should also be changed, the employee’s working conditions and problems should also be addressed. A market research should be done to ensure that the requirements of the clients are identified, and more sensitization in terms of advertising should be done to get more clients and popularize the firm. Motivation Motivation in a firm often refers to an act of providing a reason to act in a particular manner. It can also refer to internal and external factors that stimulate and give desire to perform a task or job continually. Motivation is relevant to solving most problems in firms, it borrows a lot from   Ã‚  psychology, knowledge of work psychology is critical to the use of motivation. Motivation of workers is essential in building relationships with coworkers, improvement of production, time management among others things. The motivation of employees contributes to growth and development of the organization. In a situation whereby some workers have been laid off motivation can be used to enable the remaining workers to work harder and lift the body. Some of the ways of motivating employees include: increasing salaries of workers, creating   safe and friendly environment for the workers, recognizing and rewarding those employee’s that perform, developing good relations with workers, use of food as incentives, holidays to performing employee, introducing overtime in which the employees are paid for working for extra hours (Ivanko, 2013). This kind of measures can be taken in instances where there has been a laid off of workers as this helps the remaining workers to heal and ensure that the organization becomes more fruitful and able to cope with market dynamics. Diversity Diversity can take many forms; it includes differences in race, ethnic identity, gender, education, socio-economic levels and sexual orientation. The amount of diversity in organizations is often increasing; thus the need to manage diversity is essential. The number of aging workers is growing and there are more people from diverse backgrounds. In most organizations today, there are an increasing number of joint ventures, mergers and strategic alliances uniting people from different organizations and cultures. Handling diversity is an important obligation of leaders in contemporary times. A leader has to find the balance between promoting diversity and building a strong organizational culture. Managing diversity is important as it ensures creativity and innovation among the workers, it also helps in forming and maintaining better interpersonal relationship between workers, managing of diversity performance of the people for the value of all shareholders, it also helps in recruiting and retaining of employees (Bogda L. , 1998). Organizations have very many people of different backgrounds, in a case where the group has decided to lay off some workers; it’s of importance that the leader manages diversity for the remaining workers. Diversity can be accomplished by the following: by explaining the benefits of diversity to the organization, encouraging and other people who seek to promote tolerance of diversity, discouraging use of stereotypes to describe other members of the group, promoting respect for individual differences. Leaders can organize training programs that seek a better understanding of diversity problems and cultural differences and how to respond to them in the workstation. Conclusively, there is often a moment that an organization struggles and adverse measures are taken to laying off of employees. The body can bounce back by using motivation, stress management and managing diversity this would help in healing and development of a successful organization. References Bogda, L. (1998). Diversity and Organizational Change. Retrieved December 12, 2014, from bogda.com: http://www.bogda.com/articles/DiversityandOrgChange.pdf Ivanko, S. (2013, September). Organizational Behaviour. Retrieved December 12, 2014, from uni-lj.si: http://www.fu.uni-lj.si/fileadmin/usr-files/Mednarodna_pisarna/ORGANIZATIONAL-BEHAVIOR-2013.pdf

The Power Struggle in Shakespeares Macbeth Essay -- GCSE English Lite

The Power Struggle in Macbeth  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Shakespeare's Macbeth, the focus that is placed on the character of Lady Macbeth helps to convey the play's theme of the strife created by the struggle for power and control that is present throughout the entire work. Shakespeare presents her character in great detail and shows her to be a dominating, authoritative woman who thrives on the power she holds over her husband. He then shows the principle character, Macbeth, rise up and join his wife in a struggle for power of his own. It is the actions that Macbeth takes in attempt to achieve ultimate authority that lead to his downfall, and it is Lady Macbeth's loss of control over her husband as he gains this independence which causes her own weakening and eventually leads to her demise as well. The struggle for power and control in Macbeth is present from the very beginning, as Shakespeare portrays Lady Macbeth as a ruthless, overpowering woman who dominates her husband and