Cassie Lyne
English 11 A12
12/12/2009
Reflective Cover Letter
After much deciphering I finally decided on which four papers I would like to include in my portfolio. I deiced to use the most recent assignment on analyzing a trend, my proposal essay, my application essay, and my first essay for English 11 the This I Believe piece. I decided to use these papers in my portfolio because I feel they have the most potential, and can still be improved.
When I began to write my essay on analyzing a trend I became extremely discouraged because I felt that I couldn’t find a trend that was worthy enough to write about. After much research I decided upon my topic of the rising suicide rate of college students. The assignment asks to clearly state a thesis identifying the trend, to document through the use of statistics facts and expert opinion that the trend exists. It asks to analyze and discuss the causes and effects of the trend, and document those causes and effects through evidence, and logic. I was advised to discuss more of the effects of the trend, to stay focused throughout my paper, and to begin my paragraphs with my own topic sentences instead of a quote. Taking all of these suggestions into consideration I feel it was easier to improve my paper.
My proposal essay was also one that I had much trouble coming up with something to write about. I finally got to thinking about what has been affecting me and I came to the conclusion of writing about credit card debt because it is a growing problem for me. This assignment asks for a statement of the important problem, context and background, a possible solution, and an analysis of the costs and benefits, also an in-text citation of sourced used and a listing of those sources. It was suggested to me to try to identify the reader right away, fix punctuation and the use on my citations in MLA style. I have attempted to meet all of these expectations and more. I believe I have improved my paper in all of the ways suggested to me.
My application essay came easy to me considering I picked a passage asking me to write a narrative basically on my life. The assignment asked to consider your purpose, and audience, to give evidence that you understand the prompt, to focus the essay on the addressed topic, to be persuasive, develop ideas sufficiently, and to try and capture the reader’s interest. It was suggested to me to simply fix my punctuation in this piece, and possibly to be more creative. I have gone on to fix all of my punctuation, and tried to add more creativity to this piece before placing it in my portfolio.
The final piece I have chosen to add to my portfolio is my first essay. I choose the piece simply because it was my first essay and I believe with what I have learned so far from this course I have put into improving this essay. The assignment for this essay asks to tell a story about your belief, be brief in you explanation, to be positive, and be personal. It was suggested to me to possibly explain more of my belief or more clearly. Throughout all of the suggestions thrown my way throughout the semester I feel confident to present my portfolio with the following piece that I feel I a presenting to the best of my ability.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Analyzing A Trend: 2nd Draft*
Cassie Lyne
English11 A12
12/9/2009
Project 6: Analyzing a Trend
2nd Draft
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. “In the past fifty years, the suicide rate for those age 15-24 increased by over 200%.”(Martindale) With the pressures of becoming an adult, being overwhelmed with debt, trying to balance a full time school schedule along with a full time work schedule, leaving friends and family to go away to school, and trying to build new relationships, suicide could seem like your only way out. These are the realities for most college students. It’s a wonder the suicide rate has increased so much within this age group with the price of tuition rising, and the economy crashing, times are tough.
Imagine being in such a tough time, and feeling like you have nobody to turn too or even that nobody can help you this can be extremely discouraging to anyone. “Major life transitions—such as leaving home and going away to college—may exacerbate existing psychological problems or trigger new ones. Add leaving family and friends to this can deepen depression and/or increase anxiety.”(Martindale) The attempt of suicide is usually committed by somebody who feels overwhelmed, helpless or hopeless, and committing suicide seems like an easy way out, or the only way out. “The attraction of suicide is that it will finally end these unbearable feelings. Intense emotional distress however often blinds people to alternative solutions…and there are always other solutions available.”(Campus Heath Services)
It is a fact that men commit suicide more than women; however women have been known to make more attempts. “Men commit suicide more than four times as often as women, but women attempt suicide about three times as often as men. For young adults ages 15-19, five times as many males as females commit suicide. For young adults ages 20-24, seven times as many males as females commit suicide. Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death for American men. It is the 19th leading cause of death for American women. Suicide by firearm is the most common method for both men and women.”(Martindale) It has not been proven as to why men are more likely to commit suicide more than women however it has been stated that women may be more likely to get help, or are more capable of opening up to somebody they do not know so well. Where as men may be more restricted and not able to admit something is wrong especially to someone they do not trust, they would rather “handle the situation themselves.”
