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Jack Celli has read tons of books throughout her years so it was great to have a little reading convo. Jack is currently reading an Insane crazy and sometimes duschy book. When asked the title of her own book based on her life he she said it would be called “Oops I over scheduled” due to her continuous episodes of over booking. When it comes to living with characters she chose the Charming witty and clever idot William Harington from The Infernal Devices. Her favorite thing about reading is that it takes her to so many different places where she gets to meet tons of new people.

Madison Militello, the main character in the book “No Direction,” has no goal in life just yet. She has been quoted to say “I don’t know what I’m doing” in response to why she is starring in this book. She has also said that she enjoys reading books that she’s in to. This includes Corduroy, one of her favorite books from her childhood. The soft pages in the book always bring back the feels for her. Her favorite type of book is in the Realistic Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction category, books like Divergent. While she’s reading, she doesn’t like eating, as it distracts her from focusing on her book. The one character that always stays with her through her life is Ponyboy from the Outsiders, you know, cuz he’s the coolest.

Scott is reading and amazing book called The Book Theif. This is not a book from his childhood however, Scott use to like a book known as Camp Jackson because it is like a detective story and he really enjoyed learning how a detective works. A book Scott would like to throw out a window would be Macbeth because of the way he had spoke. Scott also said that his reading weak spot is that he will stop reading a book if it is to long or just plain boring.

Sam have been reading books since the age of 2, and she loves the book “A bad case of stripes” as a child, but loves “A wrinkle in time” because its her favorite book of all time, and will reread it multiple times. She’d love to be friends with the book she’s reading right now if it was a person, since the protagonist is a high schooler, and the protagonist is pretty cool to hang out with.

Her favorite reading postion, is laying on her side, with candles lit, the lights are dim, and nice slow music playing(exaggerated), while reading a nice book. She hates “Anne Frank” and would burn it, because it wasn’t interesting since it was just about her love story, but praise “Macbeth” because of how interesting the book is the more you read it. Sam so nice, that she’d be BFF’s with Kevin from “We need to talk about Kevin”, when she had the choice of choosing 1 character from any book, but chose Kevin because she felt bad on how Kevin didn’t have friends.

Olivia is reading a book called “Confessions of a hater” by Caprice Crane. Olivia said that if she was the director of her book made into a movie that she would make it into a drama even though it is a comedy because Olivia wants to see it have more drama in it. Olivia also said that some reading challenges she has are comprehension and focus. Olivia said that she often gets distracted from whatever she happens to be reading. If Olivia was on a dessert island and had to choose one book to bring she said that she would would bring the outsiders because that was the first book that she read and liked.

Olivia said that if there was a book inspired by her life that it would be called Liv’s Lemons because sometimes life can be sour. If Olivia was sranded on an island and could be stuck with one charictor from her book she would want to be stuck with “Andy” because he is smart, kind and an understanding person. Olivia enjoys comedy and satire books because she feels that she can relate to them more. Olivia wants to throw the book thief out a window because she thought it was sad and boring and unrelatable. Olivia wants to be the kind of reader that can read for fun not just for school and wants to try and find the deeper meaning in books.

Malachi loves to read fictions book, and if given the chance he would throw non-fiction books out the window. He finds them boring. Malachi likes to read in class no matter how loud or quiet it is. He just can’t be in a too comfortable position or he would fall asleep. Malachi doesn’t like to eat while he is reading since it distracts him on his books and make him focus more on eating. His favorite position while reading is laying on one side because it makes him feel like he’s reading on his own time instead of a assignment. But Malachi can’t be in the same position for too long and have to moves to get his focus game on. If Malachi book was a magical weapon, it would be a wristband that makes him fly and glow because he likes it simple.