his actions. She makes Macbeth's decisions for him without giving him any say in his own actions, and she orders her husband to do what she determines to be best for him. It is Lady Macbeth who contrives the plan to kill King Duncan, because she knows that Macbeth would never commit such an act on his own without her prodding. She develops the plan and organizes the details while expecting Macbeth to merely follow her orders. This becomes evident when she says to him, "Only look up clear,"(1.5.70) and "leave the rest to me"(1.5.72). She intends to keep him under her control by making decisions for him and not allowing him to think for himself. Lady Macbeth is able to achieve such power over her husband by continually insulting his manliness and boasting her... ...e is an authoritative figure who thrives on her ability to rule her husband's life, and watching Macbeth gain independence at her expense eats her up inside and causes her to lose her sanity. She sees the tables of power being turned, and she begins to see herself in the position her husband formerly held, that of a weak, submissive individual. She can not allow herself to live her life that way, and, as it is explained in the last speech of the play, ". . . [Macbeth's] fiendlike queen,/Who, as 'tis thought, by self and violent hands/ Took off her life. . ."(5.8.69-71). Lady Macbeth saw death as the only way she could escape a life of passiveness and weakness which she believed was inevitable once she lost control of Macbeth's actions. Works Cited: Shakespeare, William. â€Å"Macbeth.† The Complete Works of Shakespeare. Ed. David Bevington. New York: Longman, 1997

Prison Classification

Inmates first experience usually occurs in a classification or reception center, where they are given a battery of psychological and intelligence tests and are evaluated on the basis of their background, offense history, personality, and treatment needs. Some states have instituted rigorous classification instruments designed to maximize the effectiveness of placements, thereby cutting down on the cost of incarceration. Prison classification is a method of assessing inmate risks that balances the security needs of the institution with treatment needs the individual. Effective classification can reduce prison infractions and create a safer environment of both inmates and staff. External classification places an inmate at a custody level that will determine where he or she will be housed, internal classification determines the cell or housing unit, as well as the facility programs to which the prisoner will be assigned. External classification systems are now being used in all Federal and state prison systems in the United States. Internal classification systems focus on those decisions that are made for the incoming prison population. Georgia Department of Corrections has a special prison called Jackson diagnostic center. Georgia Diagnostic and classification prison is a Georgia Department of Corrections prison for men in unincorporated Butts County, Georgia, near Jackson. The prison holds the state execution chamber. The prison, the largest in the state, consists of eight cell blocks containing both double-bunked and single-bunked cells. The prison conducts diagnostic processing for the state correctional system, houses male offenders under death sentence, and carries out state ordered executions by lethal injection. The prison complex also contains a special management unit that houses some of the most aggressive and dangerous prisoners in the correctional system. The Georgia Diagnostic and classification prison serves as a central hub where sentenced felons begin the process of being admitted into the Georgia state correctional system. Many county jails are paid by the state to house the sentenced felons until space becomes available in the prison system. Based on published research statistics by the Georgia Department of Corrections, inmates who are being diagnosed and classified undergo a battery of tests and diagnostic questionnaires. Tests and diagnostic notions include: the culture fair IQtest; Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) (reading, math and spelling); scope of substance abuse (summary, detailed report); latest mental health treatment; PULHESDWIT medical scale; criminality, alcoholism, and/or drug abuse in immediate family; one or both parents absent during childhood; manipulative or assaultive tendency diagnostics; and criminal report with prior incarcerations and a full account of all previous and current offenses.

Hiv / Aids And Aids - 1147 Words

