How did Una's list of rules help her? How did they hurt her? Do you think any are worth carrying over into her new life?

Una has a list of rules to survive life on the streets. How did those rules help her? How did they hurt her? Do you think any of the rules are worth carrying over into her new life?

I think the rules gave her a structure to live by and aided her survival. She had no parent to teach her so she invented her own rules. I think the rules kept her apart from others as she trusted no one and felt she could only rely on herself. By attending the nursing school she found another way of life and found satisfaction in helping others. She was also able to establish new relationships and began to trust her new found friends.

Being alone and poor, Una’s rules helped her survive in the streets. She didn’t trust anyone which saved her many times. I also think the rules and structure she created helped her adjust eventually to the nursing school I believe she learned to rely on those rules and also learned she could trust others

At first I thought the constant reciting of rules before Una’s actions was unnecessary and too repetitive. However, I reconsider when I think, well when in Crisis, I find myself not reciting codes of conduct - but definitely talking myself thru the pros and cons of a complicated decision. So, it kind of grew on me and became an understandable quirk - her successful survival in that life depended on making quick and dirty decisions. Being under the threat of constant danger required this type of premeditation and preparation in terms of decision making.

I think Una’s rules really helped her on the streets. She learned through experience what worked to protect herself, especially from being taken advantage of by other people. Una didn’t have lessons shared from parents or other loving family members, so she observed what was going on around her and adapted to survive the best way she could. Her rules took the place of Dru’s academic knowledge. I think even Una was surprised by how easily she was able to adapt them to situations inside the hospital. Life as a nurse in training was completely outside of Una’s life experience to this point. I think the repetition of her personal code, guided her through situations she wasn’t comfortable or familiar with. I also think they gave her confidence-she really did have the skills and knowledge she needed to be successful. I also think remembering her rules slowed Una down and forced her to think through situations in a different way. On the streets she was much more reactionary.

Una had lived on the streets since she was a young child without adult guidance. Her rules were her way of teaching herself how to act in certain situations, not make the same mistake twice.

Una's rules were essential for the streets. And she had quite a few!!! I don't think most of them will help her in her "new" life. As we proceed through the book, we see her softening and her thought process changes.

Una's list of rules was a necessity for living on the streets because it gave her structure and tips for survival and continuing to make lists while studying helped her succeed and survive the demands of learning nursing skills and also lists provide a structure of thinking for anyone especially those who depend like Una did on themselves without anyone the trust to discuss their questions.

Una learned some of her rules thru experiences, some thru Marm and others who were being helpful. She also had a moral code instilled in her from the short times she had her mother in her life. She knew what society considered good and bad, and she learned what being always good would cost her as a child in the streets. She stole, cheated and deceived, but she chose victims who would not suffer much from the losses. She did not harm people or put them in danger. When she entered the Nursing program she picked up very quickly some new rules that would help her in her new circumstances. She was clever and observant. If she winds up marrying Edwin these skills will help her adapt to the rules of his world.

I agree that the list of rules helped Una survive when she was on her own.

Una’s rules for survival made perfect sense for surviving on the streets as a thief. Rules such as: keep the lie simple, look out for yourself, the best place to hide is in plain sight were easy to remember and follow. However, these rules were mostly an impediment in her new life where friendship, cooperation and honest communication was required.

I laughed when I read some of Una's rules; I wish I'd kept a list. #3 Never cry. #17 Never show weakness. After her mother died, she had no one on whom to rely. She lived a hard life and did mot show her feelings or allow herself to care for others. Many of the hospital patients were poor, so she understood their needs and was empathetic. She was determined to succeed and I think her drive will allow her to become a good nurse.

Una's rules, helped her to survive on the streets. Some of the rules will be useful in her new role and life, but others will be changed as she learns she can trust some people.