Always put yourself in others shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the other person, too. ~ anonymous~

This quote is a reflection of diversity and the negative views associated with it just as the protagonist felt the pain as she dealt with closed minded people.

            It was like being a jet black social creature, a tiny ant following the trail of hundreds of other ants, or should I say gays, straights, transgenders, bisexuals and lesbians. We crawled through an overcrowded parking lot where they led the way to the Van Wezel, a giant purple building that holds events like plays, musicals and on this day, the Gay Pride celebration. The festivities included drag shows and a performer that was transgender, a she who was now a he. People were different here in Sarasota, Florida because when they pushed in front of me at least they smiled when they did it, not like in New York City where they just pushed. I remember those days well in the crowded trains, buses and jam packed city streets. I waited patiently in a long line that ran outside the door to purchase two tickets to enter this wonderland of sights and sounds. I waited with the young and old, male and female, couples and singles, all who gathered for this event.

Three years have passed since the almost hate crime, at least it could have been in my eyes. Since my divorce with my transgender ex-husband my friendship list has grown thanks to the World Wide Web. I have ventured into chat rooms, blogs and websites to try and fully understand the inner and social fights of the transpeople.

Hate crimes are a main topic. I’m in school for cultural studies in writing to become a better writer and critical thinker because I want to write about what the world needs to know about. One can only write from experience, right?

            It was on May 10th 2008, a beautiful ninety degree spring day with the wind puffing gently as the sky filled slowly with light billowing clouds. My transgender boyfriend, Peter, a handsome red head and I had attended a once a year Gay Pride celebration and drag show. There must have been five hundred people, drinking, laughing and enjoying the entertainment. Drag queens/men dressed up in glamorous evening gowns, brightly colored Crayola crayon poofy hair that walked graciously around in their high heels and packed on makeup which consumed their faces, a definite sight to see. It was all in the name to promote their shows. Some of the queens were wearing stilettos; I envied them because I would fall flat on my face if I attempted that feat, no pun intended. Music was blaring out of the eight foot high black boxes as I made my way through the masses. Gays and lesbians and transgenders, oh my! People were talking, smiling and singing along to a popular song, What a shame.

            Concession stands for safe sex, beer, auto insurance and t-shirts were overcrowded as people flashed their dollars in the air. Then I saw food. The smell of burnt coals and meat slapped me in the face. As I passed the food display of hot dogs and hamburgers my stomach screamed out, “Feed me,” but we couldn’t stop as Peter was on a mission.

We found our way to a small patch of grass and sat down. In front of us was a huge stage surrounded by posters promoting diversity with rainbow flags moving leisurely in the breeze like small sail boats on a lake. I watched a man perform a song that brought a tear to my eye. Fifteen minutes later we met up with Peter’s newly found Trans buddy, Ronny. He was blonde, “six-pack”, hence his stage name and a little on the short side. He just finished performing on stage, What a shame by Shinedown. He was wearing angel wings as he flashed names of transgenders, gay men and lesbian women that have died from hate crimes on small pieces of colored construction paper, blue, green and yellow:

“What a shame, what a shame

            To judge a life that you can’t change

            The choir sings, the church bells ring

            So won’t you give this man his wings?

            What a shame to have to beg you to

            See we’re not all the same, what a shame…”

            After the performance Ronny introduced us to a couple. They were a cute happy couple, a transman, Hank Canster with short brown hair who had a dry sense of humor. His girlfriend, Vainita Smith was the typical blonde bombshell with the attitude to match in her bling bling shiny pink metallic tank top and tight blue jean shorts, “Nice to meetcha,” she screamed over the music. We spent the entire day and most of the night together. The sun had gone done hours ago and the lights from the building exterior were blindingly bright. It was late, we swapped phone numbers and parted, “Don’t forget to call tomorrow,” Hank said as he shook Peter’s hand.

            Our Gay Pride celebration evening should have been a continuation of our day, fun and care free with a sense of being unified. It was about 11:30 pm as we drove home on that warm clear moonlit night. In the distance, there was an all-night restaurant with a neon sign, it flashed, blinked and lit up the sky. Both of us were hungry so Peter pulled in and we walked hand in hand to the entrance. After being seated, he excused himself to go to the bathroom.

            There are many stories out there that depict the biggest dilemma when a transgender is considered in “limbo.” At that very moment, he was passing as a man, one hundred percent of the time with the goatee and no female breasts due to surgery and testosterone. He had an “M” on his driver license but, with the name Peter Marie, a feminine name that lingered along with his birth certificate that stated he was still a she. He did not have his name legally changed yet and it concerned him deeply in the recesses of his mind. It was the thought of a potential altercation with another man could take place in the men’s room so he felt he had no alternative, but to enter the ladies lavatory. Timing can be your best friend or your worst enemy. 

            Five minutes later a group of young Spanish men wearing t-shirts, leather jackets and blue jeans came into the restaurant with their voices raised as they spoke in a vulgar manner, “Fuck this and fuck that.” They sat catty corner to our table. Men like that I have passed in the street and usually they would whistle or make crude comments to me, “Come here girl, you are so pretty.” I would hear them say, “Vienen chica que son tan bonitas!” It was a large group, eight to be exact and in my opinion, they held an air of a street gang. They were loud and obnoxious. I paid no attention and proceeded to read some of the pamphlets that I picked up earlier in the day. I tried to look interested in something other than their major outbursts. 

I had never before been so aware of restaurant noises, the extremely bright lights, the waitresses talking and giggling in the kitchen, the clanking of dishes being piled up as the tables were cleaned and the commotion of twenty five people all in conversation, I counted. In the distance I heard two young Spanish women as they walked down the aisle and approached their table speaking in their native tongue while snickering as they walked passed me. “El hombre en el baño de mujeres!” a young woman shouted. I understood the words that were spoken, a man in the ladies bathroom. As they sat down the story of a man in the woman’s bathroom had begun to flow around their table and it seemed like it ignited an uncontrollable fire that blazed from their eyes as the men glanced around feverishly.    

            I became anxious and wondered where he was. Another five minutes passed and I stood up in order to locate him when he turned the corner. We both sat down in a pit of silence for a moment. He didn’t have to say a word since we both knew the events that transpired just moments before.