HIV/AIDS During the 1980’s, a very devastating infectious disease broke out in America, which is now known as the Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Aids have been one of the most damaging and destructive diseases in history. The only reason behind the spread of the deadly disease- AIDS is lack of knowledge which has resulted in growing number everyday. â€Å"UNAIDS estimates that as of December 2000, there were an estimated 36.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS (34.7 million adults and 1.4 million children under 15)† (AIDS Information, Education, Action, Awareness | How Many People Have HIV and AIDS? AIDS Information, Education, Action, Awareness | How Many People Have HIV and AIDS? Web. 1 Nov. 2015). Aids has become a worldwide Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is the disease that is caused by Human Immunodeficiency virus. â€Å"It break downs the immune system –our body’s protection against disease. HIV causes people to become sick with infections that normally wouldn’t affect them† (Planned Parenthood, 2014). HIV is a virus that attacks a key part of our immune system known as the T-Helper cells or CD4 cells. These cells help our body to fight against infectious diseases. When HIV attacks those cells it makes our immune system weak, and makes our body vulnerable to any diseases like AIDS. But having HIV doesn’t always mean having AIDS. A person has to meet certain criteria to be diagnosed with AIDS such as a very low CD4 cell count and the presence of any AIDSShow MoreRelatedHiv / Aids And Aids1472 Words   |  6 PagesHIV/AIDS is the major ongoing issue attacking sub-Saharan Africa. The damage caused by HIV/AIDS strips families, communities, and increases poverty. In Kenya, the plague has mainly targeted those in the fertile and reproductive age groups. According to estimates by the United Nations of AIDS (UNAIDS), â€Å"Indication of 22.5 million people were living with HIV in Africa, over 1.6 million people were estimated to have died from this syndrome, and well over 11 million children have been orphaned by AIDSRead MoreAids : Hiv / Aids Essay1330 Words   |  6 PagesLauren Kennedy United States HIV/AIDS Part 1: Background of Topic: What became later known as aids was detected in West Africa when scientists identified a species of chimpanzees that had a version of this virus in their immune system. They later found out that the disease was transmitted to humans and created into HIV when people hunted these animals for food and came in contact with their infected blood. Decade after decade this illness swooped over Africa like a blanket and began to spread toRead MoreHiv/Aids Essay1086 Words   |  5 PagesHIV/AIDS BSHS302 May 21, 2012 Faye Flanagan HIV/AIDS Social issues facing HIV/AIDS today are as diverse as the people that are affected by the disease. Advocating for a large group of people takes action at the macro human service practice. The goals and intervention strategies will be similar to micro human service and will involve the same strategies to bring justice to human rights for all members of society. One strategy is including a broader range of other diversity in research inRead MoreThe Epidemic Of Hiv And Aids1535 Words   |  7 Pagespopulation include providing access to health care, HIV testing and syringe services programs. The Office of HIV Planning in Philadelphia focuses on the needs of the population, conducts community outreaches and educational sessions. As previously stated, 32 state Medicaid programs reimburse for routine HIV screening of adults aged 15-65 years, regardless of risk. This policy allows for individuals to more likely participate in this screening process. HIV testing can be done through health care professionalsRead MoreThe Effects of Hiv/Aids2132 Words   |  9 Pages | QUESTION: Discuss the impact of HIV/AIDS on education. CONTENTS 1.) Introduction. 2.) Discussion. i.)   loss of professionals to the effects of HIV and AIDS ii)   Funds channeled to combat effects of HIV and AIDS on education in Kenya iii) High dropout rates to the effects of HIV and AIDS on education iv) The introduction of HIV and AIDS as a unit on the Kenyan syllabus v)  Ã‚   Stigmatizations caused by the effects of HIV and AIDS on education in Kenya 3.) Conclusion Read MorePrevalence Of Hiv / Aids1525 Words   |  7 PagesPrevalence of HIV/AIDS in Ohio It was already stated that the HIV/AIDS epidemic impacts persons regardless of sex, age, race/ethnic group and/or geographic region in Ohio, but certain populations seem to be more impacted than others. There are 11, 544,225 people living in Ohio. 80% are white, 12% are black, 3% are Hispanic, and less than 2% are Asian. Each year in Ohio, about 1,000 people are diagnosed with HIV. In 2013, 1,180 people were diagnosed. Overall, there are almost 20,000 known to be livingRead MoreStigma of Hiv/Aids1812 Words   |  8 PagesStigma of HIV/AIDS It goes without saying that HIV and AIDS are as much about social phenomena as they are about biological and medical concerns. From the moment scientists identified HIV and AIDS, social responses of fear, denial, stigma, and discrimination have accompanied the epidemic. Discrimination has spread rapidly, fuelling anxiety and prejudice against the groups most commonly affected, as well as those living with HIV or AIDS. One of the main reasons for this is the lack of educationRead MoreHiv/Aids in Nigeria6960 Words   |  28 PagesLITERATURE 2.0 INTRODUCTION HIV/AIDs has been ranked among the common disease of all times that is threatening us with the extinction of youths and adults. It is not only terrorizing the entire generation but also kills and leaves millions of orphans for the oldest grandparent to carter for. 2.1 HIV/AIDS IN NIGERIA According to USAID brief (2004), Nigerian epidemic is characterized by one of the most rapidly increasing rates of new HIV/AIDS cases in West Africa. Adult HIV prevalence increased fromRead More AIDS/HIV Essay2283 Words   |  10 PagesHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing contaminated needles and syringes, mother to child (perinatal) and contaminated blood product (National Association of Health Authorities, 1988). 