The possibility of surgical nanobots could restructure the way the medical community approaches healing the body. No longer will invasive procedures increase the risk of secondary, and sometimes lethal, infection – swallow a capsule of nanobots, and the microscopic units will work in tandem to defeat any foreign entities discovered in the body. Sporting the ability to inject powerful serums directly into cancerous cells, the therapy will circumvent debilitating side effects related to chemotherapy and radiation. Bones could be mended from the inside and hypothetically strengthened. Repairs could be made to neuronal connections, making once dead areas of the brain respond to stimuli – a resurrection of cerebral functionality.

In order to be happy and successful I need to be an “object in motion.” I never understood this concept until one day I realized that I had become an “object at rest.” Life is a continual process, the clock never stops, 20 becomes 80, and wrinkles are inevitable. When I was a child and my brother lovingly jumped off of the teeter-totter while I was in mid-air, I would always be slammed violently to the ground, therefore becoming a, very mad, object at rest. As an object at rest I experienced a whole battery of emotion from discontentment to boredom and apathy (not to mention a sore tail bone), all of these things had made me unhappy and hopelessly unsuccessful. That unhappiness and lack of success was just the “unbalanced force” I needed to put myself in motion again.

My decision to be an object in motion, to continually accelerate and move forward, has to be driven by a force. I’m not talking about the “let the Force be with you” kind of force, but something more directly applicable to every day life. I am accelerated by the finality of my decision to be an object in motion and by the concrete belief that this will lead me to happiness and success in my life. Happiness and success are strong forceful motivators, therefore I will continue to move forward and accelerate in the same direction and with the same magnitude as my conviction to be an object in motion.

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. My reaction to becoming an object at rest had led me to realize with a certain zeal and passion that there is only one way to become happy and successful, and that is to be a balanced object in motion. Using that same reaction as fuel, I will be able to realize my dream of graduating from college, all the while moving forward, and continually accelerating towards happiness and success. The sky is the limit; however Astronaut or Physicist probably still will not appear on my resume.

What choices have to be made early in life to be successful and happy, if the combination even exists? The most important choice that I, or anyone, will have to make to be happy and successful is to decide to be. To a lot of people, that may sound like a “cop-out” but as Martha Washington said, our attitudes determine our happiness, not our surroundings. I came from a blue-collar family and it always seemed like money was all anyone was concerned about. I wanted to see everyone happy instead of worried constantly. When I got older, I realized that money indeed “makes the world go ‘round” but it can’t make you happy. I decided never to end up like all of those people who believe that money can buy happiness; I decided to make my own happiness.

If I decide that I will accept nothing less than being happy and successful, I will be. If being successful means being wealthy and being happy means having a family and many friends, I will do these things. I will be determined to discover what actions will make me happy and successful and execute them. Happiness and success will only be attained if I accept nothing less.

In today’s world, making money is what everyone is infatuated with; it’s a highly addictive drug! The bad news is that the more you get, the more you tend to want. We have seemingly forgotten that there are other important things in life and that happiness can be achieved in addition to financial success. I have convinced myself that success shouldn’t always be defined as making a lot of money. It’s quite possible that achieving happiness is a success in itself. I choose the belief that earning a living and having lots of family and friends and great relationships will make me feel like a success in life.

This is my favorite verse out of the entire bible. To me, it means that I will let God lead my life and will not allow myself to get caught up in meaningless, worldly things. My mind set is ultimately: more of him and less of me.

In my opinion, the most important choice a person must make in order to be happy and successful, is whether to follow God, or on the contrary, the world. I firmly believe that if a person decides to lead a life for the Lord, then he or she has made the best possible investment for his or her future and the future of their loved ones.

Sure, a person can go their whole life without even having an encounter with God and still become a millionaire. However, just because that person may live in the biggest house, drive the nicest car, and wear the fanciest clothes; none of these things can ensure true happiness. The only way to be totally happy and at peace with oneself is to have a loving relationship with the one, true God. He, unlike material possessions, can provide one’s heart, mind, and body with rest and a peace that is unsurpassable.

Likewise, if one is faithful and listens to God, He will provide one with success according to His will. Also, God is so loving and forgiving that He will cherish anyone who comes to Him. He will always be there when one is feeling down. In the same way, He will listen and love that person no matter what the circumstances.

Furthermore, in order to begin this wonderful journey with the Lord, one must accept his son, Jesus Christ, into their heart. Jesus died on the cross for all of mankind’s sins, and all one has to do is acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior. This is done by simply praying and repenting to God. If this is such an easy process, then why does everyone not do it? I cannot tell one the answer to that question because it continues to puzzle me daily. I guess it is like the quote says – ‘Only God knows why.’

Another great benefit of deciding to follow the Lord includes always knowing that one’s eternity will be spent in heaven. So in conclusion, the choice to follow God is, in my opinion, the most important choice one will ever make. Moreover, it is also a very wise decision considering God promises of happiness, success, and an eternal life in heaven.