            Neither of us wanted to move at that moment. Peter was facing them. They were staring at us. My hands trembled, but I tried to hide it by keeping them under the table in my lap. What else was said between those Spanish individual’s I will never know. On the one hand, I did understand the confusion and anger at first glance of the situation. Peter did look like a pervert, a man in the ladies bathroom. It could have been cause to call in the police, but they had no clue what led up to that incident and why a man was using the ladies restroom.

We were both frightened. Could this be a hate crime waiting to happen?

            It would seem the definition from the dictionary.com web site reported that the verb “hate” is another word for “loathing,” or “disgust, possibly what the ethnic group felt. “It means to feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward; detest.” The Merriam-Webster web site defined it from the Old English “hete,” it was first used before the 12th century. The thesaurus web site explained that the noun means “intense dislike.” It means “to hate the enemy.”  Were we the enemy? The verb also can mean “to provoke; to be diabolic.” The fear I felt was instilled deep within me to the point of never being able to release it. US Legal stated that, “A hate crime is usually defined by state law as one that involves threats, harassment, or physical harm and is motivated by prejudice against someone’s race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation or physical or mental disability.”

            We ate breakfast quickly, not even once did we acknowledge one another. I know I had scrambled eggs with ketchup on them, toast and bacon, yet I don’t remember the taste of anything, not even my buttered browned bread as I woofed it all down within record time. Prior to our departure I will be honest, for a brief moment I glanced at the unused stainless steel knife that sat quietly on the table. “Maybe I should take it for protection. I could slide it into my purse and no one will notice,” I thought.

            I remember watching several transgender movies, some good and some were pitiful. One that always stuck with me was The Soldier’s Girl and how a male soldier died in a hate crime by his own people, his so called army buddies, because he loved a woman who was different, a transgender. I cry every time. That was me, I loved a woman who transitioned into a man.

Definitely not the norm in our society, he was a man that few recognized as having an inner struggle between two souls, male/female. The Native American’s referred to transgenders as Berdache because they are considered to have two souls, male and female. They were touched by the spirits of the ancestors and had powers on the order of the shaman. (The Two-Spirit Tradition).

            My mind wondered for an instant to flashes of a horrific nightmare that unfolded in my confused brain, blood was everywhere. Peter and I lay on the ground. And then I got a grip on myself. As we stood up to leave a small voice told me to take it. I looked to the left and then slowly the right. When no one was looking I grabbed the gleaming knife from the table and slidit into my black leather purse. We proceeded to walk to the front to pay our bill. I was extremely paranoid and will be the first to admit it. Being the Scorpio that I am, I thought the worst. Could we make it to the truck safely? Would the group of men follow us outside? Were they carrying weapons?

            We walked out of the establishment, looking back every so often until we were half way to the dark truck. And then, there they were. Eight mean looking guys with kick butt in their eyes stared right at us. I don’t believe that I have ever been so petrified in my life. I know that Peter was affected by this incident because his hands quivered. My right hand slid into my purse and my fingertips touched the cold metal. At that moment, he grabbed my left hand and pulled me to double time it back to the black SUV. I could hear the sound of what seemed like wild horses as their hooves galloped behind us. “Faster, come on,” he yelled. The doors unlocked and I jumped in like I was in search of a long lost sanctuary because if I didn’t fate would have taken a different turn. We took off speeding and the truck was like a “Bat out of hell” as Meatloaf would have said leaving screech marks on the gray pavement. Words were not spoken while, What a shame by Shinedown played on the radio.    

            On November 20, 2011, the LGBTQ Nation held a ceremony called the, “13th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance around the world, a day when the LGBTQ and allied community honor those who have lost their lives to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice, and seek to raise awareness of the ongoing threat of brutality faced by the transgender community.”

            Today is a day to remind ourselves to love because in reality, that’s all we have. Many have lost their lives at the hands of another due to hate. What makes people kill?

What makes people physically and emotionally injure innocent victims and why? The reason is because they are different? I live my life each day and can remember the fear that they felt before leaving this earthly plain. To feel trapped in a place of no return. LGBTQ Nation reported, “In 2011, there were at least 23 more lives lost to anti-transgender hate, including seven in the United States.” I am grateful that Peter and I did not become a national statistic because in 2008 as the FBI National Press Office reported, “There were 5,542 hate crime offenses classified as crimes against persons…” And according to the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics report for 2010, “The 6,628 hate crime incidents reported to us by our law enforcement partners stayed consistent with the 6,604 incidents reported in 2009.” I see a pattern that the numbers are increasing each year, do you? I have always been a fighter for the underdog and will continue to do so. I have learned that there is plenty of work to be done in getting word out about diversity. People’s fears need to be addressed head on to realize we really are all the same.

Take a good look because this means that in 2008 at least 5,542 were the assaulters, in 2009 at least 6,604 were the assaulters and in 2010 at least 6,628 were the assaulters. What does this say about our sense of humanity? Are we as tiny in thought, love and respect as those little jet black creatures that roam our earth?

Work Cited

Community, allies remember victims lost to anti-transgender hate crimes. 2011. 20 Nov. 2011    <http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/11/community-allies-remember-victims-lost-to-anti-    transgender-hate-crimes/>

FBI Bureau of Investigation. Hate Crimes Remain Steady. 2011 14 Nov 2011             <http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2011/november/hatecrimes_111411/hatecrimes_11141            1>

FBI National Press Office.  FBI Releases 2008 Hate Crime Statistics. 23 Nov. 2007. 29 Nov             2011<http://www.streetgangs.com/news/112309_hatecrimestats>

“Hate.” Dictionary. 2011 <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hate>

“Hate.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary. 2011 <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hate>

“Hate.” Thesaurus. 2011 <http://thesaurus.com/browse/hate>

Meatloaf. “Bat out of hell.” 2011 <http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/meat-loaf-lyrics/bat-out-of-       hell-lyrics.html>

Shinedown. “What A Shame.” Elyrics. 2009 <http://www.elyrics.net/read/s/shinedown-            lyrics/what-a-shame-lyrics.html>

The Two-Spirit Tradition. 1 Mar. 2007. 2011. 30 Nov. 2011             http://androgyne.0catch.com/2spiritx.htm

Never sacrifice who you are just because someone has a problem with it. ~ anonymous

I speak from experience as I am a biological female who married and divorced a Transgender man. I want to share what I know now.