 Reading isn't Noah Marand's favorite thing to do, and he definitely tries to avoid anything tome-like in size.  He says that after awhile, big books just seem boring to him. He prefers a quick read, and often chooses to read things for lower age groups. Its just more fun to read for him, and has given him some reading he can be proud of. Noah reads for an exciting or fun story, not for a bunch of complaining or boredom. That's why if he had to throw any book out of a window, it would be Diary Of A Wimpy Kid. Noah doesn't find it fun, exciting, or in anyway engaging, instead he just sees a bunch of boring complaining. Noah wants his books to move with energy, which is why one of the genres Noah actively reads for fun is comic books. Noah is looking for a fun read, and doesn't have time to read, what to him at least, are huge boring books, especially those filled with characters who can't seem to get a move on already.

1. What is the book from your childhood that you still love? 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, because it is also a song and she likes to sing it in her head.
2. What’s your reading weak spot? If it doesn’t catch her attention immediately, she can’t continue with the book and stops reading it all together.
3. What book would you toss out the window? Modelland by Tyra Banks, because it was confusing, weird, and she never knew what was happening.
4. If your life was a book title, what book title would it be? She would be “It’s kind of a funny story” because the title fits her.
5. What book world would you live in and why? Naruto because she wants to be a ninja.

Siani enjoys reading in her bed, snuggled up with pillows. However, don’t let her friends around her or she’ll get distracted very easily. Siani’s life as a book would be Taking It By Storm. She’s a fierce and determined person who takes anything thrown at her, and if she had to throw a book out the window it would be We Need To Talk About Kevin (ba dum tsk). Siani does not like to read slow and boring books. Siani would live with George from the Lathe of Heaven because his dreams affect reality. She would have him dream up a million dollars and become rich. That’s pretty smart.

Her favorite book from her childhood is a story about a mouse named Chrysanthemum who was bullied for her name and later learns to appreciate it’s meaning. Her favorite genre is historical fiction because it takes interesting facts and relays them on a personal level. If she could live with any character from a book she would live with the twin sister protagonists from a book called Slice of Cherry because they’re great at self defense.

James Thomas is an avid reader of comic books, sci-fi, and super heroes. From a young age, he looked up to Static Shock, the first black super hero of that time. Static Shock was the first thing that came to mind when asked about his favorite childhood book. His favorite book is Marvel Civil Wars because it shows that friends can fight to the death. He likes to read about time travel, biographies, Louis Armstrong, and comic books. His favorite place to read is on the bus, where he is most bored. He often listens to instrumental music while reading. A good ending to Thomas is an ending that doesn’t leave you hanging. He doesn’t like if there is no resolution in the book or a sequel to continue it.

James made it known that his least favorite book is Lord of the Flies just because it is boring. He likes to read for an hour day, not much more. James is currently reading Counting by 7’s by Holly Goldberg Sloan. It is about a 12 year old in middle school whose foster parents have both died. This shows the main character going back and telling the story.

When Tarleton was a very young child he loved to read about the adventures of Thomas the Train and friends. As he grew older, Tarleton started to move towards action books because it seemed to be most interesting. In his past he liked to read all types of books, but every year Tarleton would start to be very picky. He would only read the books that seemed excited or adventurous. His least favorite genre is poetry because to him poetry is more thoughtful than what he usually read. Tarleton has never had a book that changed his life because he never took books serious enough to affect his life style. If Tarleton had one character to live with, he would choose wally because there would always be an adventure around the corner.

Alex Chuon is currently reading “It’s Kind of a Funny Story”. He enjoys the the book but I had some follow up questions about his reading in general. When asked what kind of reader he would like to be he said “not at all” and that life is holding him back from doing so. His reading reading weak spot is losing interest in the book and not having motivation to read it anymore. Even though he doesn’t like to read, his reading happy place is anywhere that has music. If he could be any book, he would be a comedy. Who doesn’t like jokes? His favorite reading position is anything that keeps him comfortable because comfort is key. If was stuck on desert island his handy dandy book would be “The Martian”. This is because it teaches you to survive with nothing but potatoes and poop.

