Stephanie D. Burtis
I am a professional freelance writer and am currently studying criminal justice. My professional and educational background, as well as a talent for the written word, have blessed me with a versatile writing style and ability. I enjoy writing on many topics, especially those which I am passionate about. I am the owner of 2 small businesses, am married and live in Springfield, MO. I am also a strong advocate for prison reform and an overhaul of the U.S. justice system.
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- Page Views
- 6,202
- Content
- 65
- Fans
- 3
- Contributor since
- 1/12/2011
Education/Experience
I went to college. I have degrees. A degree does not equate to the talent for writing. Either you have it or you don t.However, I am currently working toward my J.D. to begin practicing as a lawyer.Interests
poetry, paranormal, creative writing, Business, writing, finance, non-profits, animals, relationships, mental illness, diabetes, health, justice, education, business, criminology, psychology, opinion/editorial pieces with a strong emphasis on blunt honestMotto
My Bible is the U.S. Constitution.Favorites
Fans
1
Displaying Results 1 - 65 (of 65) for All Content
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Facing Infertility, Getting to Know MyselfWanting a child and not being able to have one seemed devastating. Exploring my options after an infertility diagnosis and subsequently losing a child forced me to think critically about motherhood and helped me to learn more about myself.
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How Pickles Saved My LifeA stray cat came into my life long enough for both of us to serve an important purpose in each other's lives. Once our roles were fulfilled, she took off. However, I am forever grateful to have lived with and loved this cat for even a short while.
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Should Grades Matter when You Are Only Borrowing the Money?Should students have to maintain a minimum GPA to receive student loans? Or should there be no stipulations attached to educational funding? This writer and college student tells you why your GPA and student loans go hand in hand. -
Judge Blocks New Warnings on Cigarette LabelsA federal judge blocked a new law requiring graphic warnings on cigarette labels. The Obama Administration is appealing the decision in the name of public safety and healthcare. Smoker's don't care. The warnings are in bad taste and a waste. -
Ohio County Sends 8-year-old to Foster Care; Mother Blamed for ObesityCuyahoga County recently removed an 8-year-old boy from his parents' custody. Their reasoning? He's obese. Obesity is an epidemic, not abuse. The State of Ohio is not doing this child any justice by exploiting his condition.
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Another Life Lost to the Fentanyl Pain PatchManufacturing defects have made the Fentanyl pain patch a deadly drug. Yet the FDA allows it to remain on the market. An unfathomable number of people have died from Fentanyl patch overdoses. When will the FDA begin protecting consumers?
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YouAnother piece of poetry by Stephanie Burtis
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The Philosophy of Responsibility and PunishmentWho should be held responsible when a crime is committed? The perpetrator alone? Others involved? There are varying levels of responsibility and mitigating factors which must be taken into consideration for justice to truly be served. -
The Case of the 21-Butt SaluteNo one expects comic relief at a funeral. For my family, however, one elderly practical joker brought about unexpected laughs that would have pleased my deceased uncle.
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The Ron Paul Plan to Restore AmericaPolitical opinions and petty loyalty to one party or another often overshadows that which is best for this country. With the coming of the 2012 presidential campaign, it is time for American voters to open their eyes & ears to the candidate with a plan. -
Twisted FateThe love of my life died unexpectedly in September 2011. He was only 30 years old. This is a poem I wrote as I work through the long and difficult process of grief.
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Stephanie's Incredible Homemade Spaghetti DinnerMy family and I despise canned and jarred spaghetti sauces so much that we quit eating spaghetti altogether. Then, I created this homemade recipe, and spaghetti is a meal not to be missed in our home.
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Finding MotherI considered myself a motherless child. Yet, there was one person in my life who would prove to me that I did, in fact, have a mother all along. -
Tragic Times, Lessons LearnedWhen several close friends were killed in car accidents over the course of one 18-month period, I began to question God, my faith, and the reasons why things happen. The answers I found helped me to move forward and to heal.
