Multi-Genre Project

Tyus Martin 5/1/2014 Professor Connie Douglass ENGL 1102

Dear Reader,
What you are about to read is a representation of my research presented in many different genres. My research focused on whether attending college would be worth the time, effort, and money. I chose this subject because I wanted to know whether the money and time I would spend in college would be worth it after I graduate. A lot of my research is based on finding a job after college, and average salary wages. Its important to know because attending college is a big decision in many peoples lives. Money is another reason I wanted to research this topic. After graduating college, I would like to find a secure job that pays well. If I could find the same job no matter if I have a degree or not, then what would have been the purpose of having a degree? This is why one of my main voices in my research is that of the employers. The people who hire workers for their business are the only voices that matter when it comes to getting a job. My focus wasnt only on money and job security, but I also researched whether or not the experience of college is worth the money and effort.

Less than high school - $973,000 (10-12 years) G.E.D - $ 1,304,400 (13 years) Some College/No degree - $1,547,000 (13-14 years of school) Associates Degree - $1,727,000 (15 years of school) Bachelor's Degree - $2,268,000 (17 years of school) Master's Degree - $2671,000 (19-20 years of school) Doctoral Degree - $3,252,000 (*20+ years of school) Professional Degree - $3,648,000 (*20+ years of school)
*varies from customer to customer (All listed amounts are based on average lifetime earnings)

Rationale: The College Corral is a restaurant that lets the reader see how the different salaries are affected by the current education level. I wanted readers to see visuals of how college is worth it financially. The years in parenthesis are added so the reader knows that it takes time, something that you cant put a price on.

Persuasive Essay
Many people wonder if going to college would be worth the money, time, and effort. Attending college doesnt guarantee you a better job, and the amount of debt it brings afterwards can be stressful to deal with after graduating. Employers also do not hire people based on a degree, but on how experienced they are in the specific area. Even though there are many reasons not to attend college, there are many more reasons to attend. One of the main reasons many people attend to college is to find a secure job that pays well after graduating. Employers look to hire the best qualified person for the specified position; however, most of the time nobody fits the perfect qualifications so they

look towards the employee with the most broad knowledge. College broadens a wide range of knowledge and employers realize this when considering future employees. The amount of debt after graduating college may be stressful to deal with right away. The total cost of college may total around $150,000+ including living expenses. If you factor in inflation, in order for college to be worth it, you would have to make around $170,000 more than you would if you didnt attend. This means that a college degree will pay for itself if you make only $1.75 more hourly than you would have. There are many jobs out that may not require a college degree, but pay more. One thing a degree allows is for you to broaden your job options. Jobs that require a degree are usually less physically involved and have overall better benefits. College brings self-fulfillment in choosing a job that suits you better and allows you to do what you personally enjoy. The experience and social aspects of college can build connections and knowledge that you cant put a price on.

Rationale: I wrote a persuasive essay on attending college because many people are wondering if college is worth it. I wondered the same for myself, but never did research on it. After doing research, I wanted to show the readers what I found and my conclusions that I came to. I believe that if someone is considering not going to college, that there is enough material in my persuasive essay to actually persuade them into attending. It would also be cool to inspire someone to go to college and change their outcome.

TOP TEN LIST

1. College increases knowledge in many areas. Many degrees require core classes that broaden a range of skills such as communication skills and critical thinking. 2. It can open a whole new window of job opportunities. Many of the better jobs often have degree requirements. College is the window to the many new job opportunities it will offer. 3. College helps you learn more about what you want to do. College can help many lost people find out exactly what they want to do when they graduate. With many events and other things going on, college is a great way for a person to find themselves. 4. College develops independence. When youre living with your parents and then you suddenly move out, it can be stressful and difficult. College allows students to live in an independent but controlled environment.

When it is finally time to move out of Moms house, having gone through college will help you gain many skills for living on your own. 5. You meet many new people in college. The friends you make in college may be your friends for life. Plus, many of those people you do meet will help build a social network that you can use for years. 6. Starting a tradition. If you go to

college, then your children and grandchildren are more likely to go to college. Around 71 percent of students that have at least one parent that graduated college will apply themselves, while only 26 percent of students with no parents that graduated will apply. 7. Studying Abroad. In college, you may get the opportunity to study abroad. Studying abroad is a great way to experience new culture and diversity that would have never been experienced. 8. College builds self-awareness. The self-building skills that college builds are taken beyond school and into the future workplace.

9. There are many financial resources to help pay for college. College is definitely expensive, but there are many programs and financial aid resources available for anyone who really wants to attend. 10. SPRING BREAK! Well just fun in general. College is a fun place and the many parties can be distracting to many people. If you focus on exactly what youre supposed to do and balance it properly, college can be a very fun experience. Many people say that college was the best four years of their lives and are thankful for the experience college brings.

Rationale: I wanted to do a Top Ten list because there are infinitely many reasons to attend college, but I wanted to highlight the main ten. There are just as many reasons you could come up with to not go to college, but I wanted to inspire other people who are questioning their decision to attend college and strive for advancement.

Rationale: The amount of jobs that are requiring degrees are expanding,and we dont have enough Americans to fill the positions. Many companies are

hiring foreign employees to work for them. The wanted poster is in a wild western American theme because we need more American graduates to be hired rather than foreign workers. My rationale for choosing this genre was that I wanted to cleverly show that many American graduates are wanted.

Reflective Letter
Researching on whether college is worth it or not has definitely changed my perspective. I used to think that college was a waste of money because of all the general courses you have to take before taking what you actually wanted. After researching my topic, Ive learned that those general classes are broadening my other skills and Ive personally noticed some of the changes. I actually prefer using multiple genres to write rather than traditional essays. I believe that you can greater express your thoughts through multiple genres than you can just by writing a single type of medium. One thing I hope my audience learns from my multi genre project, is that college isnt all about getting money and a great job in the future. College is about bettering yourself as a person and being prepared for whatever life gives you by using critical thinking skills. You can use your knowledge and connections made during college later on in life. I feel accomplished after completing this project because I was personally asking myself this question. I didnt know if I wanted to go to college or start working already. Ive learned a lot from college already that I know Ill use later in life, and after researching whether or not college is worth it for a whole semester, I believe that I have made the correct decision.