1.2 PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH Late HIV diagnosis remains a major problem among black Africans in England. In 2007, about 42 per cent of black Africans diagnosed with HIV were diagnosed late (HPA, 2008a). This compromises their survival chances becauseRead MoreAids : Hiv And The Pursuit Of Happiness1366 Words   |  6 PagesThe AIDS epidemic has been a controversial debate for many years. As Sturken says in her text, there is discourse on AIDS of hysteria and blame, but AIDS also produces a discourse of defiance and criticism (Sturken 147). Using Sturken’s article AIDS and The Politics of Representation and the film Living Proof: HIV and the Pursuit of Happiness I will discuss the two different discourses and views of AIDS. These simultaneous discourses on AIDS, result from the variation of ways people in our society

Essay about The Morals and Ethics of Genetic Engineering

Introduction Widely considered a revolutionary scientific breakthrough, genetic engineering has been on a path toward changing the world since its introduction in 1973 by Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer (What). However, as genetic engineering slowly permeates the lives of humanity, the morals and ethics behind what are now common practices are entering public attention, and as a culture we are left to question whether the change brought on by such a discovery bring benefits and positive change, or damage and destruction. Genetic engineering is justified through applied bioethics and despite arguments against its societal implantation, should be fully utilized in efforts to develop into the 21st century. Genetic engineering refers to the†¦show more content†¦The transgene is injected into the microorganisms, known as plasmids, which subsequently distributes it into cells of the organism being engineered. The gene gun method, another transformation technique, discharges microscopic gold specks glazed with duplicates of the transgene into cells of the inheritor organism. With either method, there is a lack of control over where or if the gene will transplant into the genome, thus often hundreds of attempts are necessary to create a transgenic GMO (What). So why is this scientific process controversial? As a relatively novel facet of the scientific community, it is not entirely understood and its effects have yet to be seen due to its fairly broadened usage. Arguments exist over the potential environmental danger the permanent decrease in biodiversity brought on by the engineering of species could bring. The mass consumption of GMOs by average consumers has unknown, if any, health effects and many argue that the possible risk is enough to cease genetically engineering agricultural products. Lastly, there is the concern that mankind is â€Å"playing God†, that we as a species and as a society are exceeding our natural reach and thus operating outside of our traditional preconceived boundaries, where our cultural sense of ethics and morality may not even hold ground. How can we govern or monitor what we do not fully understand? Do the pros of the genetic revolution outweigh the cons? Our civilization, as it delvesShow MoreRelated Genetic Engineering : The Field Of Human Biotechnology1490 Words   |  6 PagesGenetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is a set of techniques for isolating, transforming, multiplying and recombining genes from different organisms. Simply put, it is the process of manually adding new DNA to an organism. Genetic engineering originated in the 1970s as a result of the discovery of several key techniques in molecular genetics. It is also referred to as recombinant (rDNA) technology. Genetic Engineering enables geneticists to transfer genes between species that belongRead MoreSale - Pro Plans Are 20% Off Today View Plans. Gradeproof1164 Words   |  5 PagesSentence Count: 28 Readability: 11.52 % Grade Level: 16.59 years Reading Time: 2 minutes Speaking Time: 4 minutes Type your title here... Genetic Engineering is a common theme of Gattaca, Splice, and Blade Runner. Gattaca takes place in a future where the best opportunities are given people that have the best genes, as a result from Genetic Engineering (cite). The main character Vincent has not been genetically engineered and has many health issues like Myopia (cite). He aspires to become anRead MoreThe Field Of Reproductive Technology1484 Words   |  6 PagesToday’s culture has a growing fascination with biotechnology and genetic engineering. This is especially true within the field of reproductive technology. Advancements in this field has expanded family options significantly