Falling in love with anyone is supposed to be the most beautiful experience in life. But, being a Transgender in today’s society can be complicated for them regarding their sacred journey. For those unique individuals they must consider certain factors that most of us take for granted in everyday life. Trust and safety issues are always on the fore front of their minds. For an FTM (female to male) or MTF (male to female), the risk is high of being rejected or finding themselves in a hostile situation, leading to a hate crime. One can even say that they put their lives on the line, daily. Who can one trust in coming out?

According to Riley, & Wong & Sitharthan (2011), “According to Carroll, Gilroy, and Ryan (2002), the extent of “gender privilege” a non-transgender person experiences in society is “alarming and ubiquitous” (p. 137), and rights for transgender individuals are most often limited…”

Unfortunately, so many Transsexual individuals feel they are in the closet and not able to share their inner most self with newly found friends or potential love interests. This is a frustrating and a rocky road as their body progressively matches their mind with the proper surgeries and hormones. The passage into their gender as they integrate themselves into society as their innate sex is not one that is taken lightly, but destined.

Furthermore, discrimination is prevalent regardless of where one lives and unfortunately, most states do not have laws implemented to protect the Transgender individual. In my eyes, they are the victims with no legal backing when it comes to divorce, child custody or even employment possibilities. It is common knowledge that in thirty eight states a Transgender could be fired solely based on a label, a way of life…the only life they knew.

Bottom line, a Transgender does not wake up one morning and say, “I think I’ll be a Transgender today.”

Think of it as someone deciding; today is the day, “I am going to be heterosexual.” Nor would anyone place themselves intentionally in society with this gender disorder based on such negative undertones associated with our communities. It is unfortunate that we live in a time when acceptance and tolerance are considered taboo. What is needed is a push beyond the comfort zone…personally speaking. With an open mind, the turmoil of societal and cultural dynamics will see the new boundaries that need to be intersected. The time has come to take off the blinders and see the world through a new lens of diversity, don’t you agree?

Reference

Riley, E. A. & Wong, W. K. T. & Sitharthan, G. (2011). Counseling Support for the Forgotten Transgender Community. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 23. 395–410. Retrieved January 24, 2012, from http://www.peoplesmart.net.au/Riley%202011%20UoS%20Counseling%20support%20for%20the%20forgotten%20TG%20community%20Riley%202011.pdf

I wrote this speech for Margaret Cho when I attended a speechwriting course in April 2011. In theory, MC asked me to write a speech for her capturing her voice. I hope I did! Thank you to all my resources.

Introduction for Margaret Cho

I don’t think I, Danelle could ever give a proper introduction for this woman. She is a beautiful, drop dead diva, comedian, actress, lover of humanity, I say that in the spiritual sense (Looks at Margaret) sweetie and political activist. I give you my old, old, old friend, M.C.

We are gathered here today to bless these two in holy mat, wait a second. What the *Bleep*. Hey, who wrote this *Bleep*? Sounds like I’m marrying a couple. Do you lesbian number one take lesbian number two to have and to hold, blah, blah, blah. Ok, sorry wrong speech. *Bleep*. I hope my dog didn’t eat (Shuffle papers, whispers) my *Bleep* speech again. Oh, wait! I Got it! Do over. Let’s try this one on for size shall we.

Good morning, What a great honor for me and thank you for joining us at the GLBT History Museum. On this bright and sunny morning we are here to dedicate the First GLBT History Museum’s Permanent exhibit of Queers in the United States on this day, April 17, 2011.

The GLBT History Museum’s presentation will incorporate a gallery specifically on the Queer population and its history. That’s right. We have history! The museum will feature two debut exhibitions. In the main gallery, you will find Our Vast Queer Past Celebrating San Francisco’s GLBT History. Curated by historians Gerard Koskovich, Don Romesburg and Amy Sueyoshi. In the front gallery, you’ll find great collections of the GLBT Historical Society’s Archive.

We are here to honor our community and the GLBT Historical Society’s 25th anniversary, the curators of Our Vast Queer Past who burrowed into every corner of the society’s extraordinary archives. We are here to show respect and acceptance as we dedicate this section of this museum as our very own. It is a commemorative event not only to Queers, (Point to audience) straights, lesbians, bisexuals, gays, transgenders and those questioning. It is for everyone. Did I forget anybody? Anywayyyy. For those who don’t know me, hello bitches. I’m Margaret Cho, nice to meet’cha.

I am the Korean American fag-hag, (Point to self) girl comic, trash talker and I am a biological female. In layman’s terms I was born a girl. I’ll let you in on a little secret, I am and always will be in love with men, women or whatever. It’s not what’s between a person legs that matters to me. That’s how I got the label queer. After having gay boyfriends for many years (Slow down) finally I have a straight husband, boyfriend and lover all in one. After having lesbian girlfriends and lovers thrown in the mix, I am Queer. I’m not a lesbian anymore. Which is a shame. Because I am soooo good at softball. (Pause)

Fran Lebowitz once said, “Girls who put out are tramps. Girls who don’t are ladies. This is, however, a rather archaic usage of the word. Should one of you boys happen upon a girl who doesn’t put out, do not jump to the conclusion that you have found a lady. What you have probably found is a Lesbian.” I am not the first avowed queer woman and I won’t be the last. I have always tried to make a difference promoting equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or identity. This museum has joined me in the fight. Our struggles, pain and tears can be seen in the exhibition. It begins with a rainbow view of nearly a century of queer experiences in the San Francisco Bay Area. You will be consumed by multiple stories, sometimes interweaving, sometimes isolated, sometimes in battle. What will you find? (Pause) Motifs based on being human. The first is the search for companionship and pleasure. The second is the struggle for self-determination and respect in an often hostile society. The third is the value of individual and collective expression. And the fourth is the spirit, ingenuity and wit that have been keys to our survival. But, really why are we here? Society is slowly learning to be more diverse. Back in the day, you see I was a lesbian and very proud. I can remember the moments of being a lesbian.

First, I can recall the memories of a woman touching me, sensually. Second, the curves of a woman’s body, her scent, lips and eyes would always beckon me. Yes, I do understand the meaning of being a lesbian. And third, being with a woman was one of the most spiritual experiences that I had ever known. As I close my eyes, at this very moment, I can envision the women who were a part of my life. Not only emotionally but, physically, mentally and spiritually. I can tell you that each woman had their own inner essence. Each touched my heart. But, with time comes change and well, people change. I was a lesbian. And then bisexual and now presently considered a queer. I’ve have such a wealth of sexual experience. I’m always going to be queer. Why you ask? Because, I follow my heart. I married a bio man. (Speed up) I kinda wanted to get married and I looked at husbands like I looked at tattoos. Like I WANT one but I can’t decide on WHAT, and I don’t want to be STUCK with something that I am going to grow to hate. I have come to realize that there is a difference between genders. Straight men are so simple. All they need are beer and boobs and Buffalo wings.