Aniya’s childhood book that she loves is the Junie B. Jones series. She thinks they’re really funny and she can relate a lot of the books to her personal life. Her least favorite book is the Harry Potter series and is definitely not a fan. She personally thinks it’s too long and it gets less interesting when she reads it. If Aniya can meet anyone in a book it would be Vanessa from Kidnapping By The Enemy. She says that they are completely the same. They’re both goofy at times but can also be serious. She says they can get along very well.

This is le Reader Profile of Gil Rosen. Gil’s current book is “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.” If this book was a human, he said that his book would be a Native American because the main character is a Native American. A book that Gil was proud of finishing is “The Book Thief” because he didn’t believe that he could finish it because it was so long. If he could toss a book out of the window, it would be a book e read in African American History called “The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano” because contrary to the title it was not interesting. So he said that if a book was written about his life, the title would just be “Why, Just Why?” And finally if he had to live with any character, he would choose the Cat in the Hat because he has Thing #1 and Thing #2 and they can help him clean his room.

It turns out Emma is not a fan of reading but she was still able to answer my questions while strongly getting her personality through. The first question I asked her was “What kind of reader would you like to be?” and she said she would like to be a person who enjoys a book SO much that she can not put it down. Another question I asked her was “What book would you toss out of a window?” and she responded very forcefully “WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN!” and then went on talking about how awful the book was and how she simply could not finish the book. I then asked her “What is one book you were extremely disgusted by?” and she said “The Native Son because the racism was drawlin’ and just really bad, and there were heads getting cut off and bashed inward so it was gross”. I then asked her “If you had to live with a person from a book, who would it be?” and she said “I would want to live with Harry Potter because he knows magic and can protect me.” Lastly, I asked her “What’s the most damage she has ever done to a book and she said simply to tare the cover off.

Question 1 How important is a book to you? I would say that books are very important in my life and I’d say it was all the books I read are very important to me which book is the most important to you I think for me that would be the shock Doctrine in the disaster capitalism which I read last year around November and really changed how I saw the world.

Question 2 Would you consider yourself fast reader or slow reader and how good are you at Reading? I would say that I’m a fairly fast reader although I have recently met several people who just completely Eclipse me in Reading PA I would say I’m a good reader and of that I can comprehend what I’m reading very well although as I just said that I cannot read nearly as quickly as I thought I did.

Question 3 Do you have any stories you could write as book? The answer is yes there are stories from my life that I could put into a book although I’m not sure how exciting not necessarily be thinking more exciting than they actually are and I personally do have ideas for what I could write into a book although I’m not I’m pretty lazy so I haven’t gotten started on anything yet probably never will.

Hannah’s favorite book from her childhood is A Series of Unfortunate Events. She read all the books when she was really young and enjoyed them a lot. Hannah cannot read when there is a lot of noise where she is. Her reading happy place is a comfortable couch or sitting place. A book that influenced the way she thinks is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. The book is about a girl who was in a really tough situation but had a lot of perseverance and maintained a positive outlook. The genre she finds herself reading a lot if fiction because that is her preference.

For a book to have a bad ending Justin said that it has to say “to be continued” because it makes him want to know more and that’s frustrating especially when there isn’t a series for the book. Justin tries to avoid books like that as much as possible. Justin says that he does not have a favorite book because every book is unique in its own way so every book is interesting to read. Justine would love to live with The Lorax because it seems like in the book he lived a pretty chill and lavish life.

Ms. Pahomov hates it when strangers ask her “what book are you teaching in your English class right now?” Usually it means they want to just talk about what they liked to read (or not) in high school. When she was in high school, people told her she was a “fast reader,” and that was a bad thing for her, because she often read too quickly and missed the details. There are a lot of books she likes better now that she slowed down when reading, like “The Great Gatsby,” which she has probably read ten times at this point, each year when she teaches it. She is proud of the fact that she has the stamina for long books, but is more likely to carry around something that is 200 pages or less in her backpack.

One of the great sadnesses of her school year is that she uses so much of her brain to read and respond to student work that she has limited capacity to read on her own. She also recently discovered that she is old enough to have read books and COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN what they are about. Take, for example, the novel “Cat’s Cradle” by Kurt Vonnegut. She is certain she read it as a teen, but a student asked her about the plot recently and she couldn’t remember a thing. She is a little bit worried that this represents the rest of her life: forgetting things and having to go back to them.

