Improving Life as a College Student
Nicolena Stefano
For my genre remix I decided to use my sustainable literacy narrative (SLN). My SLN was about my personal journey with developing a sustainable diet and lifestyle. The main focus of my narrative was my transition into becoming vegetarian, and why I believed a plant-based diet is best for personal and environmental health. I highlight the negative impacts of factory farming on animals and the environment while emphasizing the benefits of a plant-based diet for personal health. My journey led to a deeper understanding of nutrition and ethical eating practices. Currently studying business administration, I aim to integrate my values of sustainability and ethical living into my future career, hoping to inspire others to make positive lifestyle changes.
The genre for my remix is a blog, with a “vlog” component. I made this blog specifically for college students, especially young adults at the College of Charleston who are looking to improve their health or way of life overall. The purpose of this is to inform people of ways and examples of ways to improve their lives, whether it be focused on their diet, social life, physical health, or mental health. The overall message of this remix is that a balanced lifestyle is key to improving one’s lifestyle. Meaning that one should be working on improving themselves, while enjoying their life, especially at college is a key time for young adults to find themselves and enjoy their youth.
This main issue that I try to cover is the poor state of college students’ general physical and mental health. For example, Mental health issues are common among college students, according to the National College Health Assessment by the American College Health Association. In 2021, 63% of students said they were extremely anxious, 49% said they were so sad they were having trouble functioning, and 11% said they had seriously considered suicide. College students frequently experience stress as a result of social pressures, financial worries, and academic pressure. College students become overwhelmed with the amount of responsibility they have as they are transitioning to become independent adults. It’s important for them to be aware of the resources and options they have that will help them deal with anything they may be dealing with.
Continuing, due to many obstacles including time limits, financial constraints, and easy availability to poor food alternatives, many college students find it difficult to maintain a balanced diet. A research that was published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behaviour indicates that just 12 percent of college students eat the amounts of fruits and vegetables that are advised daily. Also, college students’ lack of physical exercise is a worry, since many do not adhere to suggested levels. Only around 39% of college students regularly participate in physical activity, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. It is important to address the issue of poor health and nutrition amongst college students. There is a dire need for focused initiatives to address the issues with diet and physical exercise that college students face, with possible advantages for both personal health and academic performance. There are many resources and alternative options that students have, so that they can improve their health, though they might be unaware or not properly motivated.
Overall, it is demonstrated by numerous data the serious issues that college students’ general health poses. Depression, anxiety, and desperation are common mental health issues that have an impact on wellbeing and academic performance. Both inadequate and poor quality sleep are prevalent, and they have an effect on general health and brain function. Due to time restrictions, budgetary constraints, and easy availability of bad food options, many students find it difficult to maintain a balanced diet, which results in poor consumption of fruits and vegetables.
It is my intended purpose to discuss these issues in my remix, and provide students with methods that I find useful to help me maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. As a college student I aim to focus on my academics while still keeping concern for my physical health, relationships, social life, and my overall well-being.
In conclusion, addressing the issues of inadequate nutrition and health among college students is essential for promoting both general wellbeing and academic achievement. Stress, bad eating habits, lack of sleep, and mental health problems are common and seriously hinder students’ capacity to succeed. Students’ health and quality of life may be improved by bringing these challenges to light and offering realistic solutions, such as switching to sustainable foods and lifestyles. Through initiatives like this blog, I hope to empower fellow students to make positive lifestyle changes and cultivate a balanced and fulfilling college experience.
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