What's to come

They say you're not a real writer until you're out in public and someone sees you actively writing. I think the same concept applies to everything I'm experiencing right now. All my would-be plans, dreams and aspirations are foggy, but the mist is lifting and things are starting to sort themselves out. Things won't be real until I start taking active, aggressive action, and that's what I'm doing. It's all happening.

Stay tuned for a full, fleshed out post in the next week or so.

GRE Writing Samples

The following are just practice writing samples for the analytical writing portion of the GRE, which I'm taking Oct. 13th. The first one was written in response to the following statement in a timed 45 minute session:

" 'Moderation in all things' is ill-considered advice. Rather, one should say, 'Moderation in most things,' since many areas of human concern require or at least profit from intense focus."

Moderation is a concept human beings strive to maintain their entire lives- whether it be in their personal or professional lives. Although specialization for purposes of a career requires intense focus and dedication, it is unrealistic to assume one does not deserve, albeit require a life filled with a reasonable balance of work and play.

The statement asserts that people who are wealthy or learned operate with a sense of abandon for anything other than their exclusive focus. For example, a doctor spends many years in school, preparing for a job that will inevitably become a lifestyle. The undertaking of such a career is certainly a life-long dedication filled with numerous years of schooling and training, usually resulting in a gargantuan amount of debt. The lifestyle of a doctor is not for the faint of heart: long, odd hours coupled with the knowledge that their work may either save or cost a life is a burden only a small percentage of people are capable of handling. Personal sacrifice is commonplace for a doctor. However, is it reasonable to assume, with such a demanding career, that doctors have not taken a vacation, called in sick for a mental health day or stepped out for a breath of fresh air? Though their everyday life is demanding (and they are compensated handsomely), a doctor cannot begin to motivate his/herself for his/her life work without recharging their own batteries once in a while with interests outside of their job.

People who suffer from substance abuse are prime examples of how easily one can get addicted to something that in moderation might otherwise be okay. Those who drink alcohol socially, not to get drunk, drink the substance in moderation. They find drinking an activity they enjoy in order to bond with friends and family at events and parties. An alcoholic, on the other hand, is either psychologically or after many years of abuse, physiologically unable to live independently from alcohol. Although alcoholics often admit to having a problem and may spend many years trying to recover, relapse is unfortunately a part of “recovery.” Instant gratification by means of self-justifying their alcoholism with a philosophy like the proposed statement would intensify their problem to the point of possible lethality. The argument that moderation in most things is required for focus and profit is a virtue by which to live is inherently flawed. Intent focus on habits that are harmful in excess does not yield success or profit, but rather decay and obliteration.

Moderation is all things is certainly a great piece of advice. While many people seem to have trouble maintaining a healthy balance between all of their obligations (where stress is born and runs rampant), it does not mean moderation is not worth striving for, and certainly does not mean that the goals of focus and profit supersede somebody's personal needs of fulfillment for a happy, balanced and healthy life.  

The following was written to examine the effectiveness of the following argument in a timed 30 minute session:

The following appeared in a magazine article about planning for retirement.

"Because of its spectacular natural beauty and consistent climate, Clearview should be a top choice for anyone seeking a place to retire. As a bonus, housing costs in Clearview have fallen significantly during the past year, and real estate taxes remain lower than those in neighboring towns. Nevertheless, Clearview's mayor promises many new programs to improve schools, streets, and public services. Retirees in Clearview can also expect excellent health care as they grow older, since the number of physicians in the area is far greater than the national average."

I believe the author of this article makes a compelling case supporting retirement in the Clearview community, but lacks in a few major areas. As a subscriber to AARP Magazine, I could testify that the top issues facing seniors looking to relocate for retirement are the ones mentioned in the excerpt: location, cost, value, community/public services and healthcare availability.

The location, a main factor seniors consider when retiring, is described in appealing terms. Clearview has a consistent climate and much natural beauty. Had the the information provided stated that Clearview was once the site of a toxic waste facility, smells awful and has a problem with inner-city crime, one would hardly expect seniors to jump at the opportunity to spend their golden years there. Consistent climate aside, some seniors may prefer a four-season climate like they were accustomed to their entire lives, so the weather does not necessarily translate to a selling point.

Housing costs, undoubtedly the most significant factor to consider when choosing a place to retire, are described reasonably. Most seniors must live off of a pension, social security or savings. Maintaining a a budget while trying to live comfortably may prove troublesome to some retirees. The point that housing costs are down and taxes are low are a major benefit. Retirees may wonder, though, why are taxes low and housing costs down? Is there something wrong with the area, or is the area afflicted by crime or poverty? More information is needed here.

Based on the mayor's activities, seniors certainly will not perceive the city as a place to “go to die,” but rather, a city to become actively involved in the community. The mayor's projected plans for the schools, streets and other general public services may please retirees looking for community solidarity.

There is a bit of an overstatement in the assertion that since there are many physicians in the area, healthcare will be exceptional. Seniors cannot be fooled by such a grandiose statement and must do their homework. Will such healthcare facilities accept their Medicare or other health insurance providers? If said senior has a special or unusual ailment, are there physicians nearby that specialize in their ailment and are a compatible fit with their insurance? And do many doctors in one area necessarily mean that the caliber of healthcare is excellent? These are all considerations worth examining, especially in one's later years when a senior's general well-being should be monitored more closely and thoroughly by able doctors.

If this argument appeared in a magazine spread showcasing 10 Great Cities to Retire, accompanied by a 100-word description of the city, a senior may find this description appealing to the point where this location is worthy of further investigation. However, if one is seriously looking to relocate to Clearview, more information than what was given is necessary to make a sound decision. This argument is compelling, but lacks a few pertinent aspects required for one to be completely won over by it.