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Staph Infection BluesI suffered from staph infection off and on from 2004 until Jan. 2011. My problem could have been resolved, had I known 7 years ago what I know now. -
Billy the Kid: Outlaw or Out for Justice?Billy the Kid was denied a pardon during his life and has been denied again. Was he really the scum history would like us to believe him to be, or was Billy a victim of the times, seeking justice the only way he knew how? -
The Black River House Mysteries: Evil Forces or Criminal Cover-Ups?A family is found brutally murdered in their home. Many mysteries remain. 4 years alter, an up and coming band, intrigued by the mystery, enters the house to record for a few months and is never seen again. -
Amityville: Real Life Horror or Elaborate Hoax?Was Ronald DeFeo insane? Was he a cold-blooded killer? Or was paranormal activity really to blame for the murders of the DeFeo Family in 1974? -
Ten Tips for a Successful MarriageMarriage does not have to become some dreaded part of your existence. If you make your marriage a priority, you can make your marriage a success. -
Is Divorce Really the Solution to Your Marital Woes?When a marriage is in trouble, should you give up and go straight to divorce court, or is there a chance that your marriage can be saved?
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Domestic Violence Vs. Mental IllnessWhen violence occurs in a relationship, society is quick to jump to conclusions. Is it really domestic violence though? Could mental illness be causing the problems some couples face?
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The Truth About Extra-Marital AffairsWhen their marriage is in trouble, far too many people turn to the arms of another rather than address the real issues in their marriage. Most affairs are not about love, however. They are, in fact, a desperate cry for help.
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Amy Winehouse, Dead at 27Amy Winehouse died tragically, and though her music is her legacy, she is more likely to be remembered for her addictions.
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From Housewife to Career Woman and College StudentI went from hard working woman to a housewife very quickly, due to medical problems. I adjusted and loved my life. Then, the tables turned... I had to go back to work and my life changed forever. Is it worth it? -
Open Relationships: Survey Says.Do open relationships work? Maybe for some, but research studies do not prove anything when it comes to the personal choices you make. Read about one couple's experience and the lessons they learned. -
Customers Scream Foul Over Netflix Price HikeCustomers are upset by the new Netflix prices. Still, at $16.00 per month, it is the best video deal out there, and customers are saving tons of moolah compared to cable.
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Candlelight Vigil Held for Springfield's 3 Missing WomenFriends, family and others gather to celebrate life and to keep hope alive in the case of the Springfield 3.
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All Springfield Quik Trip Stores to Become Casey's General StoresCasey's will soon take over all QT stores in Springfield, MO. Will Casey's succeed in the long run?
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Springfield's 3 Missing WomenJune 7th marks the 19th anniversary of the disappearance of Sherrill Levitt, Suzie Streeter and Stacy McCall. Friends, family and the city of Springfield are still waiting for answers after all these years.
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Companies, Customers and ResponsibilitiesA loyal Mediacom customer, I have my share of complaints. Still, I always pay my bill. However, Mediacom's billing practices have caused many headaches lately, and I have grown tired of their unwillingness to admit to their own faults.
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Riding Out the StormIn light of the Joplin, MO tornado on 5/22/11, I decided to publish an editorial that I wrote for the local newspaper in 2008.This details my personal encounter with a tornado and concerns I had in the aftermath.
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Dreaming of a MotherAs a child, I had recurring dreams of a woman I could not identify. I thought it had something to do with my birthmother, but I wasn't exactly sure. As an adult, I would realize exactly what these dreams meant.
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The Ghost in Apartment 303I once lived in a run-down apartment building that had seen its fair share of history. Rumored to be haunted, I learned the truth when I found myself sharing my apartment with a roommate from the spirit world.
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Message from a Long Lost PetDesperate and broke, my family and I left a small town with no job prospects to return to the city. We left behind much, including our precious pets. Years later, one of those pets would reach out to tell us she was fine.
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The VisionThe day we buried a close childhood friend, my own family was nearly involved in a car accident which took the lives of three people. If it weren't for a psychic vision, just moments before the crash, the fate of my own family could have been very tragic.
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My Father's SacrificeAn adopted child, I was a real Daddy's girl. Somewhat spoiled and privileged, it took growing up to realize how much my father sacrificed to ensure my life was good.
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Springfield's 3 Missing WomenSherrill Levitt, Suzi Streeter and Stacy Mccall have been missing since 1992. Someone has the answers. It's time to give these women, their families and friends and the city of Springfield some long awaited justice.