Suicide Rates of College Students (per 100,000)
Age Women Men Total
17 - 19 1.2 5.7 3.4
20 - 24 4.5 9.0 7.1
All Students* 4.5 10.0 7.5
(Campus Health Services)
The above chart shows the suicide rates of college students. The overall rate of student suicide is 7.5/100,000 which makes up half of the national suicide rate (15.0/100,000) the largest number of suicides for both male, and females was in the 20-24 year age ground which is 46%, among graduate students 32%.
“Suicide and suicidal behaviors come from a complex interaction among social (family, peer group, cultural), individual (psychological, genetic, biological), and environmental (e.g., firearm availability) factors. These factors can be divided into two categories – risk factors and warning signs.” (Martindale) Risk factors make an individual more into suicide thinking and behavior, warning signs may signal that an individual is suicidal. Some risk factors to consider are: history of suicidal behavior, mental health problems like serious depression or substance abuse, easy access to lethal weapons, isolation, antisocial aggressive or impulsive behavior, and a history of family violence. Common warning signs of suicide could include: talk of suicide or having no reason to live, having trouble sleeping, or performing normal rituals, drastic changes in behavior, stops being with friends and withdraws from any activities, loss of interest in schoolwork, hobbies, work, increase in substance abuse, loss of interest in personal appearance, relationship difficulties, financial trouble, and an unwillingness to connect with somebody who can potentially help.
Suicide on Campus (ACHA)
Total (%)
Very Sad 80.9
Hopeless 63.1
So depressed, could not function 45.1
Seriously considered suicide 10.0
Attempted suicide 1.4
(Campus Health Services)
”The American college Health Association (ACHA, 2006), in a survey of over 46,000 college students across 74 college campuses, found that 10.1% of students reported that they seriously considered attempting suicide and 1.4% reported attempting suicide in the prior year."(Campus Health Services) According to this chart it is not uncommon for college students to feel very sad, hopeless, and so depressed that they were unable to function, also the consideration of suicide, and actual attempts.
It has been proven why suicide rates among college students are so high and continue to rise. The pressures of moving away from friends and family, trying to build new relationships, and dealing with financial work and school relating problem can be too much for anyone to deal with. This can lead to students feeling extremely depressed or hopeless, which are risk factors of suicide. Be sure to watch out for the warning signs if you feel yourself, or a friend is at risk, and make sure to get help for them or yourself.
Work Cited:
"Campus Health Services - Being Aware of Suicide Statistics." Campus Health Services - Home. The University of North Carolina at Capital Hill, 19 Dec. 2007. Web. 07 Dec. 2009.
Martindale, Gayla. "Suicide and Suicidal Behavior Among College Students - StateUniversity.com Blog." Online University Degree Search - U.S. University Directory - State Universities and College Rankings. StateUniversity.com, 25 Jan. 2009. Web. 06 Dec. 2009.
English11 A12
12/9/2009
Project 6: Analyzing a Trend
2nd Draft
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. “In the past fifty years, the suicide rate for those age 15-24 increased by over 200%.”(Martindale) With the pressures of becoming an adult, being overwhelmed with debt, trying to balance a full time school schedule along with a full time work schedule, leaving friends and family to go away to school, and trying to build new relationships, suicide could seem like your only way out. These are the realities for most college students. It’s a wonder the suicide rate has increased so much within this age group with the price of tuition rising, and the economy crashing, times are tough.
