Life:101. This item is unavailable.Life:101

The topics explored in Life:101 reflect the choices we make in our lives and the consequences of these choices. The book is suitable for a wide range of ages but essentially mirrors the programs the author delivers in schools from grades five through college and beyond. It encourages communication between parents and their children and teaches us that life presents some difficult challenges and moral compromises. Suggestions for navigating these issues are offered. Case studies are presented with the intent to get the readers to clarify their values and apply them to solving moral dilemmas. The book visits substance abuse through the eyes of the user and those who surround him. Technology and the cyber world are examined to include a discussion pertaining to social networking sites. Emphasis on social responsibility is a theme throughout the book as is character development, civility, and driver safety awareness. Bullying is addressed along with other topics such as risky behaviors, lifestage milestones, and role- modeling. A chapter describing ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary goals gives the reader a sense of self-motivation. The author has drawn upon life experience and historic events to complete this work.

Paul D. Failla, born in Queens, New York is a retired twenty-seven year veteran of the Suffolk County Police Department on Long Island. He devised a series of motivational programs during his time as a Suffolk County police recruitment officer for students ranging from fifth grade through college and has become a sought after educational consultant nationwide. Paul travels to relay messages of vital importance to the youth of America. His assemblies focus on character education to include diversity issues, bullying, risky behaviors, and driver safety awareness. Paul’s messages are executed in unconventional, yet inspirational ways. Students have come to embrace his style of teaching. In addition to student programs, Paul offers workshops to parents, educators, administration, and staff throughout schools from New York to California, to include training in Ethical Awareness. He has been a keynote speaker in several educational conventions as well as graduation ceremonies throughout area high schools. Mr. Failla has presented at the New York State Bar Association’s Law, Youth and Citizenship Statewide Conferences, New York State Social Studies and Supervisory Association Conventions, the Long Island Council for the Social Studies, the New York State Association of Police Chiefs Conference, and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Bureau for Municipal Police. These are among the many highlights of his speaking engagements. In addition, Paul is a professional actor and has had roles in film, regional theater and has performed Off- Broadway. He is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and has accumulated numerous awards for his educational repertoire. He has written, produced, and performs a one-man theater piece titled "The Class Of Life". Paul is a recipient of the 2011 Nassau County, New York BOCES “Education Partner Award.”