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Graveyard Shift in the Med RoomI worked as a CMA and nursing assistant for several years. The job was never dull. In fact, some nights were hilarious. I wrote this funny poem one night while thinking about that job.
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Ode to Billy BrownI was in a brief relationship with a younger man who was very lost and emotionally unstable. These are the poems I wrote about him during this brief period.
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2 Untitled Love Poems2 untitled love poems. Enjoy.
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My Secret LoveA Love Poem
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For Better or WorseI wrote this poem for my husband's 25th birthday in June 2007. Feel free to use or give to your special someone, All I ask is that you don't claim it as your own.
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In My ShoesA poem speaking out against those who would judge a person without having lived their life or walked a mile in their shoes.
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No Greater FriendWritten in 2007, this poem is an expression of the faith which has helped me through some of the most trying times in my life.
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Tornado ParadoxA poem written during a freak outbreak of storms during Jan, 2008. The same night this amateur storm chaser had a close call with and F1 tornado while lioving in a mobile home.
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Exotic Storm DancerI wrote this poem during a freak outbreak of storms in Jan. 2008.
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The Journey Vol.3A random collection of poetry written as I lived and learned through my journey into maturity and adulthood.
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The Journey Vol.2A random collection of poetry written as I lived and learned through my journey into maturity and adulthood.
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The Journey Vol.1A random collection of poetry written as I lived and learned through my journey into maturity and adulthood.
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A Young Girl's Heart Vol. 2A collection of poetry from my awkward and emotional teenage years. 1996-1998 (ages 15-17).
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A Young Girl's Heart Vol. 1A collection of poetry written during my awkward and emotional teenage years. 1994 - 95 (ages 13-14).
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The Landlord/Tenant Pet DebatePets are therapeutic. Every person, no matter where thy live should have the right to own a pet or two. Yet landlords think they have the right to say no and the law supports them.
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Lessons from Japan's Nuclear CrisisMost everyone knows the dangers associated with nuclear weapons and nuclear energy, especially the effects caused by radiation and nuclear waste. Why then, does nuclear anything still exist?
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The Stigma of SchizophreniaMental Illness, especially schizophrenia, has long been stigmatized by the general public. While certain organizations fight to put an end to this stigma, television only continues to perpetuate it.
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The Flower GirlA child's innocence leads the way to a brighter Mother's Day.
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Ballad of an Innocent ManThis is a poem that sums up the anguish felt by an innocent man who has been sitting in prison since 1996. Dedicated to Roger Yoksh and others who have been wrongfully convicted.
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A Brighter Shade of GreenAttempts to live green have fallen short, however, health problems now have me insisting on it.
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Tale of a Teenage Diabetes DiagnosisDiabetes is scary for anyone, but for a teenager, it can feel like the world is crashing down on you. Here is one teen's tale of diagnosis and learning to live with Diabetes.
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Authentic Dining: Nonna's Italian American CafeAuthentic Italian cuisine, the perfect atmosphere, friendly staff and affordable prices make for a great dining experience in Downtown Springfield.
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Has the World Forgotten David Graham?David Graham, Texas Cadet and current Texas inmate, killed Adrianne Jones with Diane Zamora in 1995. Zamora has received much media attention over the years. Graham, on the other hand, has not. Has the world forgotten this man?
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Resources Limited for Springfield's HomelessHomelessness is a serious problem. In Springfield, resources for prevention and assistance are limited at best.
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The Hidden Danger of Broad-Spectrum AntibioticsBroad-spectrum antibiotics, namely, Clindamycin, can cause c-diff, a serious illness. The info is out there, but doctors won't tell you until you already have the illness.
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NASCAR legend: A fan tribute to Dale Earnhardt, SrDo you remember the 2001 Daytona 500? Reflections on the race that took the life of a legend: Dale Earnhardt, Sr.
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Healthcare Nightmare - When Hospitals FailMy personal experience of biased medical treatment based on social status.
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Social Status Takes a Backseat to HealthcareI have had my fair share of terrible hospital experiences. Poor and receiving Medicaid, I was always given minimal treatment without a smile... until recently.