with the advent of reproductive technologies such as in vetro fertilization, embryo transplant, and varying genetic testing and screening (Finsterbusch, 2008). However, what drives humanity to want to modify humankind? Should there be limits placed on these modifications? AndRead MoreThe Controversy Of Genetic Engineering1369 Words   |  6 Pages Genetic Engineering, for most individuals not knowled geable on the topic, conjures visions of sci-fi movies and humans being grown in a lab far off in the future. What more and more individuals in the early 21st century are coming to realize is that Genetic Engineering has already exceeded our wildest imaginations in a dark corner of a lab, outside of the view of the main stream public. Indeed, in 2017, genetic engineering is in full swing on both plant and animal life. Only from hearingRead MoreThe Genetic Engineering Debate Essay1411 Words   |  6 Pagesrecent discussions of genetic engineering, a controversial issue has been whether genetic engineering is ethical or not. In â€Å"The Person, the Soul, and Genetic Engineering,† JC Polkinghorne discusses about the moral status of the very early embryo and therapeutic cloning. J. H. Brooke’s article â€Å"Commentary on: The Person, the Soul, and Genetic Engineering† comments and state opinions that counter Polkinghorne’s article. On the other hand John Ha rris’s â€Å"â€Å"Goodbye Dolly?† The Ethics of Human Cloning† examinesRead MoreIslamic and Catholic Views on Genetic Engineering1265 Words   |  6 PagesCatholic view on genetic engineering? - Mary Meets Dolly. 12/ 05/ 2014.) The Catholic Church In 1983, Pope John Paul II mentioned in an address â€Å"genetic enhancement was permissible- indeed, laudable- even from a Catholic point of view, as long as it met certain basic moral rules. Among those rules: that these therapies be available to all. Ensuring equality of care may become inseparable from ensuring equality of opportunity.† (What is the Catholic view on genetic engineering? - Mary Meets DollyRead MoreGenetic Engineering : Medical Perfection Or Playing God1280 Words   |  6 PagesThesis Statement â€Å"Genetic engineering differs from cloning in key ways. Whereas cloning produces genetically exact copies of organisms, genetic engineering refers to processes in which scientists manipulate genes to create purposefully different versions of organisms—and, in some cases, entirely new living things†, duplication of genetic cells is known as human cloning. Development of genetic engineering biotechnologies undermines the natural autonomy of life. Does genetic engineering interfere withRead MoreDustin Peacher . Engl 1302.C09. Professor Mccovery. April985 Words   |  4 Pagesof Genetic Engineering and it s Ethics How far would you go to save human lives and to progress society for those in need? The benefits of genetic engineering have shown to outweigh the ethical and environmental consequences associated within the field. Genetic Engineering has shown to provide major benefits in the field of medicine and agriculture but is faced with extreme criticism and backlash, specifically on the basis of ethics. To understand the modern concept over field of the Genetic EngineeringRead More Genetic Engineering: Our Key to a Better World Essay1128 Words   |  5 Pages What is genetic engineering one might ask and why is there so much moral controversy surrounding the topic? Genetic engineering as defined by Pete Moore, is the name given to a wide variety of techniques that have one thing in common: they all allow the biologist to take a gene from one cell and insert it into another (SS1). Such techniques included in genetic engineering (both good and bad) are, genetic screening both during the fetal stage and later in life, gene therapy, sex selectionRead MoreThe Importance Of Genetic Engineering1282 Words   |  6 PagesGenetic engineering is defined as the modification of the characteristics of an organism by altering its genetic material. Although the definition makes it seems clear and concise, it is far more complicated. This new advancement has caused a huge debate over the ethics and laws of what it is able to do. Genetic engineering is immensely important because of the potential benefits it contains and the advances it allows for in the future. The ultimate goal of genetic engineering is to prevent, treat

Stem Cells Growing An Ethical Pair - 1427 Words

