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.
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