One of her great joys of the school year is when she gets to read alongside her students in class. Her plan is to re-read “Cat’s Cradle” as soon as she finishes “Bone” by Fae Myenne Ng. The hardest time for her to read is on a plane or train. She always tells herself that she will, but she’d much rather listen to music and look out the window. She is a little bit ashamed of the fact that she never reads in German anymore, although she can. Never enough time!

Ms. Pahomov hates it when strangers ask her “what book are you teaching in your English class right now?” Usually it means they want to just talk about what they liked to read (or not) in high school. When she was in high school, people told her she was a “fast reader,” and that was a bad thing for her, because she often read too quickly and missed the details. There are a lot of books she likes better now that she slowed down when reading, like “The Great Gatsby,” which she has probably read ten times at this point, each year when she teaches it. She is proud of the fact that she has the stamina for long books, but is more likely to carry around something that is 200 pages or less in her backpack.

One of the great sadnesses of her school year is that she uses so much of her brain to read and respond to student work that she has limited capacity to read on her own. She also recently discovered that she is old enough to have read books and COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN what they are about. Take, for example, the novel “Cat’s Cradle” by Kurt Vonnegut. She is certain she read it as a teen, but a student asked her about the plot recently and she couldn’t remember a thing. She is a little bit worried that this represents the rest of her life: forgetting things and having to go back to them.

One of her great joys of the school year is when she gets to read alongside her students in class. Her plan is to re-read “Cat’s Cradle” as soon as she finishes “Bone” by Fae Myenne Ng. The hardest time for her to read is on a plane or train. She always tells herself that she will, but she’d much rather listen to music and look out the window. She is a little bit ashamed of the fact that she never reads in German anymore, although she can. Never enough time!

Lights on Lights off Johnny! My mother angrily said. This was not the first time this has happened. “Why are you still awake?” “You need to rest” “Wake up we are going somewhere”. Those are my memories of my mother. The switching of the lights are the same as my emotions. Lately my mother had enough. THOSE ELECTRICAL CURRENTS MAY KEEP THAT DEVICE ALIVE, BUT IT WILL NOT KEEP YOU ALIVE! mother shouted. My mother never understood me. I was just a kid trying to fit in. Making my personality like what I see. A smooth greased hair back greaser, or a jacket wearing football jock, or a glasses wearing know it all nerd. Trying to fit into a school where I had to choose who I wanted to hang out with. I could not fit with the others. So I would switch through them each an every day. It eventually became second nature to me. Till this day I still switch my personalities. I do not feel comfortable to show the real me, even though I do at times mess up and reveal the real me. A quiet male, not wanting to be near people. I remember the first time when I entered this school education system. I did not know where to place myself. I had the name Jonathan Saldivar, however I did not know if it felt right for me. Throughout my life I would just ignore that name and instead go by Johnny Saldivar. I felt like my name would be a name that will go far. Mostly everyone would ask me why do you not go by Jonathan? Why do you go by Johnny? I would just stay being quiet. Words may not be said out loud, but no one ever said they can not be said in my head. I always have judgments on everyone whether they are a good or bad. I am just another human being. When it comes to my talents/skills I tend to spark and when it comes to a time where I do not find myself confident I tend to hide and stay back. “Johnny you should participate more”. “Johnny you are a great student I just wish you would talk more in class”. I do not talk more because if I am not confident and answer the question wrong then I will like I embarrassed myself. I want to learn but I do not like failing. Whenever I have to speak in public I feel like a turtle or snail going into their shell for protection. Social anxiety puts a me in a dark spot where their is no light. “Johnny! Are you alright?” Yeah I am even though I stay looking down at the floors tile. The dirty that is on the floor reminds me of how I can not find a way to break out of this cage I am in. It creates an image within my head thinking what I could be doing instead. I do not like talking to people, I feel a heavy weight pulling me down so I can not speak. I open my mouth but the words will not come out. “Johnny!” Yes I responded. “Why are you not talking.” I just lost myself in my thoughts sorry.