Oh yeah, and straight men don’t want to go shopping, ever. Men, women, transpeople, bisexuals etc. are all people to be respected, just people, just different. Just as we each have our own hearts, minds and souls. Let’s talk about our dilemma that has to do with diversity in our world. Do you think our society is ready for the next gender identity? I know we are willing to try. To learn more about what queer really means. Queer in today’s society is considered similar to the features of the GLBT group. Yes and no but, no cigar. We are our own breed. Once again, society is slowly learning diversity. We as a society (Look around) need to open our minds to the unknown. To open our hearts. To open our acceptance level. We all want the same rights (Point up) and freedoms. Because we all know that once we face the unknown, it is not that scary anymore. I was partially raised by my parents, and partially grew up cradled within the gay community by a motley crew of gay men and drag queens.

I grew up in the 80s and 90s, and I worked a lot as an AIDS activist when I was very young. So it’s something I always knew I would do. It’s just inherent to who I am. My identity is rooted in my activism. Y’know, I’m queer, I’m a woman of color and I’m very progressive politically. I hope to one day leave my mark on this world, we call home. Today marks a day for learning. (Slow down) Learning from the past that will give us strength for our future battles. As we look at the past within these walls, it reminds us we still have far to go.

Presently, legislation is pending in both the House and Senate for our community. Gays and lesbians have been struck hard and need Congress to Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, Respect for Marriage Act H.R. 3567 which denies legally married lesbian and gay couples more than 1,000 federal protections. These are basic protections such as access to Social Security benefits and the right to care for an ailing spouse under the Family and Medical Leave Act. With six states either providing or soon to provide marriage benefits to same-sex couples, it’s time for Congress to repeal DOMA. To treat all married couples equally.

D.O.M.A., which was signed into law by former President Bill Clinton in 1996 has two key components against the GLBT community. Section 2 stipulates that no state need recognize legal civil marriages between persons of the same sex. Even if the marriage was recognized in another state. Section 3 prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages for any purpose. Excluding these couples from all federal benefits and protections. Whether granted by statue, regulation or sub-regulatory decision. It effectively bars federal benefits from flowing to same-sex couples in state recognized unions. These are unequal and unfair laws. We all deserve the same rights don’t we? As the GLBT community struggles it also strengthens. As gay and lesbians are fighting for their rights, we as queer individuals fight for ours. Their fights are our fights. If you are a woman, if you are a person of color, if you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, if you are a person of size, if you are person of intelligence, if you are a person of integrity, then you are considered a minority in this world. As we come together today as a united front, we will experience life as never before seen.

With all my heart, please join me with great pleasure in opening the doors. The doors of enlightenment for all the world to see. A queer world. My world. Our world. This exhibit reminds us all that just because you are blind, and unable to see my beauty doesn’t mean it does not exist. I want each of you to remember these words. Love is the big booming beat which covers up the noise of hate. Thank you all for making history with me. (Put hands together and bow).

Leadership makes a difference; it affects the level of organizational productivity and performance by making positive occurrences in the lives of organizational associates. Leaders create empowering organizational cultures that produce long-term thinking and successful outcomes through many different aspects such as employee turnover, decision making processes and the adaptability for a company to change. Whall (2006) states, “There are key leadership traits that make the difference in companies that can truly change their industries… Changing an industry is different than playing in an industry… All companies play in their industry, but few will literally change the course of their industry.”

The theory of leadership has been an accepted topic for many years by researchers due to the fact that its effectiveness is fundamental to businesses, followers, organizations and professional individuals. The popular press has produced thousands of books on this subject matter from a range of multifaceted definitions, terminology and meanings. These views range from the significance of situations, certain processes that takes place between leaders and followers, conceptual capabilities, foundational styles, personality characteristics/traits and technical humanistic skills.

Jeffery Pfeffer is a distinguished advocate, expert and theorist in the area of leadership. He is amongst many researchers that proclaim leadership does not make a significant difference with an organizations final performance. In 1977 he conducted a study involving the comparison of before and after results of the changing of two mayors in a city. It suggested organizational performance was more likely to be influenced by the environment rather than the leadership roles of individuals. The outcome portrayed very little change taking place within the organizational performance due to the shifting of mayors. This researcher questions the implied hypothesis regarding leadership, individual behaviors and disputes the conventional thought process pertaining to the meaning of this concept. Along with other poignant views, Pfeffer has strong beliefs pertaining to the perceptual/attributional perspective.  He has discussed his opinions on leadership behavior and how opening the door to the tools of symbolic leadership led to individuals being observed as a symbol. His concern of leadership is viewed as an essential influence that is brought on by lessening the casual uncertainty and guided by a cause and effect acknowledgement in relation to the leader. Pfeffer also believed that there was a link between strategic-contingency theory, leadership power, organizational changes and the critical issues that faced the organization.

In this position paper I will share my thoughts on why I believe leadership does make a difference. This is a topic that has prompted debates over the years and it is my theoretical point of view that there is a strong correlation and impact between leadership and the organizational performance levels. Through my research and investigation on this topic I have found that there are many ways in which to measure the importance of leadership which results in making a significant difference; not only business but in every day life.

Pfeffer’s proponents first, agree with the theory that leadership does not make a difference. To view leadership within an organization as a symbol it implies that these individuals play a significant role in the creating and implementing of the meaning and culture. According to Pondy (1978), “Thus, leadership has been called a “language game” because what leaders do is “manage meaning” (p.316). They are contextualists and believe that the meaning of leadership is derived purely from the context in which symbols are used.  Through symbolic leadership these theorists contend that the perceptual/attributional perspective of followers result in a leader being held responsible or recognized for the positive and negative outcomes within the organization.  It is thought that the strategic-contingency theory is applied to organizations and help cope with the significant organizational dilemmas by utilizing leadership power.

