Help is always available

Suicide is the secondleading cause of death in college-age students, after car accidents, according to the Jason Foundation, a program which specializes in preventing youth suicide. Not only that, but they report that more young adults die from suicide than from cancer, stroke, heart disease, AIDS, and birth defects combined.

With so many victims suffering, we cannot afford to ignore the subject any longer.

“I feel like suicide is the only option I have left, the only chance at peace I’ll ever have. It’s as if something will always be missing and life will never be quite right,” said a woman named Jennifer, whose last name was withheld, sharing her story on thehopeline. com.

Severe effects of depression like that are not uncommon. With impacts this extreme, it’s a mystery why society doesn’t take bigger steps to lend a hand.

According to psychologytoday. com, depression is without a doubt the number one cause of suicide. It is the feeling of hopelessness that the victim experiences that makes the thought of living unbearable.

The worst part of those living with severe depression is that they lose faith and never learn that depression doesn’t last forever. Although it is a process, treatments are available and depression can be cured.

With methods such as exercise, sleep and stress reduction, depression can begin to ease. However, one of the best and most effective ways to help depression, according to helpguide.org, is to seek social support. Reaching out for help from friends and family is a good way to keep victims from isolation, which is a key risk factor for depression.

Some warning signs of depression may include loss of interest in daily activities, change in appetite, anger and irritability, loss of energy, and reckless behavior, according to helpguide. org. Sometimes, those experiencing suicidal thoughts will even express that they feel so, but it can often go ignored and the victim might not receive support.

However, there are hotlines, such as the National Suicide Prevention

Lifeline, which provides support from volunteers 24 hours a day to those who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.

In addition, Pierce’s Health Center provides counselors on campus for those who may be battling depression and provides immediate support to those experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Oftentimes, those fighting an internal battle are crying out for help, but may not know where to go to receive the support they need, which is why it is important for society to be both aware and considerate of the feelings of those around them. Sometimes, all those who are struggling may just need a friend.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

1-800-273-8255 Pierce College Health Office: 1-818-710-4270

Pro/Con: Online classes

Getting to class may not always be easy. Are online classes a better option than on-campus for busy students?

ALMA

LOPEZ Reporter

@alopezz2

I believe online classes are better than in-class teaching.

As someone who has taken quite a few courses online, I would say they definitely have their advantages. When it comes to online learning, you’re at your own pace and you get to work on your homework whenever you want. Of course, everything has a due date, but you know where and when you’re going to have the time to get to it.

Adult life can already be tough enough as it is because some of us have full-time or part-time jobs and others have kids. Balancing having to attend a class and dealing with real life can become a handful. However, being part of an online class, you won’t have to stress about finding a sitter or being late to work. The flexibility you have managing your own schedule is a great benefit in this case.

Taking a class online is also way more comfortable. Imagine sitting in an uncomfortable chair for hours in a traditional classroom and suffering from a back strain. With online courses, you can do your homework from your own bed or couch. Not only are you in

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Tracie Savage comfort, but the stress of looking for parking will be eliminated as well, and we all know how tough it can be trying to get a parking spot in the lots. In addition, you don’t have to worry about what you’re going to wear the next day. If you feel like lounging in your PJ’s all day, go for it! While taking an online class, students also receive the same amount of credits as if it were on campus. You also relieve the stress of attempting to crash a course. Campus classes are hard to find a seat in, but for online classes, you’re almost guaranteed a spot because the limit for students is much higher than those on campus. allopez.roundupnews@gmail.com

Lastly, sometimes getting questions answered in class can be tough with a lot of other students present. Online you can have a direct conversation with your professor, where you’re able to email them a more personalized question that you probably wouldn’t have the courage to ask in a normal classroom. Professors are also more likely to respond faster since they’re online most of the time.

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MARIA TRINIDAD Reporter

@mariat_roundup

There are many questions regarding whether students should take traditional classes or online classes. I personally believe that attending classes on-campus is more rewarding than taking them online as it gives students the opportunity to fully experience college.

Attending classes is more convenient because it shows that, even with a busy schedule, you are making time to show up to class. It proves that you are willing to learn and succeed no matter how hard it may be. I believe traditional education looks better on a transcript than online classes because it proves hard work and dedication.

Taking online classes doesn’t give you the opportunity to have a face-to-face conversation with your instructor. According to Forbes, communication is the most important skill that one needs to have. It will always be part of life and will definitely help improve the quality of life.

Communicating in person with both your instructor and classmates is definitely the most important thing. It helps improve your communication skills. Interacting in person gives you the chance to express your ideas and ask questions by using gestures and eye contact, which I believe are the most important elements in communication. By communicating online, there is a higher chance that instructors may not understand what you are trying to say, which may cause you to do poorly in class. mtrinidad.roundupnews@gmail.com

Besides the fact that you can better communicate with instructors and classmates, you have the chance to speak to faculty members and be recognized. If you have doubts or need help, schools have different departments to get your questions answered.

Traditional education is more expensive than online classes but is worth the money. With traditional education, you are experiencing your community. You are interacting with other people and getting to network with professionals within your major. Having contacts can lead you to a successful life. Most jobs you get are through people you know.

Joining clubs is also beneficial to many students as it looks good on a transcript. It shows that you engage with diverse groups of people and work well with others. It helps you gain leadership skills, which you will be using everyday in life.

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Cartoons and photos, unless run under the editorial masthead, and columns are the opinions of the creators and not necessarily that of the Roundup. The college newspaper is published as a learning experience under the college journalism instructional program. The editorial and advertising materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff. Under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by the virtue of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the L.A. Community College District, the college or any officer or employee thereof.