Imagine being in such a tough time, and feeling like you have nobody to turn too or even that nobody can help you this can be extremely discouraging to anyone. “Major life transitions—such as leaving home and going away to college—may exacerbate existing psychological problems or trigger new ones. Add leaving family and friends to this can deepen depression and/or increase anxiety.”(Martindale) The attempt of suicide is usually committed by somebody who feels overwhelmed, helpless or hopeless, and committing suicide seems like an easy way out, or the only way out. “The attraction of suicide is that it will finally end these unbearable feelings. Intense emotional distress however often blinds people to alternative solutions…and there are always other solutions available.”(Campus Heath Services)
It is a fact that men commit suicide more than women; however women have been known to make more attempts. “Men commit suicide more than four times as often as women, but women attempt suicide about three times as often as men. For young adults ages 15-19, five times as many males as females commit suicide. For young adults ages 20-24, seven times as many males as females commit suicide. Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death for American men. It is the 19th leading cause of death for American women. Suicide by firearm is the most common method for both men and women.”(Martindale) It has not been proven as to why men are more likely to commit suicide more than women however it has been stated that women may be more likely to get help, or are more capable of opening up to somebody they do not know so well. Where as men may be more restricted and not able to admit something is wrong especially to someone they do not trust, they would rather “handle the situation themselves.”
Suicide Rates of College Students (per 100,000)
Age Women Men Total
17 - 19 1.2 5.7 3.4
20 - 24 4.5 9.0 7.1
All Students* 4.5 10.0 7.5
(Campus Health Services)
The above chart shows the suicide rates of college students. The overall rate of student suicide is 7.5/100,000 which makes up half of the national suicide rate (15.0/100,000) the largest number of suicides for both male, and females was in the 20-24 year age ground which is 46%, among graduate students 32%.
“Suicide and suicidal behaviors come from a complex interaction among social (family, peer group, cultural), individual (psychological, genetic, biological), and environmental (e.g., firearm availability) factors. These factors can be divided into two categories – risk factors and warning signs.” (Martindale) Risk factors make an individual more into suicide thinking and behavior, warning signs may signal that an individual is suicidal. Some risk factors to consider are: history of suicidal behavior, mental health problems like serious depression or substance abuse, easy access to lethal weapons, isolation, antisocial aggressive or impulsive behavior, and a history of family violence. Common warning signs of suicide could include: talk of suicide or having no reason to live, having trouble sleeping, or performing normal rituals, drastic changes in behavior, stops being with friends and withdraws from any activities, loss of interest in schoolwork, hobbies, work, increase in substance abuse, loss of interest in personal appearance, relationship difficulties, financial trouble, and an unwillingness to connect with somebody who can potentially help.
Suicide on Campus (ACHA)
Total (%)
Very Sad 80.9
Hopeless 63.1
So depressed, could not function 45.1
Seriously considered suicide 10.0
Attempted suicide 1.4
(Campus Health Services)
”The American college Health Association (ACHA, 2006), in a survey of over 46,000 college students across 74 college campuses, found that 10.1% of students reported that they seriously considered attempting suicide and 1.4% reported attempting suicide in the prior year."(Campus Health Services) According to this chart it is not uncommon for college students to feel very sad, hopeless, and so depressed that they were unable to function, also the consideration of suicide, and actual attempts.
It has been proven why suicide rates among college students are so high and continue to rise. The pressures of moving away from friends and family, trying to build new relationships, and dealing with financial work and school relating problem can be too much for anyone to deal with. This can lead to students feeling extremely depressed or hopeless, which are risk factors of suicide. Be sure to watch out for the warning signs if you feel yourself, or a friend is at risk, and make sure to get help for them or yourself.
Work Cited:
"Campus Health Services - Being Aware of Suicide Statistics." Campus Health Services - Home. The University of North Carolina at Capital Hill, 19 Dec. 2007. Web. 07 Dec. 2009.
Martindale, Gayla. "Suicide and Suicidal Behavior Among College Students - StateUniversity.com Blog." Online University Degree Search - U.S. University Directory - State Universities and College Rankings. StateUniversity.com, 25 Jan. 2009. Web. 06 Dec. 2009.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Analyzing a Trend: Draft*
Cassie Lyne
English11 A12
12/03/2009
Project 6: Analyzing a Trend
Draft*
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. “In the past fifty years, the suicide rate for those age 15-24 increased by over 200%.” (1.) With the pressures of becoming an adult, being overwhelmed with debt, trying to balance a full time school schedule along with a full time work schedule, leaving friends and family to go away to school, and trying to build new relationships, suicide could seem like your only way out. These are the realities for most college students. It’s a wonder the suicide rate has increased so much within this age group with the price of tuition rising, and the economy crashing, times are tough.