According to Hollander (1992), Pfeffer has strong beliefs pertaining to the attributional viewpoint which states, “…that leaders are credited or blamed for outcomes over which they alone had little effect. Because positive or negative outcomes are more likely to be attributed to the leader, he or she is more readily faulted and even removed as a symbol when things go wrong, rather than firing the whole staff or team” (in Pierce & Newstrom, 2006, p. 272). Therefore, it is the follower that looks for someone to point the finger at yet, does not see the entire organization in the same light. Pfeffer (1977) reported, “Thus leaders are important social constructions. They are symbols, hence targets for our attributions. They serve as scapegoats for our failures and heroes around which members of a group can rally in celebration of their collective accomplishments.” (in Pierce & Newstrom, 2006, p. 459). Smircich and Morgan (1982) agreed with the observation stating, “…the symbols, slogans, rituals, stories and myths are among the “tools of leadership” (in Pierce & Newstrom, 2006, p. 10). These are considered hurdles a leader faces in order to manage the meaning of leadership.

Mintzberg (1993) also contends that the perceptual/attributional perspective is associated with the attribution of causality of leaders becoming symbols, “The leader as a symbol provides a target for action when difficulties occur, serving as a scapegoat when things go wrong.” (in Pierce & Newstrom, 2006, p. 464).  Gamson and Scotch (1964) explained this concept by describing a situation involving the firing of a baseball manager, “noted that in baseball, the firing of the manager served a scapegoat purpose. One cannot fire the whole team, yet when performance is poor, something must be done” (in Pierce & Newstrom, 2006, p. 464). It is believed that these measures will enhance the organizational performance level.

The principle of leadership power regarding environmental conditions will automatically position constraints upon an organizational leader which in turn reduces the chances of affecting organizational performances. Lieberson and O’Connor’s studies appear to be results of their opinion since the outcome of organizations performance portrays as being controlled by the environmental factors more so then by a leader’s position. This argument explains that individuals have the potential of being biased concerning the over attributing to a facilitators model of power.

Smircich and Morgan (1982) defined the meaning of leadership as, “…a product of an interaction between the situation, the leader, and the followers.”  (in Pierce & Newstrom, 2006, p. 189). This coincides with Pfeffer’s opinion of the strategic contingency model of leadership stating that, “…the leader is a person who brings scarce resources to assist a group of individuals in overcoming a critical problem that they face. As the problems facing a group change, their leader may also change because of his or her access to critical and scarce resources.” (in Pierce & Newstrom, 2006, p. 189). Therefore, this concept reinforces the significance of the situation, environment and the leadership process.

Pfeffer (1977) discussed a study of organizational performance levels of city governments concluding that, “changes from mayor to mayor were minor and unlikely to bring about major organizational changes” (in Pierce & Newstrom, 2006, p. 458).

This evidence was based on, “…studies estimating the effect of administrators have found them to account for about 10 percent of variance in organizational performance…is a striking contrast to the 90 percent of intellectual effort that has been devoted to developing theories of individual action…leadership, it seems, doesn’t make a difference.

The evidence I will give appears to refute this theory. The analytical approach of this study was to feature inconsistencies in the performance measures regarding the independent elements likely to change by the means of a chronological breakdown of discrepancies. This was to depict a set of figures representing the performance variances. Thomas (1988) expressed this study of mayoral effects concludes, “that leadership differences have little or no impact on organizational performance… both Lieberson and O’Connor and Salancik and Pfeffer’s studies are seen as flawed because they do not allow the leadership variable to enter earlier into the equation” (p. 389) Proving the statement of Pfeffer’s theory -  false.

Peters and Austin (1985) disagree with the theory Pfeffer offers and it is their contention that leadership is a significant aspect regarding the process connected with the advancement and preservation stage for a company’s performance. Other scholars hold similar views such as House (1988), Day and Lord (1988) reveal evidence from their studies concluding important results connecting organizational performance and leadership. House (1988) mentions, “…that there is an abundance of evidence demonstrating significant leadership effects in the areas of: level of effort expended, adaptability to change, performance under change conditions, level of group turnover, absenteeism, group member performance, decision  acceptance, quality of decisions made, and the amount of follower learning  from leadership training efforts.” (in Pierce & Newstrom, 2006, p. 458).

Leadership is the most important aspect at any level…in any profession. The theory of leadership makes a difference because in every relationship someone is leading, someone is following, and everyone is learning the respective difference and importance. In my opinion, organizational performance is shaped by internal as well as external conditions such as technological factors, economy and the industry market place. McKnight expressed his opinion by stating, “Training and technology are important, but leadership makes the difference.” Rodgers and Hunter (1991) observe, “The effects of executive leadership may be direct in their impact upon both the external and internal environments of the organization” (in Pierce & Newstrom, 2006, p. 460). This combination of internal and external occurrences is crucial for increasing of performance as Dessler (1993) comments, “In the current environment, where flattened organizations and empowered employees are needed for enhanced performance, follower commitment is simply a business imperative” (p.89).

Leadership and organizational performance go hand in hand. An organization can not change the belief system, culture or make proper long term decisions without the capability of a strong facilitator in a top level role. Flexibility and the ability to change can make or break a company. A leader guides the organization with well thought out plans. As Snair (2004) stated, “If a route is not going well, smart decision-making comes into play as the cadet decides whether or not to continue looking or move on to the next marker or to rethink the routine entirely.”

Our society and the world in which we live incorporate leaders which are obsessed with control whether it be in observing or evaluating situations in their environment. Kelley (1971) has explained that, “…a series of studies dealing with the attributional process, he concluded that persons were not only interested in understanding their world correctly, but also in controlling it.” (in Pierce & Newstrom, 2006, p. 272).

Social constructionists maintain that the follower’s comprehension regarding leadership control is conveyed by their perception of it being socially provided information. Calder (1977) Meindl, Ehrllich, Dukerich (1985) and Meindl (1990) expresses the concept as being heroic view, “as observers of and as participants in organizations, we may have developed highly romanticized, heroic views of leadership”. These heroic views paint unrealistic pictures about what leaders do, what they are able to accomplish, and the general effects they have on our lives” (in Pierce & Newstrom, 2006, p. 457). Gergen (1998) agrees this philosophy by expressing this comment, “Whether we as scientists with to sustain a view of people as seekers of control is optional; there is nothing about human action itself that demands such an interpretation…In these ways the point of social constructionism is not to work on the world as an object, but to work within our culture as mutual subjects” (p. 101).