Stem Cells: Growing an ethical pair What if millions of Americans could have their lives changed for the better? This could be a reality if human embryonic stem cells research (HESC) was regulated and funded by the government. The reason for the lack of human trials is that many believe the use of stem cells is unethical. This combined with the fact that the process is extremely expensive, and it goes against many people’s religious or morals beliefs. Thankfully, under President Obama, the restrictions formally placed on the research have been reduced resulting in many scientific breakthroughs. For example, it is believed that diseases such as Parkinson s, heart problems and even spinal cord injuries could be better treated or completely†¦show more content†¦The vast amount of companies seeking to employ HESC will go as for as to take advantage of women as shown through history for financial gain(2). Deborah White states that many pro-life organizations see the destruction of the embryo as murder and, t he research done on the stem cells is actually human experimentation. White also states that those who oppose stem cells claim that inadequate tests using HESC have been done on humans. In addition, adult stem cells have not been studied enough, and may be able to yield the same results as HESC. â€Å"Ten Problems with Embryonic Stem Cell Research† states that tumors have been shown to form in injection sites from adult stem cells. People who are given new organs will also need to be on immune represent drugs for the rest of their lives to ensure that their bodies would not destroy the transmitted cells (Kelly Hollowell). The moral and ethical implications are alarming to some. Jane Maienschein, author of Whose View Of Life, quoted the loose term of life given by the Encyclopaedia Britannica: â€Å"Somewhat vaguely applied to the product of generation of any plant or animal which is in process of formation†(50). Ernst Haeckel’s research showed that the gastrula was the beginning stage of all life this theory was also supported by the common belief that actual life started to develop around 40 days, in which the baby begins to take the form of its parents. Unfortunately, the current rule and even law of some nations only allow

Night World Witchlight Chapter 18 Free Essays

string(69) " It took a long time for Mother Cybele to get them all quieted down\." The ride to Charlotte passed in a blur. All Keller could remember was hanging on while Nissa did some of the wildest driving she’d ever experienced. They went offroad for a good deal of the way. We will write a custom essay sample on Night World : Witchlight Chapter 18 or any similar topic only for you Order Now It was one minute to midnight when they squealed into a parking lot in front of a long, low building. â€Å"Go in, go in!† Nissa said, slamming to a stop in front of a set of double doors. Keller and Galen and Winnie and Iliana ran. They burst into a large room that seemed very brightly lit. A sea of chairs with bodies sitting in them swam in front of Keller’s eyes. Then she focused on a platform at the front. â€Å"Come on,† she said tersely. There were a number of people sitting at a table on the platform, facing the audience just like any ordinary panel, with glasses of water and microphones in front of them. But Keller recognized some of the people as she got closer, and they were anything but ordinary. That little dumpling-shaped woman with the round face was Mother Cybele. Mother of all the Witches, just as Grandma Harman had been Crone. With Grandma Harman dead, she was the witches’ leader. The tall girl with the lovely features and the cafe au lait skin who sat beside her was Aradia. The blind Maiden of the Witches mentioned in the prophecies. And that regal-looking man with the golden hair and beard, sitting by the queenly woman with flashing green eyes†¦ They could only be the leaders of the First House of the shapeshifters. Galen’s mother and father. There were others, too, important people from Circle Daybreak, but Keller didn’t have time to focus on them. Mother Cybele was on her feet and speaking. She must have been a little short-sighted, because she didn’t appear to see Keller and the others coming up on the side. Her voice was slow and concerned. â€Å"I’m afraid that since it’s now past midnight-â€Å" Keller glanced at her watch. â€Å"It’s just midnight now!† Mother Cybele looked up, startled, over her glasses. Every head on the panel turned. And every face in the audience was suddenly fixed on Keller’s group. A low murmur like the humming of bees began, but it swelled very quickly to something like a muted roar. People were pointing openly as Keller ran up the steps to the stage. She glanced back at the others and realized why. They were a pretty sad-looking bunch. Every one of them was dirty and ragged. Winnie’s strawberry-blond hair was dark red with blood on one side. Galen’s sweater was in shreds. And she herself was filthy from the tunnel and all the dirt she’d encountered in the clearing. Only Diana looked reasonably clean, and that was probably because the glow kept you from focusing too closely. Mother Cybele gave a little cry of joy that sounded quite young, and she dropped the index cards she’d been holding. Aradia stood up, her beautiful blank eyes turned toward them, her entire face shining with joy. Galen’s parents looked extremely startled and relieved. But some guy in a dark suit grabbed Keller’s arm as she reached the top of the steps. â€Å"Who are you supposed to be?† he said. Keller shook him off and stood with her hair swirling around her. â€Å"We’re the people who’re bringing you the Wild Power,† she said. She spotted Nissa just coming in the door and beckoned to her. â€Å"And we’re also the ones who killed the dragon.