AWARENESS MONTH NOMINATION: What issue or cause should receive its own "awareness" month?

• "There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction.” -Winston Churchill
• “The time is always right to do what is right.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
• “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Mohatma Ghandi

Details:  We saw NFL players wearing pink throughout October in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness month.  We will pay tribute to the role of African-Americans throughout February during Black History month.  Now think about the topics on which you're passionate, and share your thoughts on a single issue or cause that should receive its own awareness month.

In the essay, we asked teens to include:

• Is this a local, regional, national, international or planetary issue?
• Why is this issue important?
• Who does the issue impact?
• How could the message be spread?
• Are there any organizations, companies or blogs currently trying to make a difference to increase awareness on this issue?

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Immediately below, you'll find links to the StageofLife.com winning essay and our semi-finalists from people from every stage of life about awareness. Essays were submitted directly to StageofLife.com during it's site-wide November/December 2011 writing contest.  Please take a few moments to read an essay or two.  If you have the time, make a comment on the responses you enjoyed the most.  We know the writers will love hearing your positive input (they'll get an email notifying them if you comment on their contest entry).

Winner:

• Awareness Month Nomination: Don’t Let Another One Die From Suicide by NCpollyCA (Suicide prevention deserves an entire year, let alone one month)

Runners Up:

1. Awareness Month Nomination: Realizing Time by Guerillafilth (“Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional”)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: Increasing Awesome by Papples (Stage of Life should feature “awesome” news stories from around the world)

ALL Finalists:

Teen Finalists:

1.       Awareness Month Nomination: The Silent Killer Reigns No More by Mildstart (Ovarian Cancer is often too far developed by the time it is diagnosed)

2.       Awareness Month Nomination: Down Syndrome Awareness Month by bright_eyes_97 (People with Down Syndrome are “more alike than different”)

3.       Awareness Month Nomination: CMT Awareness Month: The Beginning of the End by Smilin’AlltheWay (CMT is a subset of Muscular Dystrophy)

4.       Awareness Month Nomination: Not JUST Breast Cancer by kelseymariehammond13 (All cancers matter)

5.       Awareness Month Nomination: Psychiatric Help is Not a Bad Thing by twinkleye (We need to remove the stigma attached to psychiatric treatments)

6.       Awareness Month Nomination: Wanting to Love Your Body by haleyw248 (Her friend suffers from bulimia)

7.       Awareness Month Nomination: Eating Disorders Can Be Prevented by ahardcastle (70 million people worldwide suffer from eating disorders)

8.       Awareness Month Nomination: Invisible Illnesses by formysilence (There is an awful stigma surrounding mental illness)

9.       Awareness Month Nomination: Depression by bigred7 (54% of the population believes that depression is a personal weakness)

10.       Awareness Month Nomination: Healthy living possible for… everyone? by wu.nilson (Healthy living may not be possible for all people, especially those without the proper resources to maintain a healthy lifestyle)

11.       Awareness Month Nomination: I’m A Boy by KWalker (This teen struggles with depression because his mom won’t accept that he is a male)

12.       Awareness Month Nomination: The Right to Show a Smile by writer123 (Women are still second-class citizens in Saudi Arabia)

13.       Awareness Month Nomination: The Power of Women by ciaobella14 (Women are not a lesser sex)

14.       Awareness Month Nomination: Unite to Stop Sexism by Mzelinger (Women still have a long way to go in terms of rights)

15.       Awareness Month Nomination: Far, Far Away by mynameislynn (We need to help educate children in Africa, and stop human trafficking)

16.       Awareness Month Nomination: Annually Acknowledging Daily Issues by amanda.tucker (Awareness months don’t accomplish anything)

17.       Awareness Month Nomination: Caring and Kindness by xoLynnnieC (She started an organization called H.O.P.E.)

18.       Awareness Month Nomination: Focus On What Matters by athai716 (We need to end procrastination)

19.       Awareness Month Nomination: Censorship’s Insufficiency by nimrgo (Our government is threatening the Internet with the Stop Online Piracy Act)

20.       Awareness Month Nomination: Providing a Helping Hand by edavidoff (Prosthetics are important to give to those who need it)