Imagine being in such a tough time, and feeling like you have nobody to turn too or even that nobody can help you this could be extremely discouraging to anyone. “Major life transitions—such as leaving home and going away to college—may exacerbate existing psychological problems or trigger new ones. Add leaving family and friends to this can deepen depression and/or increase anxiety.”(1.) The attempt of suicide is usually committed by somebody who feels overwhelmed, helpless or hopeless, and committing suicide seems like an easy way out, or the only way out. “The attraction of suicide is that it will finally end these unbearable feelings. Intense emotional distress however often blinds people to alternative solutions…and there are always other solutions available.” (2.)
It is a fact that men commit suicide more than women; however women have been known to make more attempts. “Men commit suicide more than four times as often as women, but women attempt suicide about three times as often as men. For young adults ages 15-19, five times as many males as females commit suicide. For young adults ages 20-24, seven times as many males as females commit suicide. Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death for American men. It is the 19th leading cause of death for American women. Suicide by firearm is the most common method for both men and women.” (1.) It has not been proven as to why men are more likely to commit suicide more than women however it has been stated that women may be more likely to get help, or are more capable of opening up to somebody they do not know so well. Where as men may be more restricted and not able to admit something is wrong especially to someone they do not trust, they would rather “handle the situation themselves.”
Suicide Rates of College Students (per 100,000)
Age Women Men Total
17 - 19 1.2 5.7 3.4
20 - 24 4.5 9.0 7.1
All Students* 4.5 10.0 7.5
(2.)
The above chart shows the suicide rates of college students. The overall rate of student suicide is 7.5/100,000 which makes up half of the national suicide rate (15.0/100,000) the largest number of suicides for both male, and females was in the 20-24 year age ground which is 46%, among graduate students 32%.
“Suicide and suicidal behaviors come from a complex interaction among social (family, peer group, cultural), individual (psychological, genetic, biological), and environmental (e.g., firearm availability) factors. These factors can be divided into two categories – risk factors and warning signs.” (1.) Risk factors make an individual more into suicide thinking and behavior, warning signs may signal that an individual is suicidal. Some risk factors to consider are: history of suicidal behavior, mental health problems like serious depression or substance abuse, easy access to lethal weapons, isolation, antisocial aggressive or impulsive behavior, and a history of family violence. Common warning signs of suicide could include: talk of suicide or having no reason to live, having trouble sleeping, or performing normal rituals, drastic changes in behavior, stops being with friends and withdraws from any activities, loss of interest in schoolwork, hobbies, work, increase in substance abuse, loss of interest in personal appearance, relationship difficulties, financial trouble, and an unwillingness to connect with somebody who can potentially help.
Suicide on Campus (ACHA)
Total (%)
Very Sad 80.9
Hopeless 63.1
So depressed, could not function 45.1
Seriously considered suicide 10.0
Attempted suicide 1.4
(2.)
”The American college Health Association (ACHA, 2006), in a survey of over 46,000 college students across 74 college campuses, found that 10.1% of students reported that they seriously considered attempting suicide and 1.4% reported attempting suicide in the prior year.” (2.) According to this chart it is not uncommon for college students to feel very sad, hopeless, and so depressed that they were unable to function, also the consideration of suicide, and actual attempts.
It has been proven why suicide rates among college students are so high and continue to rise. The pressures of moving away from friends and family, trying to build new relationships, and dealing with financial work and school relating problem can be too much for anyone to deal with. This can lead to students feeling extremely depressed or hopeless, which are risk factors of suicide. Be sure to watch out for the warning signs if you feel yourself, or a friend is at risk, and make sure to get help for them or yourself.
English11 A12
12/03/2009
Project 6: Analyzing a Trend
Draft*
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. “In the past fifty years, the suicide rate for those age 15-24 increased by over 200%.” (1.) With the pressures of becoming an adult, being overwhelmed with debt, trying to balance a full time school schedule along with a full time work schedule, leaving friends and family to go away to school, and trying to build new relationships, suicide could seem like your only way out. These are the realities for most college students. It’s a wonder the suicide rate has increased so much within this age group with the price of tuition rising, and the economy crashing, times are tough.