Suddenly the room becomes a jungle. Vines twist and encircle everything until all that is seen is green and fog. I call out for the eyes but receive no answer. In despair I call louder hoping to coax the eyes out. None appear.

I know what I must do. With a fierceness of stride I rush toward the growing jungle with hatchet in hand. I hack at the vines, sweat pouring off of me. The adrenalin rushes on because I know I‘m the one who must penetrate this jungle. Desperately I search for the eyes, straining with every breath to hold on…to press on. Ages pass as I push through. Excitement courses through me as I see specks of light through the thinning vines.

Bam! My hatchet stops with a sickening thud. I’ve hit something solid. The fog is thicker here. I reach out to feel the cool, grainy feel of wood. Groping around I discover a door. The thrill of hope once again causes me to reach for a handle. I pull. I pull again.

It’s locked.

Tears flood my eyes. My strength is gone. I have failed and my quest will never be fulfilled. The eyes are lost forever. My hands fall to my sides as my body slumps to the ground. I start as my hand brushes cold metal. I reach for the object. Around my neck is a small key.

Could it be? If only this was the answer.

Yes! It fits and the door opens. The fog lifts. Dozens of eyes once again stare back at me. I smile at them as memories come flooding back.

I was once a pair of eyes. Lost and alone, my teacher, the holder of the key, rescued me. My mind was trapped in the foggy jungle. I ached inside to be rescued. To understand was my dream then. I called out for help but no one heard me. My teacher sought me through that jungle. Her own sweat, strength, and endurance poured out as she strove to unlock the door of my mind.

What is my dream job you ask? To unlock the minds of others….to be a holder of the key.

Today, teachers are held accountable for so much more than they were years ago. Not only are they asked to be teachers, situations today require them to be parents and confidants as the need arises. These new tasks are necessary because of the direction families have gone in contrast to families in the past. Children need someone to fill the void left by families needing two incomes. Teachers are the obvious and best qualified candidates. They are who shape our children’s minds and they do this more frequently than any other. They deserve the compensation. Now, I guess my answer might be a little different, and even a little biased, if I were an athlete wanting the millions I feel I deserve for playing a sport that is nothing more than a continuation of a childhood recreation.

I have a confession. My confession is that had I been asked this question years ago, I might have said I feel athletes are not paid nearly enough. I would have answered that way because I was so into sports, and I guess I was in the same trance that “fanatics” are today. Lucky for me, a little boy was born who has helped me realize there is nothing more important than he, at least in my eyes. His birth helped me put many aspects of my life into perspective. I wish at least half the world’s parental population agreed. Maybe then more focus would be placed in the proper areas of life.

The odd, confused, or questioning looks I get when I answer that never-ending question, “What do you want to do in your future?” do not alarm me. I know that very easily my chosen major or future career may change, but I still always have that dream job floating in the back of my head. This job is definitely unique and only a couple of people know what it is, but now I feel as though I am letting the world know. So here it is, my dream job, the ultimate career: working as a tour guide/art curator at the Louvre museum.

I am sure whoever reads this is saying “Wow, this is a dream job. Does she know she will have to live in Paris? Hopefully, she will not be too let down when she realizes that this is nearly impossible.” I know my goals are high, but I have been told since I was a child, “You can do anything you set your heart to.” I believe this. True, I will have to work mighty hard to climb up the museum business ladder, but if I put my effort towards this goal one day it will be achieved. I may be 45 before I am working at the Louvre, but at least I tried and succeeded.

Now the question is “Why the Louvre?” There are many other excellent art museums: the Art Institute of Chicago, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The truth is the Louvre is at the top, it is the art museum in which everything is beautiful from the exterior architecture to the marble floors. I want to be able to see the Mona Lisa whenever I want or clean Venus de Milo or reveal the magnificent stories of the artwork to questioning students. Moreover, I want to work in the museum that first revealed to me my love for art. Yes, I always knew I was artistic, but something in my brain said, “Sam, this is where you belong, in this magnificent museum.” Therefore, that is my dream job, as outlandish as it seems, it is mine. I am sure not many others dream of being in a museum day in and day out, but I am unique, and I would love to work at the Louvre.

Since I was six years old, I have been plagued by terror and fear. Public places, schools, large groups of people all were various circles in my own personal hell. Starting high school, I felt I could no longer go on. The horror of my fearful life overcame me. Walking to the front of the school was, to me, the equivalent of walking to the gallows. The idea of the ridicule I would most surely face if I panicked in front of the unforgiving multitudes petrified me. I broke down so terribly that I could hardly leave my bedroom, eat, or function. I feared everything around me, but what I feared for most was my life. I wanted to claim it for my own again and vanquish the demons raging in my mind. I drew on a well of strength that I was unaware I possessed and I returned to school to make the high honor roll, win several awards, and regain some semblance of happiness. It was then that I sparked the embers of an overwhelming lust for life.