21.       Awareness Month Nomination: Beautiful, Inside and Out by YellowMelon ;) (Beauty does not depend on a person’s looks)

22.       Awareness Month Nomination: Texting and Driving Can and Should Be Stopped by abby_volleyball (5,800 deaths occur each year because of texting and driving)

23.       Awareness Month Nomination: Increasing Awesome by Papples (Stage of Life should feature “awesome” news stories from around the world)

24.       Awareness Month Nomination: Be Forever Young by jmicoleta (Take time to enjoy being a teen)

25.       Awareness Month Nomination: No More Tears by horselover (A letter to her friend turned bully)

26.       Awareness Month Nomination: Animal Testing by ImAStarkidGirl (Of 3 million animals tested on around the world, 2.5 million of them are tested in America)

27.       Awareness Month Nomination: Wildlife Conservation by ersc13 (Prevent the destruction of endangered animals)

28.       Awareness Month Nomination: Near-Extinction Needs More Protection by ClaudiaR94 (“Life on earth is limited.”)

29.       Awareness Month Nomination: Teen Suicide Can Be Prevented Just By You by Shamira.McC (Suicide is entirely possible to prevent, but no one likes to talk about it)

30.      Awareness Month Nomination: Don’t Let Another One Die From Suicide by NCpollyCA (Suicide prevention deserves an entire year, let alone one month)

31.      Awareness Month Nomination: I Was Tortured By a Drunken Chimpanzee and the Teeny Bop Queens: My Time Spent Lonely by Quirky Eyes (She was bullied in school; and her father was a violent alcoholic)

32.      Awareness Month Nomination: Speak Up by QuincyBulin (Speak up when you think something is wrong; or sit with the “weird” kid—make a difference)

33.      Awareness Month Nomination: Ridding the World of Rape by JayCee17 (Rape is a painful and traumatic experience)

34.      Awareness Month Nomination: Save Spaceship Earth by jerrylin1217 (We need to be more environmentally friendly to help protect the earth)

35.      Awareness Month Nomination: Go Green to Save the Future by notomorrow (Global warming is not a hoax)

36.      Awareness Month Nomination: Life Outside of the Outlet by lizziefulton04 (Energy consumption awareness; spend less time in front of the TV and more time with loved ones)

37.      Awareness Month Nomination: The Simple Act of Volunteering by magda (Volunteers provide support and guidance for those in need)

38.      Awareness Month Nomination: High School Completion by flippy997 (One-third of high school students do not graduate)

39.      Awareness Month Nomination: Ignorance is Not Bliss by dreamingforpeace (Eradicate illiteracy)

40.      Awareness Month Nomination: The Effects of Dirty Drinking Water by kbor1501 (Many children die from unsafe drinking water)

On My Own Finalists: 

1.      Awareness Month Nomination: Realizing Time by Guerillafilth (“Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional”)

2.      Awareness Month Nomination: Give Them Back Their Voices by Writer Selbe (We need a month to remember the victims of “bullycide”)

Homeowner Finalists:

1.      Awareness Month Nomination: The Homeless by REENA (We need to better show the homeless that we care, and are willing to help)

Parent Finalists:

1.      Awareness Nomination Month: Autoimmune Disease by Deb Claxton (Although there is more awareness for cancer, more people are diagnosed with autoimmune diseases—and yet there is hardly any awareness for them)

Empty Nest/Retirement Finalists:

1.      Awareness Month Nomination: Little Things Make a Profound Difference by momaloft

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Featured Awareness of the Month Essays...

Immediately below, you'll find links to the StageofLife.com hundreds of other personal essays from people from every stage of life about awareness categorized. Essays were submitted directly to StageofLife.com during it's site-wide November/December 2011 writing contest.  Please take a few moments to read an essay or two.  If you have the time, make a comment on the responses you enjoyed the most.  We know the writers will love hearing your positive input (they'll get an email notifying them if you comment on their contest entry).