Imagine being in such a tough time, and feeling like you have nobody to turn too or even that nobody can help you this could be extremely discouraging to anyone. “Major life transitions—such as leaving home and going away to college—may exacerbate existing psychological problems or trigger new ones. Add leaving family and friends to this can deepen depression and/or increase anxiety.”(1.) The attempt of suicide is usually committed by somebody who feels overwhelmed, helpless or hopeless, and committing suicide seems like an easy way out, or the only way out. “The attraction of suicide is that it will finally end these unbearable feelings. Intense emotional distress however often blinds people to alternative solutions…and there are always other solutions available.” (2.)
It is a fact that men commit suicide more than women; however women have been known to make more attempts. “Men commit suicide more than four times as often as women, but women attempt suicide about three times as often as men. For young adults ages 15-19, five times as many males as females commit suicide. For young adults ages 20-24, seven times as many males as females commit suicide. Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death for American men. It is the 19th leading cause of death for American women. Suicide by firearm is the most common method for both men and women.” (1.) It has not been proven as to why men are more likely to commit suicide more than women however it has been stated that women may be more likely to get help, or are more capable of opening up to somebody they do not know so well. Where as men may be more restricted and not able to admit something is wrong especially to someone they do not trust, they would rather “handle the situation themselves.”
Suicide Rates of College Students (per 100,000)
Age Women Men Total
17 - 19 1.2 5.7 3.4
20 - 24 4.5 9.0 7.1
All Students* 4.5 10.0 7.5
(2.)
The above chart shows the suicide rates of college students. The overall rate of student suicide is 7.5/100,000 which makes up half of the national suicide rate (15.0/100,000) the largest number of suicides for both male, and females was in the 20-24 year age ground which is 46%, among graduate students 32%.
“Suicide and suicidal behaviors come from a complex interaction among social (family, peer group, cultural), individual (psychological, genetic, biological), and environmental (e.g., firearm availability) factors. These factors can be divided into two categories – risk factors and warning signs.” (1.) Risk factors make an individual more into suicide thinking and behavior, warning signs may signal that an individual is suicidal. Some risk factors to consider are: history of suicidal behavior, mental health problems like serious depression or substance abuse, easy access to lethal weapons, isolation, antisocial aggressive or impulsive behavior, and a history of family violence. Common warning signs of suicide could include: talk of suicide or having no reason to live, having trouble sleeping, or performing normal rituals, drastic changes in behavior, stops being with friends and withdraws from any activities, loss of interest in schoolwork, hobbies, work, increase in substance abuse, loss of interest in personal appearance, relationship difficulties, financial trouble, and an unwillingness to connect with somebody who can potentially help.
Suicide on Campus (ACHA)
Total (%)
Very Sad 80.9
Hopeless 63.1
So depressed, could not function 45.1
Seriously considered suicide 10.0
Attempted suicide 1.4
(2.)
”The American college Health Association (ACHA, 2006), in a survey of over 46,000 college students across 74 college campuses, found that 10.1% of students reported that they seriously considered attempting suicide and 1.4% reported attempting suicide in the prior year.” (2.) According to this chart it is not uncommon for college students to feel very sad, hopeless, and so depressed that they were unable to function, also the consideration of suicide, and actual attempts.
It has been proven why suicide rates among college students are so high and continue to rise. The pressures of moving away from friends and family, trying to build new relationships, and dealing with financial work and school relating problem can be too much for anyone to deal with. This can lead to students feeling extremely depressed or hopeless, which are risk factors of suicide. Be sure to watch out for the warning signs if you feel yourself, or a friend is at risk, and make sure to get help for them or yourself.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Annotation 2nd Draft
Cassie Lyne
English 11 A12
11/29/2009
Project 5: Annotating A Scholarly Article
2nd Draft
Jouriles, Ernest N., Cora Platt, and Renee McDonald. “Violence in adolescent dating relationships.” The Prevention Researcher 16.1 (2009): 3+ Academic OneFile. Web. 18 Nov. 2009.
http://find.galegroup.com/gtx/start.do?prodid=AONE&userGroupName=mlin_s_bristcc
In this article Ernest, and others analyze the violence in adolescent dating relationships. They define the measures adolescent dating, and dating violence. Ernest explains two types of dating violence as physical, and psychological. Also providing much statistics to support the argument, and gives a vivid explanation on the prevalence of violence. It concludes with the prevention, and intervention of violence in adolescent teen relationships.
