This honors experience was filled with real-world cases alongside statistics and science that enabled us to asses the cases on a deeper level. My classmates examined the lives of Jeanette Walls, Louise Turpin, and John Wayne Gacy just to name a few. We heard from Professor Emeritus of Biology Mary Fox about both physical and psychological effects of abuse on children and used research to break down the impression that abuse does not pervade upper-class families. I did a project on the opioid epidemic in Kentucky and Ohio and discovered how mothers that used opiates while pregnant or even after in their parental role can be held responsible by law.  This class had a prominent impact on my decision to pursue a Social Work degree instead of a Criminal Justice degree that was in progress upon beginning the class. Through this experience, I was able to see both sides of the story: the abusers and those that were being abused. The children being hurt and neglected at the hands of their parents are clearly innocent victims that deserve to be helped. On the other hand, I learned that many parents who abuse their children were formerly abused themselves and are continuing the cycle that has formed. By no means should their actions come without consequences and justice system interference; however they are also people who should receive treatment and can likely change if given the necessary resources. I have yet to decide if I want to work in children and family services or if I want a career in the criminal justice system as a social worker, but I feel as though I could help both parties involved whichever way I choose.