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Health Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: Pancreatic Cancer by destiny (She lost her father to pancreatic cancer)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: High School Drug Awareness by Wilken95 (Too many students use drugs and alcohol, so it is important to spread the truth about drug use)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Yes, there is hunger in America by vumb88 (Why is there hunger in a country full of excess food?)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: The Key to AIDS Prevention is Education by cgilchrest2 (Though AIDS education, AIDS can be prevented
5. Awareness Month Nomination: Education + Awareness = Prevention by Asia Scott (Even though people are being more education on HIV, more needs to be done)
6. Awareness Month Nomination: Grant Hailey’s Wish by nestoner212 (Spread awareness for mitochondrial diseases)
7. Awareness Month Nomination: Be Aware for Cancer: It’s everywhere by elisenolet20 (All cancers should be recognized)
8. Awareness Month Nomination: The Silent Killer Reigns No More by Mildstart (Ovarian Cancer is often too far developed by the time it is diagnosed)
9. Awareness Month Nomination: Save the Next Life by melissa.sawyer30 (Heart Disease kills someone every 30 seconds)
10. Awareness Month Nomination: Leukemia’s Time to Change by jess.ojala (Her uncle was diagnosed with Leukemia)
11. Awareness Month Nomination: Epilepsy by Swagg Master (Both this teen and his father suffer from seizures)
12. Awareness Month Nomination: A Family, a Disease, and a Single Wish by teampeeta4ever (This teen lost her grandmother to colon cancer)
13. Awareness Month Nomination: Imposter Syndrome by riserthinking (This mental illness dictates a person’s attitude and behavior)
14. Awareness Month Nomination: Down Syndrome Awareness Month by bright_eyes_97 (People with Down Syndrome are “more alike than different”)
15. Awareness Month Nomination: Melanoma Awareness Month by souimette (Melanoma contributes to 75% of all skin cancer deaths)
16. Awareness Month Nomination: Allergies are our Enemies by samnmacy (Allergies can be debilitating and uncomfortable)
17. Awareness Month Nomination: HIV/AIDS Month by Malinee (Education is the most important form of prevention)
18. Awareness Month Nomination: Alzheimer’s Awareness by jw_england (Scientists are still unsure how Alzheimer’s begins)
19. Awareness Month Nomination: Awareness for the Big D by ileana13 (Diabetes has killed 3.4 million people)
20. Awareness Month Nomination: Meningococcal Meningitis by Cor3yBornemann12 (Prevent this life-threatening disease)
21. Awareness Month Nomination: Strokes by sierrawatts (Strokes are the third leading cause of death in America)
22. Awareness Month Nomination: Asperger’s Syndrome by LexiStowe7 (Asperger’s is a form of autism)
23. Awareness Month Nomination: Leukemia by callawaymorgan (Leukemia only has a 50% survival rate)
24. Awareness Month Nomination: Health Care by firebee (People need healthcare to get better)
25. Awareness Month Nomination: Breast Cancer is World Wide by I<3Kailee (Fundraisers help fight breast cancer)
26. Awareness Month Nomination: The World of Help by EmilyGrammer (Find a cure for many life-threatening worldwide diseases)
27. Awareness Month Nomination: Disability Awareness Month by a1valletutti (Treat people with disabilities like people)
28. Awareness Month Nomination: CMT Awareness Month: The Beginning of the End by Smilin’AlltheWay (CMT is a subset of Muscular Dystrophy)
29. Awareness Month Nomination: Kids and Drugs by Ostee (Many high school students use hard drugs)
30. Awareness Month Nomination: The Fight Against Cancer by graceevleen (Cancer is a painful and frightening experience)
31. Awareness Month Nomination: Not JUST Breast Cancer by kelseymariehammond13 (All cancers matter)
32. Awareness Month Nomination: Eliminating MNT by lirpapril36 (MNT affects mothers and babies in poor countries like Africa)
33. Awareness Month Nomination: Why I am Not Celebrating Breast Cancer by Manish Tripathi (We need to get serious about ending Breast Cancer)
34. Awareness Month Nomination: Fighting Against Leukemia by sunnysideup05 (Her classmate’s younger sister had leukemia)
35. Awareness Month Nomination: Awareness of the Dangers of Pharmaceutical Drugs by l_of_missa (Many pharmaceutical drugs cause further health problems)
36. Awareness Month Nomination: Hasta La Vista Obesity by poemwriter4life (Almost two-thirds of all Americans are overweight or obese
37. Awareness Month Nomination: Malnutrition Awareness: Why Not? by helloder (Malnutrition is just as severe, if not more severe than, obesity) 
38. Awareness Month Nomination: Having clean water will change their lives forever by teen4change (This teen is working to get clean water to Africa)
39. Awareness Month Nomination: Benefits of Walking by riserthinking (Walk to increase physical activity)
40. Awareness Nomination Month: Autoimmune Disease by Deb Claxton (Although there is more awareness for cancer, more people are diagnosed with autoimmune diseases—and yet there is hardly any awareness for them)
41. Awareness Month Nomination: Premi Month by hollyrenae12 (Premature babies face many life-threatening diseases and disorders)
42. Awareness Month Nomination: Life Must Be Cherished From Conception by LifeofFaith (Life begins at conception)