The science behind prenatal diagnosis

Prenatal diagnosis is the screening or testing for genetic diseases or other conditions before a child is born. Although there are many different techniques and tests, I will focus on a few:

• Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD): During an IVF cycle, cells from the developing embryo can be genetically analyzed for chromosomal abnormalities - usually trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), trisomy 13 and trisomy 18. The parents can then determine which embryos, if any, to transfer into the uterus. It is also possible to determine the sex of the embryo.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to “look” at a fetus as it develops in the uterus. Since sound waves reflect off of tissues differently depending on the density of the tissue, the sonographer can create images of the fetus’ external and internal anatomy. Ultrasound can be used to measure an embryo or fetus in order to predict the due date, detect twins, diagnose heart and other growth defects, measure heart rate, look for signs associated with Down Syndrome, and determine the sex of the fetus.
• Chorionic villus sampling: The chorionic villi are a part of the placenta that arises directly from the embryo (as opposed to the mother). They are, therefore, genetically identical to the developing embryo. Chorionic villi can be removed from the placenta and genetically analyzed to detect Down Syndrome and other genetic disorders. CVS has a slight risk (.5-1%) of miscarriage, and can also lead to amniotic fluid leakage and/or infection.
• Amniocentesis: A fetus develops in the amniotic sac, which is full of amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid contains fetal cells that have naturally sloughed off. The doctor, using an ultrasound image as a guide, inserts a needle through the mother’s skin, abdominal wall, uterine wall, and into the amniotic sac, away from the fetus. Amniotic fluid is then collected, and the fetal cells contained in the fluid can be analyzed for genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome. Amniocentesis has similar risks as CVS, although CVS can be done earlier.
• Maternal Blood Testing: A relatively recently developed technique can detect fetal DNA in the mother’s blood stream. Thus, with a simple blood draw, the fetus’ sex can be determined, and it can be screened for a variety of genetic disorders.

Societal Impacts

While the above techniques may sound like wonderful advances in medicine, they also have their downsides. First, there’s a difference between screening and testing. A prenatal genetic screen - like maternal blood testing - only gives the level of risk of a condition, but it can not with 100% certainty diagnose a condition. Prenatal genetic tests - like amniocentesis and CVS - are more diagnostic, but also have higher risks for the pregnancy. And if a non-invasive screen detects a high risk for Down Syndrome, for example, the parents are then faced with the decision of whether or not to do a more invasive, high risk test in order to more accurately determine whether Down Syndrome is present. If the results of a CVS or amniocentesis indicate a genetic disorder, then the couple could be faced with the decision to terminate the pregnancy. At the very least, these weeks of testing and waiting for results can be draining and extremely stressful. Pregnancy can already be a stressful time, and these prenatal screens and test can add to that anxiety.

On the other hand, some parents feel that they’d like to know the risks, regardless of the outcome of a test. If a screening test comes back positive for a genetic disorder, then the parents at least won’t be surprised at the birth. They’ll have time to prepare, educate themselves, and possibly arrange for special care that might be needed for their newborn.

Some people opt out of the screens and tests altogether. They might argue that what’s meant to be is meant to be, and they’d rather spare themselves the stress and anxiety surrounding these tests and their results.

And finally, with PGD it is possible to choose the sex of your child. This is illegal in some countries, including Canada - but not the US. Given that IVF and PGD could cost $15000-$20000, the opportunity to screen embryos for genetic conditions and possibly select the sex would not be affordable for everyone. Is this fair? Should people be allowed to choose the sex of their children?