In my opinion, my earlier interpretation of the Yin-Yang metaphor applies to the theory of leadership and company performance. Without leadership…we can not have successful organizational performance levels T. Wolfe (2007, October 9) is quoted by stating, “When I think of management and leadership I equate it with the yin-yang symbol. I believe that each contains the seed of the other as the dots in each of them represent this overlapping of the two. I believe they are independent, yet supportive of each other in numerous ways.” Therefore, Leadership does matter!!!!  Day and Lord (1988) declared, “We believe, however, that proper interpretation of existing succession studies indicates that top-level leaders have a direct and significant effect on their company’s performance.” (in Pierce & Newstrom, 2006, p. 468).

In conclusion, many theorists are in agreement that leadership does matter. George (2007) commented that, “If they want to succeed in the 21st century, corporations would be well-advised to develop authentic leaders like these, who can build and sustain their long-term success.” There is a strong connection between organizational performance and leadership …all one has to do is review the literature.

The test of a leader lies in the reaction and response of his followers. His worth as a leader is measured by the achievements of the led…the ultimate test of his effectiveness. ~ Gen. Omar N. Bradley

References

George, B. (October 4, 2007). Where Have   All the Leaders Gone? Part II. [electronic             version] Businessweek. Found November 30, 2007 at:             http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/oct2007/ca2007104_688678.ht m?chan=search

Gergen, K.J. (1998). From control to coconstruction: New narratives for the social             sciences. Psychological Inquiry 9(2) 101. Retrieved December 8, 2007, from             http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=1047- 840X%281998%299%3A2%3C101%3AFCTCNN%3E2.0.CO%3B2-T

Humphreys, J. H. & Weyant, L. E. & Sprague, R. D. (2003). Organizational             commitment: The roles of emotional and practical intellect within the             leader/follower dyad.Journal of Business and Management. 9(2) 189. Retrieved             December 9, 2007, from http://proquest.umi.com.library.esc.edu/pqdweb?index=25&sid=1&srchmode=1&vinst=PROD&fmt=3&startpage=-            1&clientid=63430&vname=PQD&RQT=309&did=000000423243801&scaling=            FULL&vtype=PQD&rqt=309&TS=1198046871&clientId=63430

Pierce, J. & Newstrom, J. (2006). Leaders and the leadership process: Readings, self-            assessments & applications. 4th ed.,Boston: McGraw Hill.

Snair, S. (2004).West Pointleadership lessons: Duty, honor, and other management             principles.Naperville,IL: Sourcebooks, Inc.

Thomas, A. B. (1988 September). Does Leadership make a difference to  organizational performance?. Administrative Science Quarterly. 33 (1988) 388-400. Retrieved December 9, 2007, from http://www.jstor.org.library.esc.edu/view/00018392/di995502/99p0466n/0?search  Url=http%3a//www.jstor.org/search/BasicResults%3fhp%3d25%26si%3d1%26g            w%3djtx%26jtxsi%3d1%26jcpsi%3d1%26artsi%3d1%26Query%3dDoes%2bLeadership%2bMake%2ba%2bDifference%2bto%2bOrganizational%2bPerformance%26wc%3don&frame=noframe&currentResult=00018392%2bdi995502%2b99p0466n%2b0%2cFF3F&userID=8a7464f5@esc.edu/01c0a8487410d52116f021a307&dpi=3&config=jstor

Vickrey, J. (1991). Symbolic Leadership: The Symbolic Nature of Leadership. Retrieved December 8, 2007, fromhttp://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/au- 24/vickrey.pdf

Whall, T. (2006). Leadership makes a difference. 36(2) 120. Retrieved December 7, 2007, from http://proquest.umi.com.library.esc.edu/pqdweb?index=15&did=989413231&Src            hMode=1&sid=4&Fmt=4&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=P            QD&TS=1198047184&clientId=63430

Yakel, J. P. (2003). Leadership makes a difference. Retrieved December 9, 2007 from,              http://www.penfed.org/usawoa/downloads/LeadershipColMcKnightByCW2Yakel.pdf

Every woman who thinks she is the only victim of violence has to know that there are many more. ~ Salma Hayek

The main character is a young and naïve women going through her own personal torment not knowing that she has become a statistic. Just as the quote depicts there are many women going through similar pains every day.

In 1971, it seemed like the beginning of a never ending roller coaster ride with its highs and lows. My mother, a short chubby, dark haired Jewish woman always chose men after her divorce that neatly fit into the category of abusive drinkers, hitters and verbal abusers.

“I think I put out a vibe,” she would say.

The family crisis center basically defined physical abuse as, “Spitting, scratching, biting, grabbing, shaking, shoving, pushing, restraining, throwing, twisting, slapping (open or closed hand), punching, choking, burning, and using weapons (household objects, knives, guns) against the victim.” Then there is the verbal abuse which can make someone slink out of a room like a scolded animal.

“You’re nothing but a piece of shit,” I heard men say to my mother.

Mom always looked for someone to fill the black icy hole that lived deep in the recesses of her heart. As I grew into my own womanhood I became more aware of children and the effects of domestic violence in homes which in turn, has taught me more about myself and how I was not alone. The UNICEF: Child Protection Section commented on the domestic violence in the home, “… is one of the most pervasive human rights challenges of our time. It remains a largely hidden problem that few countries, communities or families openly confront. Violence in the home is not limited by geography, ethnicity, or status; it is a global phenomenon” (3).

Data suggest that young girls who witness maternal abuse may tolerate abuse as adults more than girls who do not. I will admit I am one of those girls. These negative effects may be diminished if the child benefits from intervention by the law and domestic violence programs (Clark County website). But, in the 1971 there were no laws to protect women from domestic violence or programs to help them in their time of need.

Domestic violence didn’t even have a name, let alone a legal identity (Fratini). At 27, my mother was still naïve to the evils in the world with her big chestnut eyes and large black framed glasses that she hid behind. It was two years since we moved out of John’s house which was a block away from the beach in Los Angeles, California. The situation became too much as his alcoholic binges, screaming matches and physical violence escalated on a daily basis.

“We’re safe now, no one can hurt us I promise” mom tried to console me.