† The big room fell so silent that you could have heard a paper clip drop. â€Å"Well, actually, she killed the dragon,† Keller said, pointing to Diana. Aradia said in a hushed voice, â€Å"The Witch Child. She’s come to us.† Iliana walked slowly up onto the stage and stood straight. â€Å"I didn’t kill it alone,† she said. â€Å"Everybody helped, and especially Keller and Galen.† Galen’s father’s golden eyebrows went up, and Galen’s mother gripped her husband’s arm. Keller glanced sideways at Galen and saw that he was blushing. â€Å"They fought it and fought it until they were both almost dead. But then, when I used the blue fire, they got better again.† She said it so simply, speaking to Mother Cybele alone, or so it seemed. She didn’t look in the least self-conscious, or in the least arrogant. I suppose she’s used to having everybody looking at her, Keller thought. Mother Cybele actually clasped her little soft hands together and shut her eyes. When she opened them again, they were shining with tears. But all she said was, â€Å"Welcome, my child. Grandma Harman’s last words were for you. She hoped you would find your power.† â€Å"She did,† Keller said. â€Å"Winnie helped her.† I didn’t help her do that,† Winnie said candidly. â€Å"What she did back there and what she said. I just tried to show her how to use the orange fire. But when she started talking-† She shook her curly head. â€Å"I don’t know where she got all that stuff about Hecate.† ‘It just came to me,† Iliana said. â€Å"I don’t know. It was as if somebody was saying it to me, and I was just repeating it.† But who could have said it? Keller thought. Who else but somebody who was there the first time, when the dragons were put to sleep? Who else but Hecate Witch-Queen herself? Even though she’d been dead thirty thousand years. It’s time for everything that’s sleeping to wake back up again. Keller realized that she was hearing a noise from the crowd. At first, she thought that they were muttering in disbelief again, or maybe in annoyance at these people who were standing on the stage and chattering. Then it got louder and louder, and she realized it was applause. People were clapping and cheering and whistling. It was echoing off the ceiling and walls. And just when Keller thought it couldn’t possibly get any louder, a new wave would come and prove her wrong. It took a long time for Mother Cybele to get them all quieted down. Then she turned to Keller and said formally, â€Å"So you’ve completed your mission?† Keller realized that it was a cue. And in the midst of the dizzy happiness she’d been feeling, something twisted in her heart. She kept it from showing on her face. She kept herself standing erect. â€Å"Yes,† she said to Mother Cybele. â€Å"I’ve brought the Witch Child.† She swallowed hard. â€Å"And here is the son of the First House of the shapeshifters,† Galen’s father said. He stepped over to Galen and took his hand. His face was stern but glowing with pride. Galen’s face was pale but set. He looked at Keller-for just one moment. And then he looked straight out at the audience with unseeing eyes. Mother Cybele looked toward Iliana. To take her hand, Keller supposed, and join it with Galen’s. But Iliana was holding some whispered conversation with Aradia. When she finally turned around, Iliana said, ‘1 want Keller to do it. She’s the one responsible for all this.† Keller blinked. Her throat was so swollen, it was impossible to swallow again. But she wouldn’t have thought it of Iliana. Really, it seemed so pointlessly cruel to make her do it. But maybe she doesn’t understand. That’s it, she doesn’t realize, Keller thought. She let out a careful, shaky breath and said, â€Å"Okay.† She reached for Diana’s hand- And felt a stab in her palm. She looked down, astonished. Iliana had a knife in that hand, a perfectly serviceable little knife. She had cut Keller with it, and Keller was bleeding. In fact, Iliana seemed to be bleeding, too. â€Å"Sorry,† Iliana hissed. â€Å"Ick, I hate blood.† Then, grabbing Keller’s hand again, she faced the audience and raised it up high. â€Å"There!† she said. â€Å"Now we’re blood sisters. And she’s already been like a sister to me, because she saved my life over and over. And if that’s not good enough for an alliance between the witches and the shapeshifters, I don’t know what is.† The entire audience gaped at her. Mother Cybele blinked rapidly. â€Å"Are you saying†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Galen’s father looked incredulous. â€Å"Are you saying that you won’t marry my son?† â€Å"I’m saying that she ought to marry your son- or promise to him, or whatever they want. She’s the one he’s in love with. And I don’t see why you should make him miserable for his whole life just because you want the shapeshifters tied to the witches. Keller and I are tied together, and we always will be. And Galen, too. Why can’t that be enough?† A sound was starting from the crowd again. Keller’s heart seemed to soar on it. But she was still staring at Iliana, afraid to believe. â€Å"But†¦ what if the witches don’t agree to it?† Galen’s father said feebly. Iliana stamped her foot She actually did. Tm the Witch Child. They’d better listen to me. I didn’t go through all of this for nothing.