RJA #15

Reflection

This English 1020 class was my first online course I have taken since my start of college, three years ago. There have been many things learned from my experience. My first reaction was that I did not really like online classes to begin with. They seemed to be more work than my attended classes, however, once I got into the groove of self-discipline and a regular schedule, I found this to be one of my favorite classes of the semester. I think self-discipline is definitely the key to a class like this. If you can not force yourself to stay on target by your own means, then you may easily fall behind! My topic, competitive athletes and eating disorders, was also very informational and eye-opening. I have, like most people, known the basics of eating disorders. On the other hand, I have never specifically looked at the relation between eating disorders regarding athletes alone. With this research paper I started my topic with only an assumption, but was surprised to find there was a solid connection to the problem of eating disorders in athletes. Performing the research for this paper was also a bit of a challenge. I have never previously had to provide 12 sources for a single paper. However, I thought the outcome of this was beneficial. By having to have so many sources I felt like I truly researched my paper and found credible, unique information. The outside research I performed was also a first for me. This was a learning experience because I had to approach people I have never met and collect data. I thought the writing process was pretty straight forward. In general, I have always enjoyed writing and so have never found it too difficult. I think the most beneficial skill I have gained in this class for my future is the research skills. As an aspiring dietitian, I may find myself in research later in life. Having had to perform my own outside research will definitely be a skill I can carry. Even the book/internet research performed will help me because I know how to navigate both a library and internet to find good, reliable information. Overall, I thought this was an enjoyable class. There was a lot of work, but by staying on top of it, it was very manageable. Have a good summer!

RJA #14b

References

Hellmich, Nanci. "Athletes' Hunger to Win Fuels Eating Disorders."USA Today. USA Today, 5 Feb. 2006. Web.12 April 2010.

Holliman, Susan. Eating Disorders and Athletes: A Handbook for Coaches. Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company,1991. Print.

Jerz, G. Dennis. (2002). "Short Stories: 10 Tips for Creative Writers." Weblog (Teaching, Resources, About). Web. 28 April, 2010.

Michel, Deborah and Willard, Susan. When Dieting Becomes Dangerous. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003. Print.

Waltz, Vicky. "Athletes and Eating Disorders." BU Today. 17 December 2009. Web. 15 February 2010.

RJA #14a

Application Project Progress Report

For my application project I am going to write a short story about an athlete in the developmental stages of an eating disorder. I want the story to be primarily from the internal perspective of a competitive athlete. However, I plan on having key supporting characters as well. To explain, I will have a coach, teammates, and possibly family members be included in the story because of their often impacting role in the players life. I am using accounts of real athletes who have struggled with the disease for reference. I hope this will help to make a moving, yet realistic story.

Thus far I have accomplished a few things. I have fully developed and settled on the idea of creating a short story for this project. I also have outlined the general plot of my story. To help with research, I have been trying to find more first-hand accounts of athletes who have struggled with either bulimia or anorexia. There are a few stories I have found mostly on the internet through articles that will serve as a good reference for my story.

Honestly, I still have a lot to do for this project. Besides outlining, I have to still write the entire 1200 word story. I also need to write the accompanied essay that will follow the story. I have not thought much about the 300 word essay that will follow, so I still need to figure that section out. After writing the entire project, I need to edit and proofread the paper a few times over. Last, I need to formally write up my works cited page for the resources I use.

RJA #13c

Application Project Example

URL: http://www.americanliterature.com/Hawthorne/SS/YoungGoodmanBrown.html

As an example for a short story, I looked at Young Goodman Brown by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Although this story is unrelated to my topic, I can take a few things from it in regards to my own short story I will write. Most importantly, I learned a few things regarding format and organization. One thing I like about the format of this story is it provides mystery and build-up to the most important parts, or climax. I believe the subject of my own short story has a bit of mystery and build-up through all the factors, situations, etc. that may lead an athlete into a possible eating disorder. In turn, I can look at how this famous author does it and take tips to provide a compelling, and somewhat suspenseful tale that will impact its readers. Regarding organization, there is a clear: beginning, middle, and end. Although this may seem simple, it is key because without a concise organization readers will be left hanging, unsatisfied, and/or confused. I feel the quotes coming from the narrator and main characters throughout help suck the reader into the experiences. Keeping this in mind I plan to most definitely personalize the story with quotations and character narrations. I think this will help readers connect to the characters as well as be affected by what they read. Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story, Young Goodman Brown, is an excellent example of how it should be done.

RJA #13b

Application Project Plan

For the application project I plan on writing a short story. I intend to write from an internal perspective of a competitive athlete and their struggles to succeed at their multiple daily responsibilities. For better accuracy, I am going to use the first hand accounts I have found during research of athlete's struggles with eating disorders to depict a similar situation of events related to my paper. From their accounts I can create a similar story to show both the experiences and research I have thus far found. I want to especially focus on the lead-up to the disorder itself. I think this is a more important focus especially because my paper more closely looks at the reasons why athletes are more susceptible. I may also try to include some influences as well, such as, coaches, family, and teammates.

RJA #13a

Word Cloud

URL: http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/1952940/Athletes_at_Risk%3A_Competitive_Sports_and_Eating_Disorders

RJA #12b

Field Research Report

I performed a survey of 25 random people. All subjects were of various student ages on the Metropolitan campus. For each person I asked them these questions:

-Within your lifetime, have you known someone who has struggled with an eating disorder?

RESULTS:
11 out of 25 answered yes. 44% had known someone at one point with an eating disorder.

-Of those who answered yes to question 1, I then asked: was that person an athlete?

RESULTS:
2 out of 11 answered yes. 18.18% were athletes.

-Do you think competitive athletes are at greater risk for an eating disorder than the every-day individual?

RESULTS:
7 out of 25 answered yes. 28% believe athletes are at greater risk.