The importance of protection Of animals in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution This is a topic that I have discussed with my sisters around the dinnertable. As a new generation that is now witnessing the significant improvement in technology, infrastructure and ideologies; one cannot help but to think why humans shouldn't evolve and improve their views of animals. From the beginning of time animals have been used to graze land, for food and to guard our homes. Nearly 40% of Americans own a 'pet dog'. The word 'pet' slyly implies that a 'domestic' animal owned by a human gets enough food, is bathed regularly, has toys—probably sleeps in the house too! This isn't the case considering how southern culture only uses dogs as watchmen. I've come across too many posts of how owners (most of whom were in their late 40s, 50s, and 60s) would not even feed their dog if it didn't bark. This is convulsive. The responsibility that an owner is supposed to have towards his/her pet should be taught through the school system and by parents. It is not like biology has not proven that animals can have emotions and thought processes too. These little and sometimes harmless creatures can sense if their owner is pregnant! This is a phenomenon that most should know by now. How animals operate can become subject matter taught in school. With how humans have vastly improved in economic, social and political spheres; animal advocacy should be a groundbreaking global debate where governments and societies hear our voices and opinions. We should be triggering a reaction —a positive one to be exact. Animals don't judge. No matter the circumstance and environment they are put in by their owners they learn to adapt. They seek to understand their owner: why won't we seek to understand them too? Seeking to understand the natures of animals will not only help us eradicate extinction of these special creatures; but save us too. Mankind is facing the possibility of food shortages; I'm specifically referring to a meat shortage. I personally wouldn't be surprised if it were to be found in the future that meat is being cloned. There is not enough grasses in America to produce crops let alone feed the animals. As animal advocates we cannot depend on the school system or government to inform or teach us. There are many new companies that are producing meat without slaughtering a cow. Animal advocates should buy and support these types of businesses now! We should be putting money right where our mouths are. I strongly believe in this modern age and socially invested and positive climate ;that animal rights and advocacy can have and should have its own place in our political /social/economic discourse. Ignorance towards animal rights can affect all three of these areas of our lives.

The woman behind it all: My mother Patrice has single-handedly raised me. Even in my younger days I'd know and appreciate how she would put food on the table. It would way past bedtime but she would be in the kitchen quickly trying to fix a hot plate for her children. No one has pushed me to pursue a career more than my mother. Every chance she gets she'd talk about planning for the future and creating wealth for not only my children; but for their children too. Early independence from Corporate America and always thinking about having your own business is a personal life lesson she stresses to me. She did not completely demonize Corporate America ;but talked about how creating an income from a skill or talent can add value and meaning to my life and others. Growing up in a 1 bedroom apartment with 2 other siblings was a hassle. Mornings were chaos and hot afternoons wouldn't allow us to study at home peacefully. I would always rush through my work at school to avoid having homework. Before my school walk mates would decide to return home safely after school, I'd do my homework before returning home. This was the story of my middle school years. Every time my mom would ask about the state of my schoolwork and homework I'd brag about how I would complete it at school and how my peers could not even have time to hang out. Sometimes even the things you do or say aren't supported by the ones who love you the most. Eventually she could not take in the excuses I was using for not studying. A jolly good moment of me talking about how I had mastered school turned into an unprepared lecture that my mother replayed for days. My mother would never let me compromise on my education. I could make a mistake or miss my chores and she would remind me of how I had "failed to learn" the importance of education on top of lashing out at me. Now with both of my sisters in college I actually have the whole house to myself. As responsible as I am to my school work and house duties a 13 year old me could not handle all this freedom. Months before my middle sister left for college I had ideas and thoughts carelessly running through my head of how I would occupy these upcoming extra hours. All of a sudden things I had never thought of doing in my mother's house popped like popcorn in my head. Good friends I had never invited over; peers I had never impressed ;suddenly became a task I had never completed. And never will. No matter how many hours a day my mom is far from home she would warn her children of upcoming dangers, avoiding chaos, and respecting her as the head of the household. Women like my mom have such strong and overbearing personality. She will say something once but you'll hear it five times. The words of wisdom she has told me regarding creating your own destiny and life in general all abide close to my heart. My mother is a voice ;not an echo. All I will do in future is to show how much passion and weight her words carry. Her sacrifices won't go in vain.