† Then the crowd was thundering applause even louder than before, and the wave seemed to sweep Keller right into Galen’s arms. Sometime later, in the middle of a lot of hugging and kissing, Keller whispered to Iliana, â€Å"Are you sure?† ‘Td better be sure, don’t you think? Or Galen’s going to be pretty upset.† â€Å"Iliana-â€Å" ‘Tm sure,† Iliana whispered. She squeezed Keller. â€Å"I really do care about him. I guess I’m sort of in love with him, too. But I saw. I saw his face in the clearing when he thought you were dead. And I heard the way he said your name. And then†¦ I knew, you know? The two of you were meant to be. So I’m sure.† â€Å"A leopard?† Galen’s mother said, shaking out her topaz-colored hair. â€Å"Why, dear, that’s wonderful. Your great-great-grandmother was a leopard.† â€Å"You gave up being a bird for me,† Keller whispered in his ear. â€Å"I think I could learn to like running,† he murmured, and took the chance to touch his lips to her cheek. â€Å"No, ma’am, I’m really sorry I woke you up,† Keller said. â€Å"Yes, ma’am, I do know how late it is.† She strained to hear the voice on the other end of the phone. She had a finger in her ear to try and block out the noise of the wild celebration around her, but it wasn’t doing much good. â€Å"Because I honestly don’t think it’s funny,† Diana’s mother said. â€Å"The baby is just fine; he’s been in his bed all night. Why would you think he wasn’t?† â€Å"Well, ma’am, it’s hard to explain†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"And now he’s awake, and he’s going to start crying-well, he’s not crying. But now he wants to eat the phone†¦ Alex!† A voice on the other end squealed and said distinctly, â€Å"Kee-kee!† â€Å"Yeah, it’s Kee-kee,† Keller said, startled. â€Å"Um, I’m glad you’re okay, kid. And, see, I didn’t go bye-bye after all. So you may think you’re pretty smart, but you still have something to learn about precognition, hotshot. Right?† Keller added, â€Å"You know I thought for a minute once that you might be the Wild Power. But I guess you’re just a good old-fashioned witch baby.† Diana, who was passing by, gave her a very strange look. â€Å"Keller, are you having a conversation with my baby brother?† â€Å"What exactly did the dragon say?† Mother Cybele asked anxiously. Although she looked like a big dove and her eyes were always kind, there was a firmness about her plump chin that Keller liked. â€Å"I asked who woke him up. And he said†-Keller reached for the exact words-â€Å"he said, ‘Someone you’ll never know. A witch who isn’t a witch. We made our own alliance.'† â€Å"A witch who isn’t a witch,† Mother Cybele repeated. Aradia’s face was sober. ‘I wonder who that could be. And where they are now.† Mother Cybele said quietly, â€Å"Time will tell.† â€Å"The police are already inside,† Nissa said, holding the cell phone to her ear as she talked to Keller. â€Å"I guess the kids at the party called them when they saw a panther. They’ve found the family†¦ Mr. and Ms. Ashton-Hughes and Jaime and Brett. They’re taking them to the hospital.† She snapped the phone shut. â€Å"We’d better send some witches to the hospital. But as long as they’re alive, they have a pretty good chance, don’t you think? After all, we’ve got a Wild Power with healing fire. Now, can’t you relax and try to enjoy yourself?† It was two days later. Keller was sitting in a sunny alcove in the safe house where Hiana and Galen and the others had been brought to protect them from the Night World. And to give them a chance to recover. It was nice to be still for a while. To sit and read†¦ and think. And it was even nicer to be able to do it with Galen around. He came in the door quietly-he always moved cat-quietly now. She smiled at him. He looked so wonderfully dear with his golden hair and fairytale looks and leopard-green eyes. â€Å"I wrote you a poem,† he said, sitting down beside her. â€Å"Well, no, that’s not true. I kind of stole what your mother wrote and made it into†¦ something. I don’t know what. But I think maybe it’s what she really meant to say, after all.† Keller blinked at him, then looked down at the piece of paper he gave her. People die†¦ so love them every day. Beauty fades†¦ so look before it’s gone. Love changes†¦ but not the love you give. And if you love, you’ll never be alone. â€Å"Actually, I was going to say, ‘And you will always be alone†¦ so don’t rely on others for your happiness, but don’t stop loving, either, because then you’ll end up empty and alone instead of alone and strong and able to give without worrying about what you’re going to get back.’ But that was kind of long, and it didn’t scan,† he said. Keller stared down at the paper blindly. â€Å"I’m sorry,† he said. â€Å"If you don’t like it-â€Å" Keller threw her arms around him, and her tears spilled over. â€Å"I’m going to burn the other one,† she said. â€Å"And I love you. Kiss me.† He grinned. â€Å"Yes, Boss.† And he did. One from the land of kings long forgotten; One from the hearth which still holds the spark; One from the Day World where two eyes are watching; One from the twilight to be one with the dark.. How to cite Night World : Witchlight Chapter 18, Essay examples