            My mother didn’t know that, Domestic Violence Statistics have shown, “Every 9 seconds in the US a woman was assaulted or beaten.” She didn’t know that Peace Over Violence, a social service nonprofit agency was created and dedicated to the elimination of sexual, domestic violence for all forms of interpersonal violence. It was established in late 1971 as the Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women. (Praw 1) It’s an agency that would have provided her with crisis intervention services, violence prevention education and counseling services. She was not aware that domestic violence, a crime committed by domineering men against vulnerable women was hitting the public arena through feminism activities. She did not know that current societal concerns for domestic violence resulted in, “Erin Pizzey opening the first refuge for battered women in Chiswick, London, England” (Corry). Also that Rob Washington reported, “Early on in her work at Chiswick, she noticed that many of the women coming to her shelters were “violence prone.”

            She did not know the mantra that the Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse reported being chanted by women, “We will not be beaten” had become the saying of women across the country who was organizing to end domestic violence. A grassroots organizing effort that began, transforming public consciousness and women’s lives (Edleson).

In 1973 it happened again one gloomy winter’s day. Mom came home from work as I playfully made snow angels in front of our tiny trailer. The new snow was light and cold. I shivered as I stared blankly at the overcast of the gray sky. I know it is Friday which means no school tomorrow. Ten minutes later my cheeks were cherry red and I couldn’t feel my nose. I felt like a cherry flavored ice without the stick. When I got up I slipped a couple of times before deciding to crawl to the front door. I went inside where mom was waiting to have a little talk.

She met a man in a bar at the top of the hill from our trailer court which consisted of twenty diverse looking trailers, big and small. It was a small run down bar with one pool table and five small tables that the locals frequented. I went in a few times with mom when she would case the place for men and I would down two or three Shirley temples. At that age I thought because I was in a bar that I was being served alcohol. What did I know except 7-up and cherry syrup sure did make for a yummy cocktail?

“I know you’re going to like him,” She smiled as her tone appeared giddy. “He’s coming            over for dinner,” she said.

Then it seemed like a faucet was turned on and off as she changed her tune and sternly             gave me an icy stare, “Don’t do anything to screw it up, ok?”

I was told, “Only show your best behavior.”

When I met him, I had a strange feeling. I just couldn’t explain it especially at that age. Marvin Merski was tall, had a huge Jewish nose, balding with a black bushy unkempt beard. I tried really hard not to gaze at the biggest nose I had ever seen.

Mom always told me not to stare, but once we saw a woman at the grocery store and mom whispered, “Damn that is a big schnozzola,” meaning a big nose in Yiddish.

My mind wandered as I couldn’t look away, it looked like a giant hook had taken over his face. He didn’t need a fork to eat, all he had to do was lower his head to the plate and let the hook shovel food into his misshaped mouth, at least from my perspective. During the course of the meal, I served him broccoli, refilled his drink several times and smiled constantly. They talked about his job as an engineer and how he still lived with his mother at age thirty five.

It’s almost 10:30 pm and he finally left.

“He’s not a nice man and I don’t like him,” I whimpered as tears began welling up in my hazel eyes. “Please don’t see him again,” I cried.

But, what did I know, I was just a kid. These are the graphic details that linger in my mind from when I was seven in 1973 living in a small rural town in Walnutport, Pennsylvania in a single trailer. The kitchen was right there as I entered. To the left was the living room, my bedroom and then mom’s sleeping quarters. I had a bunk bed, but I never knew why. I was an only child who had no friends. My back yard was the lush green cornfields that shimmered as I marched through the four foot high stocks and large leaves in hopes to hide from the world. The smell of dirt was comforting although, I’m not sure why. The blue skies were my dreamland. It was a place that became my haven from the violence that seeped into my life.

He turned out to be an alcoholic who physically and mentally abused her every day for three years from the moment he moved in with us. I spent as much time as possible in the corn fields. I would lose myself in the calmness of nature, the birds chirping, the bees buzzing around my head and the sweet smell of fresh air and earth knowing in the back of my mind, the nightmare awaited for me at home.

            Mom did not know that the Domestic Violence Resource Center reported, “…over 50% of all women experience physical violence in an intimate relationship, and for 24-30% of those women the battering will be regular and on-going. If these are true statistics then, if Marvin didn’t beat her, then the guy next door must be beating his wife or girlfriend at least occasionally. And the woman living with the guy two or three doors down is getting beaten at least once a month.”

It was the same evening ritual living in the small secluded trailer court. He would drink to get drunk, physically assault my mother which always resulted in my running out of our home sobbing uncontrollably only to stand outside in the nightfall reviewing whose door I knocked on the night before for help in calling the police.

I remember a moment in time that I am not proud of which is now and forever engraved in my mind. I lost it completely when he attacked my mother one hot July evening around 7 pm.

“Leave my mother alone you bastard,” I yelled with every ounce of courage could muster up in my three and a half foot body.

            Mom did not know that The Clark County website stated, “Studies suggested that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually. Children who were    exposed to domestic violence, especially repeated incidents of violence, are at a higher risk for many difficulties, both immediately and in the future. These include problems with depression, aggressiveness, anxiety and other problems in regulating emotions; difficulties with family and peer relationships; and problems with attention, concentration and school performance. That was me rolled up in a nutshell. Mom didn’t know the harm it could do to a child, to her only daughter. We lived in a home where domestic violence saturated our existence.”

The yelling went on for over an hour.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” mom said trying to catch her breath.

“The money, my fifty dollars is missing bitch. Give it back or else” He went nose to nose with her as he spit his words onto her cheeks.

The stench of alcohol lingered for too long as his pungent sweat made her nauseous. Rage filled the room with no air to breath. Marvin struggled with my mother and chocked her from behind with his forearm at one point before she let out a deep groan and in slow motion collapsed onto the green and blue pastel living room rug. Droplets of blood from the side of her mouth stained the carpet forming abstract shapes.

I jumped him from behind as he bent over her while she lay on the floor. I held onto his neck like I was riding bronco kicking him frantically.

“Stop please your hurting mom,” I screamed.

He griped my shoulders and squeezed with such force that I released my hold.

“Stop it that hurts, mom help me” I screeched.

I felt him pulling me off as the pain shot through my shoulders and he thrusted me in midair before I hit the hard surface of a wood paneled wall. I felt stabbing pains shooting from my toes to my head.

The day before he bought a hunting knife and placed it on the living room bookshelf. I wasn’t quite sure why he made such a purchase since he didn’t hunt. Did he have an ulterior motive? Marvin grabbed the knife and tightly held it in his sweaty palms. He was a crazed man with an evil mind and intentions.