Ernest is a professor in the Department of Psychology, and Co-Director of the Family Research Center at Southern Methodist University. Another author Cora Platt is a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology at Southern Methodist University. Renee Mcdonald Ph.D is an Associate professor in the Department of Psychology and Co-Director of the Family Research Center at Southern Methodist University. These authors had the purpose to simply inform with there many supporting statistics. There use of ads, and charts prove to provide rock hard evidence in this piece. They completely avoided any bias statements, and left out any personal opinions. It was published less than a year ago in February 2009. It is obvious these authors worked hard and put much thought, and effort into the article, and construction of it
English 11 A12
11/29/2009
Project 5: Annotating A Scholarly Article
2nd Draft
Jouriles, Ernest N., Cora Platt, and Renee McDonald. “Violence in adolescent dating relationships.” The Prevention Researcher 16.1 (2009): 3+ Academic OneFile. Web. 18 Nov. 2009.
http://find.galegroup.com/gtx/start.do?prodid=AONE&userGroupName=mlin_s_bristcc
In this article Ernest, and others analyze the violence in adolescent dating relationships. They define the measures adolescent dating, and dating violence. Ernest explains two types of dating violence as physical, and psychological. Also providing much statistics to support the argument, and gives a vivid explanation on the prevalence of violence. It concludes with the prevention, and intervention of violence in adolescent teen relationships.
Ernest is a professor in the Department of Psychology, and Co-Director of the Family Research Center at Southern Methodist University. Another author Cora Platt is a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology at Southern Methodist University. Renee Mcdonald Ph.D is an Associate professor in the Department of Psychology and Co-Director of the Family Research Center at Southern Methodist University. These authors had the purpose to simply inform with there many supporting statistics. There use of ads, and charts prove to provide rock hard evidence in this piece. They completely avoided any bias statements, and left out any personal opinions. It was published less than a year ago in February 2009. It is obvious these authors worked hard and put much thought, and effort into the article, and construction of it
Annotation draft*
Cassie Lyne
English 11 A12
11/27/2009
Project 5: Annotating of a Scholarly Article
Draft*
In his article Ernest, and others analyze the violence in adolescent teen relationships. They define the measures adolescent dating, and dating violence. Ernest explains two types of dating violence as physical, and psychological. Also providing much statistics to support the argument, and gives a vivid explanation on the prevalence of violence. It concludes with the prevention, and intervention of violence in adolescent teen relationships.
Ernest is a professor in the Department of Psychology, and Co-Director of the Family Research Center at Southern Methodist University. Another author Cora Platt is a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology at Southern Methodist University. Renee Mcdonald Ph.D is an Associate professor in the Department of Psychology and Co-Director of the Family Research Center at Southern Methodist University. These authors had the purpose to simply inform with there many supporting statistics. There use of ads, and charts proved to provide rock hard evidence in this piece. They completely avoided any bias statements, and left out any personal opinions. It was published less than a year ago in February 2009. It is obvious these authors worked hard and put much thought into the article, and construction of it
English 11 A12
11/27/2009
Project 5: Annotating of a Scholarly Article
Draft*
In his article Ernest, and others analyze the violence in adolescent teen relationships. They define the measures adolescent dating, and dating violence. Ernest explains two types of dating violence as physical, and psychological. Also providing much statistics to support the argument, and gives a vivid explanation on the prevalence of violence. It concludes with the prevention, and intervention of violence in adolescent teen relationships.