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Mental Health Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: Mental Health by amlloyd123456 (This teen recounts her struggles with an anxiety disorder)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: Mental Health Care by cher084 (Health care is very expensive)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Stress by r.eberhardt (Stress can cause other health problems)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: Psychiatric Help is Not a Bad Thing by twinkleye (We need to remove the stigma attached to psychiatric treatments)
5.  Awareness Month Nomination: Promoting Good Body Image and Stopping Eating Disorders by gshippy (10% of women suffer from an eating disorder)
6. Awareness Month Nomination: Eating Disorder by yellowmuffin (People endure anything to fit in)
7.  Awareness Month Nomination: Wanting to Love Your Body by haleyw248 (Her friend suffers from bulimia)
8. Awareness Month Nomination: Alcoholism by kaileeanne (Alcoholism hurts everyone)
9. Awareness Month Nomination: Controlling Our Electronic Health by MMcConnell (The internet hurts our “electronic health”)
10. Awareness Month Nomination: Eating Disorders Can Be Prevented by ahardcastle (70 million people worldwide suffer from eating disorders)
11. Awareness Month Nomination: Bringing Brightness to the Darkest Days by eileen7866 (Clinical depression interferes with a person’s everyday activities)
12. Awareness Month Nomination: Invisible Illnesses by formysilence (There is an awful stigma surrounding mental illness)
13. Awareness Month Nomination: Depression is not a life-sentence by tjgirl24 (Depression awareness can prevent suicide)
14. Awareness Month Nomination: Just Close Your Eyes and Breathe by artfreak889 (Sometimes we need to relax)
15. Awareness Month Nomination: Dying For Perfection by maddie.shea (Her friend was diagnosed with Anorexia)
16. Awareness Month Nomination: A World of Derelict Minds by tcombs1 (Mental illness is different cultures)
17. Awareness Month Nomination: Depression by bigred7 (54% of the population believes that depression is a personal weakness)

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Obesity Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: Fatrocity by moneysaver0007 (Obesity also affects a person’s psychology)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: Drop Obesity Rate, Make A Healthier America by vrmarti (Half of the American population will be obese by 2030)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Obesity Awareness Month by NathanNorris (Obesity contributes to many deadly problems)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: Obesity by Esovess (Food companies care more about profits than health)
5. Awareness Month Nomination: Noticing Obesity in Our World by Marckeezy (Parents should encourage kids to be active)
6. Awareness Month Nomination: Obesity by vader (68% of US adults are overweight)
7. Awareness Month Nomination: Healthy living possible for… everyone? by wu.nilson (Healthy living may not be possible for all people, especially those without the proper resources to maintain a healthy lifestyle)