I am now a sophomore in college, holding a 4.0 GPA, in a successful relationship, and facing mammoth changes. While I regained my ability to function and succeed academically in school four years ago, I have yet to completely overcome my panic. On dates, in theatres, in school functions my demons resurrect. I am happier than I have ever been, yet I am not the happiest I could ever be. I have vast and wonderful dreams of transferring to a larger school outside my hometown, marriage, world travel, writing books, and lecturing to raise awareness of panic disorders. Yet unless I take action, now my dreams may evaporate before my eyes and I will be left filling their void with regret and fear. To be successful and truly unequivocally happy, I need to once again go to arms against my demons and face my fears head on.

Within the next year, I am considering transferring to a much larger school in my state, over four hours away from my hometown. I want to pack my things with joy leaping in my heart, confidence that I can take on the world sounding in my voice, and take my biggest step yet to taking hold of my dreams.

Right now, my heart is racing, my palms are sweating, and I fidget and become restless thinking of it. But when I overcome myself, my thoughts, and my fears all of those symptoms will be from excitement at a new and wonderfully successful life.

My daughter is now four years old, and I can still remember the wonderful day when she was born. I can remember taking her home from the hospital and being so scared to be a mom. I can remember looking at her and examining every little thing on her body and watching her sleep. I still find myself watching her sleep and just taking in the whole beautiful moment.

Life happens so fast, and all too often people are too busy to enjoy it; I have caught myself acting this way as well. I have caught myself thinking that I have a tough life; I thought that I made the wrong decisions in life, and I thought I was stuck. Actually, life is wonderful. I am at this point in my life because I made those decisions.

I work in a Neuro Trauma Intensive Care Unit and I see people go through difficult times in their lives. We had one patient in the unit, a young man that was diagnosed with metastasizing brain cancer. He had a very poor prognosis; he was told that he was only going to be able to live for about six months. This gentleman inspired me; even though he was told that he was only going to live for six months he still decided right then that he was going to live life and enjoy every minute. When he was stuck in the hospital the nurse would ask, “what is the one thing that you want the most?” He replied with, “I want to go outside and see the snow.” The nurse went outside, got him some snow, and had a snowball fight with him in his hospital room. After he was discharged from the hospital he came back and brought us all a beautiful poem that he wrote about enjoying all the “little things,” like snowball fights and sunsets and children’s smile.

I have made the decision to live my life as if everyday is my last. I will enjoy all the precious moments that I have with my family, and I will appreciate all the opportunities that I have made for myself. I will enjoy waking up every morning to a new day and say “thank you” for everything that I have been given.

It is universally understood that the media is responsible for all the world’s problems. And if that doesn’t fly, one shouldn’t have to look far for a neglectful parent to pin it on. I love an info-tainment exposé on the Unfair, Unrealistic and Utterly Dangerous Images of Women in the Media. Brought to you by ABC. It’s good to see checks and balances. But I like to be a devil’s advocate, and once in awhile speak up for those camera-toting, note-jotting, press-pass-wielding wolves in sheep’s clothing—that is, Journalists.

Of course, The Media is a vast empire, and regular old journalism only one colony. You have entertainment, you have news; and delightfully accessible combinations of the two. There’s TV, newspapers, film, documentary, radio, music videos, magazines, commercials, video games, websites, billboards, leaflets handed to you on the way to the grocery store by a representative from the neighborhood socialist chapter, etc. And there is no escape. And I acknowledge that good is mingled with bad, fact with bias, quality with obscenity, truth with tinsel. But I will always respect the right of the media to influence my decisions. I could not claim to be any sort of responsible human being if I did not.

Should I decide what opinion to have on stem cell research without researching the topic on the Internet—or without knowing who Michael J. Fox is? Should I decide what movies to see without watching the previews, without reading the reviews? Should I decide where to go to school without consulting a college catalogue? Should I decide what makes me laugh, without ever seeing an episode of Saturday Night Live? Should I decide who to vote for, without reading the candidate’s profiles in the paper or seeing them debate on network TV? And can I decide what really matters in the world, never witnessing an airplane crash into a building, and a tower, along with a century’s worth of illusions, come tumbling down?

All the really important things we’ll probably learn at school, or from our older siblings—what slang to use, how to dress, what phrases and people and desires and key chains are “So Last Week”. But the rest of it has to come from somewhere, and we have to acknowledge that we live in the world. We are here, and we are connected, and it is the muddy, messy media that connects us. You can’t make decisions without the influence of the media. Even the decision to retreat from its glare is only reactionary. There’s no need to get Orwellian. It’s tempting, here at the dawn of the 21st century, when we are all at least a little afflicted with apocalyptic mania—but face it, that’s just being melodramatic. Your mind may be your own Ministry of Truth, but it won’t be much use if you’ve got nothing to put in it.