Ernest is a professor in the Department of Psychology, and Co-Director of the Family Research Center at Southern Methodist University. Another author Cora Platt is a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology at Southern Methodist University. Renee Mcdonald Ph.D is an Associate professor in the Department of Psychology and Co-Director of the Family Research Center at Southern Methodist University. These authors had the purpose to simply inform with there many supporting statistics. There use of ads, and charts proved to provide rock hard evidence in this piece. They completely avoided any bias statements, and left out any personal opinions. It was published less than a year ago in February 2009. It is obvious these authors worked hard and put much thought into the article, and construction of it
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Proposal: 2nd Draft
Cassie Lyne
English 11
11/7/2009
Project3: Proposal
2nd Draft*
2008 was the worst year for yet for America concerning debt and job loss. The unemployment rate still continues to rise throughout 2009. College students are hit hard by this economic crisis. Students are struggling to pay for textbooks, student loans, and other college fees. Students now face the difficulty to find a part time job since not many are available, and are affected by their parents being laid off meaning they are not able to help with any expenses. “College students have long been an attractive demographic to banks because they have few financial ties. Banks compete to provide students with credit cards and bank accounts in hopes that students will come back to the banks when they need mortgages and car loans.”(USA Today) Last year for Christmas I felt that it would be a good idea to apply for a credit card to afford Christmas gifts for my family. Clearly nothing forced me into applying, but I felt the need to apply, and succeeded to get a Capital One credit card. Mostly all teens my age in these tough times have a least one credit card. It could be a major credit card like Capital One or a store credit card like Express or Macy’s. Credit cards can be a great help financially, and also in terms of building a good credit score for later in life when possibly purchasing a house, or a car.
The problem with students receiving or applying for credit cards is they don’t read the “fine print”. Interest rates are a huge factor when applying for a credit card which is not something the sales associate mentions when you are checking out of a store, and they ask if you would like to see if your eligible for there credit card and that you can save an extra 15% for opening one today. The fact is that most credit cards these days have an interest rate of at least 20%. For example say you purchased a new coach handbag from Macy’s and the sales associate asked would you like to open up a Macy’s charge account and that will save 20% on your first purchase. The first thing that would come to my mind is: This is great! I save 20% on my new handbag and I don’t have to pay for it until almost a month from now. This is true, however when you receive the bill a month later lets say the money that you had saved to buy your handbag you used for something else so you pay the minimum amount on the card which is usually $10. There is nothing wrong with this either but lets say your new coach handbag cost $250 you saved 20% at the register so it was actually $200. You paid the $10 on your card leaving $190 left so you would figure that next month you can maybe pay the rest off, or pay off a little more. This is where the problem comes into play. On that $190 that’s left over you will be charged lets say an interest rate of 22% this means that next month instead of your bill being $190 it will be $231.80 because the company is charging you 22% of what you did not pay. Now it is almost as if you made no dent in your payments at all, and instead of saving 20% on the handbag you have only saved 10% and the $10 you paid counted for nothing.
All of these numbers may seem confusing but they are facts that most teens don’t realize. When applying for things like student loans I have witnessed a close friend just simply accepting his loan without even acknowledging when it would have to be paid back, or the interest rate or anything. The fact is that banks and credit card companies try to sound as appealing as possible so they can gain your business. “Banks are getting more aggressive — and creative — in their efforts to pitch credit cards to college students by hawking cards near college campuses and striking exclusive partnerships with college alumni associations, according to a growing body of research.”(USA Today)
My simple solution to this problem is that students need to pay more attention. Having a credit card isn’t always bad, they can actually be a great help if they are used wisely. I suggest that everyone reads the "fine print", and if you find anything hard to understand then ask for a better explination, or help from a person who has expierience in this area. When applying for a credit card, or asked to apply ask for a pamphlet, or do online reasearch, and pay attention to things like card limits, interest rates, and annual fees. If applying for a student loan always pay attention to again interest rates and also when you have to start paying back the money or how long it will take etc. All of these details are very important because if you are aware of them it is easier to avoid problems.
WORK CITED:
>Chu, Kathy. "Credit cards go after college students - USATODAY.com." News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World - USATODAY.com. 30 Mar. 2008. Web. 15 Nov. 2009..
English 11
11/7/2009
Project3: Proposal
2nd Draft*
2008 was the worst year for yet for America concerning debt and job loss. The unemployment rate still continues to rise throughout 2009. College students are hit hard by this economic crisis. Students are struggling to pay for textbooks, student loans, and other college fees. Students now face the difficulty to find a part time job since not many are available, and are affected by their parents being laid off meaning they are not able to help with any expenses. “College students have long been an attractive demographic to banks because they have few financial ties. Banks compete to provide students with credit cards and bank accounts in hopes that students will come back to the banks when they need mortgages and car loans.”(USA Today) Last year for Christmas I felt that it would be a good idea to apply for a credit card to afford Christmas gifts for my family. Clearly nothing forced me into applying, but I felt the need to apply, and succeeded to get a Capital One credit card. Mostly all teens my age in these tough times have a least one credit card. It could be a major credit card like Capital One or a store credit card like Express or Macy’s. Credit cards can be a great help financially, and also in terms of building a good credit score for later in life when possibly purchasing a house, or a car.