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Gender/Sexuality Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: I’m A Boy by KWalker (This teen struggles with depression because his mom won’t accept that he is a male)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: The Right to Show a Smile by writer123 (Women are still second-class citizens in Saudi Arabia)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Why is Gay not the Way? by ithekorea (We need to support LGBT rights)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: Homosexuals are Human too by elalime (Many people are ignorant about homosexuals)
5. Awareness Month Nomination: Gay Marriage by bruhandunn (Every state should allow gay marriage)
6. Awareness Month Nomination: The Power of Women by ciaobella14 (Women are not a lesser sex)
7. Awareness Month Nomination: Responsibilities For Women by vyang080 (Sexist piece about how apparently women shouldn’t go out on weekends)
8. Awareness Month Nomination: Unite to Stop Sexism by Mzelinger (Women still have a long way to go in terms of rights)
9. Awareness Month Nomination: Same Sex Marriage by cristyw143 (The government should not decide who can and cannot be married)
10. Awareness Month Nomination: Gays by doritos14 (Gays are no different than straights)
11. Awareness Month Nomination: It’s Great to Wait by ebonybrown8 (Girls should wait to have sex)
12. Awareness Month Nomination: Heel at a Time by smaileyface (Feminism is still important)
13. Awareness Month Nomination: The Other Side of Sexism by venetian_cappuccino (There are two sides to sexism)
14. Awareness Month Nomination: Ms. Independent by Dare2Dream (Society relies on women more than they think)
15. Awareness Month Nomination: It’s STIL a Man’s World by qcummings96 (Women remain the second sex in too many countries, including America)

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Culture/Race Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: Culture Judgment by shortebaby (This teen doesn’t think it’s fair that Muslims are treated poorly because of 9/11)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: Far, Far Away by mynameislynn (We need to help educate children in Africa, and stop human trafficking)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Stopping Racism by Emilyvl95 (Race should not define who you are)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: Inside School Racism by lunatic32920 (Segregation still exists)
5. Awareness Month Nomination: Let Us Kill Corruption by saket (This student wants to see an end to corruption in India)
6. Awareness Month Nomination: If Only the World was Colorblind by modi_ritika07 (A person should not be harmed based on the color of their skin)
7. Awareness Month Nomination: Patriotism by Mads (Be proud of America)
8. Awareness Month Nomination: Hmong Memorial by tyang223 (People should be educated about the Hmong people)
9. Awareness Month Nomination: Underground Prejudice by danijazz.nm@gmail.com (Slavery and sex trafficking still exist)
10. Awareness Month Nomination: Global Understanding by nlar1501 (Understand global cultures)
11. Awareness Month Nomination: Equal Rights by leaphighschool123 (Hmong people live in Laos)
12. Awareness Month Nomination: Racism by ntchividjian (Racism is still a major issue in the US)
13. Awareness Month Nomination: International Communication Month by Jiyeon Seo (Different cultures need to come together so they are more accepting of each other)

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Alternative Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: Annually Acknowledging Daily Issues by amanda.tucker (Awareness months don’t accomplish anything)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: The dangerous 5 letter word by nikitasaha12 (People, and countries, should handle power with the utmost care)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Caring and Kindness by xoLynnnieC (She started an organization called H.O.P.E.)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: End the Bend by Hilana (Better posture leads to a positive outlook)
5. Awareness Month Nomination: Life by pinklady18 (We need to celebrate the time we have alive)
6. Awareness Month Nomination: Focus On What Matters by athai716 (We need to end procrastination)
7. Awareness Month Nomination: Censorship’s Insufficiency by nimrgo (Our government is threatening the Internet with the Stop Online Piracy Act)
8. Awareness Month Nomination: Synapse Beta Sub-Sixteen by vidur27 (Common sense is man’s most valuable attribute)
9. Awareness Month Nomination: Providing a Helping Hand by edavidoff (Prosthetics are important to give to those who need it)
10. Awareness Month Nomination: Car Insurance Awareness Month by Ehmoo (Car insurance is too expensive)
11. Awareness Month Nomination: Divorce by penj2810 (Divorce adversely affects children)
12. Awareness Month Nomination: Anesthesiologists Should Be Better Recognized by lsmith (Anesthesiologists are important medical personnel)
13. Awareness Month Nomination: Beautiful, Inside and Out by YellowMelon ;) (Beauty does not depend on a person’s looks)
14. Awareness Month Nomination: Human Trafficking by MorganSmith (Human trafficking is worse than murder)
15. Awareness Month Nomination: Ginger Awareness Month by Stephanie (Parody piece about redheads)
16. Awareness Month Nomination: Credit Card Debt by kher096 (Many people have uncontrollable credit card spending)
17. Awareness Month Nomination: Divorce by chang ka (Divorce leads to death?)
18. Awareness Month Nomination: Military Veterans by sonrobinrobinson (Recognize those who have served overseas)
19. Awareness Month Nomination: Texting and Driving Can and Should Be Stopped by abby_volleyball (5,800 deaths occur each year because of texting and driving)
20. Awareness Month Nomination: Single Moms by riya (We need more than one month to appreciate mothers)
21. Awareness Month Nomination: Increasing Awesome by Papples (Stage of Life should feature “awesome” news stories from around the world)
22. Awareness Month Nomination: Be Forever Young by jmicoleta (Take time to enjoy being a teen)
23. Awareness Month Nomination: Manners are a key to peace by zwebley (America has a lack of manners)
24. Awareness Month Nomination: Youth Potential Month by CarrieLeslie (Kids shouldn’t be forced to grow up)
25. Awareness Month Nomination: Americans Express Appreciation for the Military by mielejas123 (It is important for Americans to appreciate those who serve overseas)
26. Awareness Month Nomination: Every Kid Deserves a Family by rachelrev07 (Her family almost adopted a child)
27. Awareness Month Nomination: A Hero’s Homecoming and the Ultimate Act of Service by GPG (Honor the military)
28. Awareness Month Nomination: Without Loved Ones to Hold for the Holidays by RudieCantFail (Her father works overseas)
29. Awareness Month Nomination: Please Write by Birdie (Writing is fun and relieves stress)
30. Awareness Month Nomination: Buying American Made Products by justtalkin (Buying American products creates more jobs in America)
31. Awareness Month Nomination: The Unsung Martyrs by yiyijessicali (Immigrants help make America great)