Personal opinions

As someone who loves science, I’m fascinated by these medical advances, and support further research into tests and screens like these. It’s exciting when new, improved tests come out that can help people get answers to their pregnancy concerns, and hopefully allay some of their fears. However, it’s easy for me to support these tests in a general, abstract way. It becomes more complicated when we’re talking about real pregnancies in my personal life. I’ve gone through some of these discussions and decisions, and sometimes there is no easy answer. I can see why people would be in the “no testing” camp - the screenings and testing definitely can raise anxiety and stress levels during pregnancy, which can already be pretty stressful. Still, I’m glad the tests are available, and I think they should continue to be offered to pregnant women. Key to this though, is that they need to be able to make informed decisions. Through discussions with their doctor and a knowledgeable genetic counselor, the parents-to-be can weigh the pros and cons for themselves, and then decide how they want to handle the conundrum of prenatal genetic diagnosis.

References: Nierneberg, C. (2014). Prenatal Genetic Screening Tests: Benefits & Risks. Retrieved February 24, 2016, from http://www.livescience.com/45949-prenatal-genetic-testing.html

Sidhu, J. (n.d.). Women Are Paying Huge Sums To Have a Daughter Rather Than a Son. Retrieved February 24, 2016, from http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2012/09/sex_selection_in_babies_through_pgd_americans_are_paying_to_have_daughters_rather_than_sons_.html

I wish I hadn’t known: The ups and downs of prenatal testing. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2016, from http://www.pregnancyandbaby.com/pregnancy/articles/944203/i-wish-i-hadnt-known-the-ups-and-downs-of-prenatal-testing

The science behind prenatal diagnosis

Prenatal diagnosis is the screening or testing for genetic diseases or other conditions before a child is born. Although there are many different techniques and tests, I will focus on a few:

• Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD): During an IVF cycle, cells from the developing embryo can be genetically analyzed for chromosomal abnormalities - usually trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), trisomy 13 and trisomy 18. The parents can then determine which embryos, if any, to transfer into the uterus. It is also possible to determine the sex of the embryo.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to “look” at a fetus as it develops in the uterus. Since sound waves reflect off of tissues differently depending on the density of the tissue, the sonographer can create images of the fetus’ external and internal anatomy. Ultrasound can be used to measure an embryo or fetus in order to predict the due date, detect twins, diagnose heart and other growth defects, measure heart rate, look for signs associated with Down Syndrome, and determine the sex of the fetus.
• Chorionic villus sampling: The chorionic villi are a part of the placenta that arises directly from the embryo (as opposed to the mother). They are, therefore, genetically identical to the developing embryo. Chorionic villi can be removed from the placenta and genetically analyzed to detect Down Syndrome and other genetic disorders. CVS has a slight risk (.5-1%) of miscarriage, and can also lead to amniotic fluid leakage and/or infection.
• Amniocentesis: A fetus develops in the amniotic sac, which is full of amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid contains fetal cells that have naturally sloughed off. The doctor, using an ultrasound image as a guide, inserts a needle through the mother’s skin, abdominal wall, uterine wall, and into the amniotic sac, away from the fetus. Amniotic fluid is then collected, and the fetal cells contained in the fluid can be analyzed for genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome. Amniocentesis has similar risks as CVS, although CVS can be done earlier.
• Maternal Blood Testing: A relatively recently developed technique can detect fetal DNA in the mother’s blood stream. Thus, with a simple blood draw, the fetus’ sex can be determined, and it can be screened for a variety of genetic disorders.

Societal Impacts

While the above techniques may sound like wonderful advances in medicine, they also have their downsides. First, there’s a difference between screening and testing. A prenatal genetic screen - like maternal blood testing - only gives the level of risk of a condition, but it can not with 100% certainty diagnose a condition. Prenatal genetic tests - like amniocentesis and CVS - are more diagnostic, but also have higher risks for the pregnancy. And if a non-invasive screen detects a high risk for Down Syndrome, for example, the parents are then faced with the decision of whether or not to do a more invasive, high risk test in order to more accurately determine whether Down Syndrome is present. If the results of a CVS or amniocentesis indicate a genetic disorder, then the couple could be faced with the decision to terminate the pregnancy. At the very least, these weeks of testing and waiting for results can be draining and extremely stressful. Pregnancy can already be a stressful time, and these prenatal screens and test can add to that anxiety.