“You fucken bitch, I’ll kill you!” he said.

The light hit the long sheath of filigreed metal and for a brief moment, it was blinding. He quickly pulled out the gleaming knife. My heart was pumping out of control as I ran to my mother’s side. Slowly he walked over to my mother and stared at her with ferocity in his eyes.

“You need to be taught a lesson bitch just leave my shit alone!” he said in a chilling voice.

Mom leaned over me, to protect me from the monster. She closed her eyes for a moment as if to pray or ask for strength. He bent over her wielding the blade moving it back and forth like a pendulum.

“You’re making me do this, just give me the money back,” he growled like an animal             ready to pouch on an innocent prey.

“I didn’t take it,” her voice barely audible and trembling with fear.

And then he slid the blade across her neck following her jaw bone. I froze in terror. I watched Marvin cut her lightly enough to strike blood but, not too deep to kill. I observed the blood as it trickled down her chest staining her yellow flowered blouse she had bought the week before on sale.

Mom didn’t know that Domestic Violence Statistics reported, “On average, more than three women are murdered by their intimate partners in this country every day. Could she be the next victim?

Her eyes opened wide as a deep curdling scream echoed off the walls, “You

bastard!” she said with a voice I had never heard before. Was that my mother?

My mother saw red as fire seemed to engulf her being. Suddenly she had the strength of ten men as she rose from degradation to victory. She fought back hard as fists were flaring, wild punches thrown and then kicking between his legs until Marvin collapsed to the floor. He dropped the knife during the scuffle. Mom grabbed the blade from under the beige sofa as he clutched her wrists. It was a power play and somehow mom struck blood too.

“Get the hell out of here, you psycho!” she said in a deep, serious tone.

The knife slit his skin deeply under his right eye and blood squirted out quickly like someone turned on a faucet full blast.

“You bitch, you are going to pay for that,” he moaned.

Blood was everywhere. Eventually, the nightmare stopped. Within minutes he left the trailer bleeding from his wounds, but felt compelled to leave his message behind.

In his own blood he wrote the words, “Whore lives here” on the front door for the world to see. It took us weeks to remove the blood stain from the white metal door.

In 1973, every night it was a different trailer door that I knocked on and pleaded for assistance. The police were called every time, our saviors in the darkened night. Two officers in blue uniforms would arrive and always proceeded to escort Marvin off the premises to a holding cell followed by being released the next morning.

“Sorry ma’am this is a domestic violence call which is not a crime,” an officer once told us.

That scenario went on for three years between Pennsylvania and New York. The nightmare was over in 1976 when mom’s girlfriend threw Marvin down a flight of stairs ending his tyranny. We never saw him again. There still isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t glance over my shoulder in a momentary lapse of fear. That was just one of many epics in my life that turned me from an innocent child into an adult, maybe before I was ready?

Domestic violence was seen much differently back in the day. Mom passed over in 2007. She finally knew that she was not alone and that other women also felt the wrath of the drinkers, hitters and verbal abusers that entered their lives. She was one of the few lucky ones to live and tell about her experiences. How many women through the years were not so lucky?

Works Cited

Corry, Charles E. How Common Is Domestic Violence? 2011. 23 Oct. 2011 <http://www.dvmen.org/dv-30.htm#pgfId-1000404>

Domestic Violence Statistics. 2011. 15 Oct. 2011 <http://domesticviolencestatistics.org/domestic-violence-statistics/>

Domestic Violence Resource Center . 2011. 30 Oct. 2011 <http://www.dvrc-or.org/domestic/violence/resources/C61/>

Edleson, Jeffrey L. Herstory of Domestic Violence: A Timeline of the Battered Women’s Movement. 1999. 23 Oct. 2011 <http://www.mincava.umn.edu/documents/herstory/herstory.html>

Fratini, Mary Elizabeth. A History of Domestic Violence – and Those Fighting it on the Front   Lines. 2009. 15 Oct. 2011          <https://www.vermontwoman.com/articles/1007/domestic.shtml>

Long-Term Effects of Domestic Violence. 2011. 23 Oct. 2011 http://www.clarkprosecutor.org/html/domviol/effects.htm

Power & control domestic violence. 2009. 15 Oct. 2011 <http://www.familycrisiscenters.org/site/types_domestic.html>

Praw, Amy. Peace Over Violence 38th Annual Humanitarian Awards. 2009. 17 Nov. 2011 <http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/11/prweb3215584.htm>

Some of the biggest victims of domestic violence are the smallest. 2006. 1 Nov. 2011 <http://www.unicef.org/protection/files/BehindClosedDoors.pdf>

Washington, Rob.  Erin Pizzey, Domestic Violence Pioneer. 2011. 15 Oct. 2011 <http://ezinearticles.com/?Erin-Pizzey,-Domestic-Violence-Pioneer&id=2046867>

I am job hunting and will be blogging about myself through LinkedIn and promote my skills while discussing the areas of my expertise.

I have spent many years in accounting and pride myself on my accomplishments.

One of my shining star moments in the field of business begins with a story about a credit of $21,000.00 given to a company that I worked for from AT&T. It was a credit that I personally worked hard for to make it happen. I was an Assistant Controller of Lumar Lobster and Shrimp (no longer in business) and while reviewing company phone and cell phone bills noticed discrepancies in the billing and charges per phone. They had been overcharged based on the agreement signed two years prior to my coming on board. It took three months of phone calls, faxes and e-mails before the situation was resolved in Lumar’s favor.

A second accomplishment happened when I worked for Sarasota Memorial Hospital in the accounting department. I handled the miscellaneous receivables such as the billing and posting of payments from the local fire department. Due to red tape and bureaucracy they owed the hospital over $18,000. 00. Many people had tried and failed to receive any payments for the accumulation of old invoices. I began to work on the account after being hired making calls daily and faxing my contact. Three weeks later I received a check from the fire department. Paid in full.

As you can tell my accounting positions ended two years ago after viewing my resume. I was laid off from my last position, wrote a book (autobiographical anthology) and a screenplay (thriller genre) while going to Empire State College for a second bachelor’s degree in Cultural Studies with a concentration in Writing. The first is in Business, Management and Economics. Graduation will be in 2013. My options are open as I enter a creative field.