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Teen Pregnancy/Abortion Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: One-Fourth of My Generation is Missing by Theresa (Abortion is wrong)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: Life Cut Short by corinaballerina (Abortion prevention)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Encourage a Teen Mom Day by Alaura (Spread awareness about sex education and teen parents)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: Teen Pregnancy in America by crystal_lynne15 (We need more comprehensive sex education)
5. Awareness Month Nomination: Q) Needing Love A) Adoption by tianaaa14 (Adoption promotes love, and is the ultimate sacrifice)

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Individuality Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: Individual Awareness by DesignNextX (We need to celebrate our individual uniqueness)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: Individuality Awareness by vChuTHHS (We need to reclaim our individuality, and not submit to cliques)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Individuality Matters by Iozia29 (Conformity should not rule our lives)

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Bullying/Self-Hate/Self-Harm Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: Bullying by DreamyGal (Bullying deserves more than a week-long awareness)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: Let Kids be Kids by kelsey_roberts (Homophobia only increases bullying)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Stop the Bullying by breana_lee25 (Speak up if you see bullying)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: Stand up, Stop bullying by rhiFTW (We can prevent bullying by standing up for the bullied, or standing up to our bullies)
5. Awareness Month Nomination: The battles of bullying by KrnGirlRocks (Bullying is a life or death situation)
6. Awareness Month Nomination: Prejudice by schlage (We need to stop judging others for being different)
7. Awareness Month Nomination: Self-Hate Awareness Month by chaness1000 (We need to acknowledge the self hate issue)
8. Awareness Month Nomination: Self-Hatred Awareness Month by xxcrowngirrlxx (We need to learn to value ourselves)
9. Awareness Month Nomination: Social Interactions by NicoDeJaVu (Put a smile on the faces of those who are bullied)
10. Awareness Month Nomination: Cyberbullying by be_the__change (Bullying can be emotionally damaging)
11. Awareness Month Nomination: Bullying by musicnerd (Victims of bullying are more likely to commit crimes)
12. Awareness Month Nomination: Bully Awareness Month by Drizzy_Drake_11 (About 7% of high schoolers have attempted suicide)
13. Awareness Month Nomination: Making Amends With Your Enemies by Nicky (Get to know your enemy)
14. Awareness Month Nomination: Cyber Bullying Can and Needs to Stop by MalloryEllis5796 (Cyber bullying contributes to a teen’s negative self-esteem and thoughts of suicide)
15. Awareness Month Nomination: Self-Injury is real by courageouslittlegirl (Self-injury is a negative coping mechanism)
16. Awareness Month Nomination: Cyber Bullying by Christy Marie (10,000 people are cyber bullied everyday)
17. Awareness Month Nomination: We Have Feelings Too by Mia.N.B15 (Stop bullying LGBT people)
18. Awareness Month Nomination: The Bullying Crisis by mayzok1 (Bullying negatively affects teens)
19. Awareness Month Nomination: “I’ll Accept You For You.” by Crystal_Jay (Learn to accept everyone’s differences)
20. Awareness Month Nomination: No More Tears by horselover (A letter to her friend turned bully)
21. Awareness Month Nomination: The Truth Concerning Reflections of Body Image by lissalovesyouxo (People should feel good about how they look)
22. Awareness Month Nomination: Different isn’t Bad by hambam18 (Flaws make a person unique)
23. Awareness Month Nomination: Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover by starsalwaysshine (Stereotypes are mostly negative and harmful)
24. Awareness Month Nomination: Beauty Made Beautiful by Kbrew12 (The media negatively influences “beauty”)
25. Awareness Month Nomination: Give Them Back Their Voices by Writer Selbe (We need a month to remember the victims of “bullycide”)
26. Awareness Month Nomination: Cyberbullying by vchen199 (A letter to a bully)