The problem with students receiving or applying for credit cards is they don’t read the “fine print”. Interest rates are a huge factor when applying for a credit card which is not something the sales associate mentions when you are checking out of a store, and they ask if you would like to see if your eligible for there credit card and that you can save an extra 15% for opening one today. The fact is that most credit cards these days have an interest rate of at least 20%. For example say you purchased a new coach handbag from Macy’s and the sales associate asked would you like to open up a Macy’s charge account and that will save 20% on your first purchase. The first thing that would come to my mind is: This is great! I save 20% on my new handbag and I don’t have to pay for it until almost a month from now. This is true, however when you receive the bill a month later lets say the money that you had saved to buy your handbag you used for something else so you pay the minimum amount on the card which is usually $10. There is nothing wrong with this either but lets say your new coach handbag cost $250 you saved 20% at the register so it was actually $200. You paid the $10 on your card leaving $190 left so you would figure that next month you can maybe pay the rest off, or pay off a little more. This is where the problem comes into play. On that $190 that’s left over you will be charged lets say an interest rate of 22% this means that next month instead of your bill being $190 it will be $231.80 because the company is charging you 22% of what you did not pay. Now it is almost as if you made no dent in your payments at all, and instead of saving 20% on the handbag you have only saved 10% and the $10 you paid counted for nothing.
All of these numbers may seem confusing but they are facts that most teens don’t realize. When applying for things like student loans I have witnessed a close friend just simply accepting his loan without even acknowledging when it would have to be paid back, or the interest rate or anything. The fact is that banks and credit card companies try to sound as appealing as possible so they can gain your business. “Banks are getting more aggressive — and creative — in their efforts to pitch credit cards to college students by hawking cards near college campuses and striking exclusive partnerships with college alumni associations, according to a growing body of research.”(USA Today)
My simple solution to this problem is that students need to pay more attention. Having a credit card isn’t always bad, they can actually be a great help if they are used wisely. I suggest that everyone reads the "fine print", and if you find anything hard to understand then ask for a better explination, or help from a person who has expierience in this area. When applying for a credit card, or asked to apply ask for a pamphlet, or do online reasearch, and pay attention to things like card limits, interest rates, and annual fees. If applying for a student loan always pay attention to again interest rates and also when you have to start paying back the money or how long it will take etc. All of these details are very important because if you are aware of them it is easier to avoid problems.
WORK CITED:
>Chu, Kathy. "Credit cards go after college students - USATODAY.com." News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World - USATODAY.com. 30 Mar. 2008. Web. 15 Nov. 2009.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Proposal: Postwrite
Cassie Lyne
English 11 A12
11/10/2009
Project 3: Proposal
Postwrite
So far I feel that my paper has potential and I like the direction I am going with it. I feel more confident thats this paper has better flow, and is better put together than my last piece wich was the news story. I feel i still need to go through the whole piece, and weed out the unnessecary information because I feel my Proposal is possible too wordy. Also I want to really pay attention to my grammer and speeling because these are thing I have'nt been paying much attention to in my previous assignments. The questions I have for my readers would be to you think this proposal is easy to read, and understand? Do you find any parts not needed informations, or hard to understand and feel they should be easier explained?
English 11 A12
11/10/2009
Project 3: Proposal
Postwrite
So far I feel that my paper has potential and I like the direction I am going with it. I feel more confident thats this paper has better flow, and is better put together than my last piece wich was the news story. I feel i still need to go through the whole piece, and weed out the unnessecary information because I feel my Proposal is possible too wordy. Also I want to really pay attention to my grammer and speeling because these are thing I have'nt been paying much attention to in my previous assignments. The questions I have for my readers would be to you think this proposal is easy to read, and understand? Do you find any parts not needed informations, or hard to understand and feel they should be easier explained?
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