On the other hand, some parents feel that they’d like to know the risks, regardless of the outcome of a test. If a screening test comes back positive for a genetic disorder, then the parents at least won’t be surprised at the birth. They’ll have time to prepare, educate themselves, and possibly arrange for special care that might be needed for their newborn.

Some people opt out of the screens and tests altogether. They might argue that what’s meant to be is meant to be, and they’d rather spare themselves the stress and anxiety surrounding these tests and their results.

And finally, with PGD it is possible to choose the sex of your child. This is illegal in some countries, including Canada - but not the US. Given that IVF and PGD could cost $15000-$20000, the opportunity to screen embryos for genetic conditions and possibly select the sex would not be affordable for everyone. Is this fair? Should people be allowed to choose the sex of their children?

Personal opinions

As someone who loves science, I’m fascinated by these medical advances, and support further research into tests and screens like these. It’s exciting when new, improved tests come out that can help people get answers to their pregnancy concerns, and hopefully allay some of their fears. However, it’s easy for me to support these tests in a general, abstract way. It becomes more complicated when we’re talking about real pregnancies in my personal life. I’ve gone through some of these discussions and decisions, and sometimes there is no easy answer. I can see why people would be in the “no testing” camp - the screenings and testing definitely can raise anxiety and stress levels during pregnancy, which can already be pretty stressful. Still, I’m glad the tests are available, and I think they should continue to be offered to pregnant women. Key to this though, is that they need to be able to make informed decisions. Through discussions with their doctor and a knowledgeable genetic counselor, the parents-to-be can weigh the pros and cons for themselves, and then decide how they want to handle the conundrum of prenatal genetic diagnosis.

References: Nierneberg, C. (2014). Prenatal Genetic Screening Tests: Benefits & Risks. Retrieved February 24, 2016, from http://www.livescience.com/45949-prenatal-genetic-testing.html

Sidhu, J. (n.d.). Women Are Paying Huge Sums To Have a Daughter Rather Than a Son. Retrieved February 24, 2016, from http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2012/09/sex_selection_in_babies_through_pgd_americans_are_paying_to_have_daughters_rather_than_sons_.html

I wish I hadn’t known: The ups and downs of prenatal testing. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2016, from http://www.pregnancyandbaby.com/pregnancy/articles/944203/i-wish-i-hadnt-known-the-ups-and-downs-of-prenatal-testing

When I was a little kid, I use to watch the Looney Tunes every Sunday morning. I began to grow a connection with the show and the characters. When I was younger I saw the movie Space Jam starring Michael Jordan and that’s when I knew I was hooked on the Looney Tunes and basketball. I remember going into my dad’s room and seeing this picture of an all white background, with nine Looney Tunes characters with their heads down next to a microphone on a stand. As a kid I fell in love with this picture not even knowing the real meaning behind it but just because Bugs Bunny was in it. When I got older, my dad let me put the picture up in my room. Then that’s when I found out the real meaning behind it. On the top left corner of the picture there is a word that says Speechless. And under the microphone stand there is a name that reads Mel Blanc with the dates 1908-1989 following under it. Mel Blanc was the man who voiced all nine of the Looney Tune characters in the picture. The Looney Tune characters were standing next to the microphone honoring the person who voiced them since he passed away in 1989.

Everyday I wake up, I look at the picture before I leave my room. It makes me think about life and the actions I choose. Looking at those humble and symphysis Looney Tune characters everyday reminds me of my dad, my dad remind me of me. Everything I do , I do to create myself into a better human being. Every experience I go through, good or bad I look at it like a blessing. Everyday I look at what those Looney Tune characters have brought to this world and the impact that they had on people and I try to impact people’s lives the same way they did. One of my biggest goals in life is to just improve my way of life, my way of thinking, and my actions. The universe is a wild trippy road and I just wanna come out of it being the best me I can be. Without that picture reminding me everyday to impact this world like the Looney Tune’s did. I wouldn’t be the man I am today.