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Animal Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: Punish the People, Not the Pits! by whitwar (Pit Bulls are loving and loyal dogs, not the vicious animals they are made out to be)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: Puppy Mills’ Time for Freedom by Hj.Jasmine (We need to work to shut down puppy mills)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: I <3 Pounds by petra.davis (We need to donate money to shelters so innocent animals can be cared for and find their forever homes)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: Abolish Animal Abuse Month by Cystele1211 (All animals should be loved and cared for)
5. Awareness Month Nomination: Animal Testing by ImAStarkidGirl (Of 3 million animals tested on around the world, 2.5 million of them are tested in America)
6. Awareness Month Nomination: The Ones that Keep Our Less Fortunate Strong by emilypeters (This teen wants a month to celebrate the bond between humans and animals)
7. Awareness Month Nomination: Dogs Month by mrlesson230 (Call attention to the destruction of dogs)
8. Awareness Month Nomination: Animal Cruelty by ldendy9900 (People shouldn’t harm animals for entertainment)
9. Awareness Month Nomination: Wildlife Conservation by ersc13 (Prevent the destruction of endangered animals)
10. Awareness Month Nomination: Animals Are Important Too by ashleystrz (Animals are abused now more than ever)
11. Awareness Month Nomination: Near-Extinction Needs More Protection by ClaudiaR94 (“Life on earth is limited.”)
12. Awareness Month Nomination: You May Never See Their Faces Again—Endangered Animals by panda102 (All animals, especially endangered animals, are necessary to the food chain)
13. Awareness Month Nomination: Breaking the Chain by DayWithoutChains (Chained dogs are statistically more violent)
14. Awareness Month Nomination: Animal Abuse by maddenman45 (Don’t be cruel to animals)
15. Awareness Month Nomination: Save the Elephants by brinka (We need to protect elephants)

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Suicide Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: Teen Suicide Can Be Prevented Just By You by Shamira.McC (Suicide is entirely possible to prevent, but no one likes to talk about it)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: You Are Beautiful by livelovelaugh22 (Her friend almost killed herself this summer)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Suicide Can Be Prevented by ChinaDoll1997 (Suicide prevention and education is extremely important)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: Don’t Let Another One Die From Suicide by NCpollyCA (Suicide prevention deserves an entire year, let alone one month)
5. Awareness Month Nomination: Suicide Season; We Can End This by bwarner95 (We need to stop the suicide epidemic)
6. Awareness Month Nomination: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month by arjay (Suicide is the third leading cause of death in teens)
7. Awareness Month Nomination: Suicide by KaylaRena (89 people commit suicide per day)
8. Awareness Month Nomination: It Gets Better by MaddieMitchell (An anti-suicide project aimed at LGBT youth)
9. Awareness Month Nomination: Suicide by amandapetruzzello (Regularly tell your loved ones how much you loved them)
10. Awareness Month Nomination: Stopping the Hardships of Suicide by Paige Spy (Help teens who feel depressed)
11. Awareness Month Nomination: Suicide by DejaJessica (This teen’s experience and feelings about suicide)
12. Awareness Month Nomination: The Little Things Don’t Matter When You’re About to Lose Your Best Friend by hetalrp97
13. Awareness Month Nomination: What Stress Can Do by Zokirsh (Stress induces suicide)
14. Awareness Month Nomination: Teenage Suicide by paige.nikles (A close friend committed suicide)

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Arts Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: The Importance of Performing Arts by dramaqueen16 (Art classes—including chorus—help students learn about themselves)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: PITCH Into Preserving Classical Music! by sharonchinners (Classical music is a dying art form, but it should be appreciated)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Art Education by ominousbells (Many schools are cutting art programs)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: The Important of Art in Schools by Kenzie (Art can change a student’s life)

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Safety Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: How to Save a Life by teenagedream015 (It is important to know ATV Safety)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: The Heart of the Survivor by alliefairchild96 (“You are strongest at your weakest point”)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Child Safety Matters by KatelynShear (We need to prevent child abduction)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: The Youth by alanestrada (Stop child abuse)
5. Awareness Month Nomination: Help Teens At-Risk by Dijonia (Provide programs to help at-risk teens stay active and productive)
6. Awareness Month Nomination: Prostitution Should Be Stopped by ilovemypets15 (Many children are sold into sex slavery)

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Violence Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: Preventing Bruises by KatNew (Between 1,000-2,000 women die each year because of domestic violence)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: Peace by sonysideup (Violent epidemics like the Holocaust should be remembered)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Stopping the Cycle of Abuse by Kitkat2 (We need to help victims of domestic abuse and child abuse)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: I Was Tortured By a Drunken Chimpanzee and the Teeny Bop Queens: My Time Spent Lonely by Quirky Eyes (She was bullied in school; and her father was a violent alcoholic)
5. Awareness Month Nomination: Speak Up by QuincyBulin (Speak up when you think something is wrong; or sit with the “weird” kid—make a difference)
6. Awareness Month Nomination: Peaceful conversation by hsamoo (Families should work toward conflict resolution)
7. Awareness Month Nomination: Ridding the World of Rape by JayCee17 (Rape is a painful and traumatic experience)
8. Awareness Month Nomination: Appreciation by sadiewilloughby (Kindness prevents violence and suicide)
9. Awareness Month Nomination: Domestic Abuse by ColtPickens (Domestic abuse should not be tolerated)
10. Awareness Month Nomination: A Cure for the Uncurable by mireyaarreola93 (Smash rape culture; teach men not to rape)
11. Awareness Month Nomination: Unexploded Ordinance is a Real Problem by mattvohr (The UN sends workers in to locate unexploded bombs)
12. Awareness Month Nomination: “Girls are not for sale”: GEMS.org by samesam123 (Prevent sex trafficking and child slavery)
13. Awareness Month Nomination: Together We Can Put an End to Abuse by rosieposie (More than 5 children die every day from child abuse)

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Environmental Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: Save Spaceship Earth by jerrylin1217 (We need to be more environmentally friendly to help protect the earth)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: Suffering From Our Own Pollution by rereheartux3 (Pollution affects humans, animals, and our home, earth)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Go Green to Save the Future by notomorrow (Global warming is not a hoax)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: Earth Day Not Only for a Day by ribbitsquad2 (We need to protect the planet more regularly and more effectively)
5. Awareness Month Nomination: The Plastic World by pk madness (Plastic can destroy the environment)
6. Awareness Month Nomination: Life Outside of the Outlet by lizziefulton04 (Energy consumption awareness; spend less time in front of the TV and more time with loved ones)
7. Awareness Month Nomination: Go Green by SAponte12 (Awareness on how to make our country more environmentally-friendly)
8. Awareness Month Nomination: Stop Destroying Forests by Naydohmoo (Support organizations that support the environment)
9. Awareness Month Nomination: Stop Pollution by lweaamerica (Air pollution hurts humans)
10. Awareness Month Nomination: Natural Disasters by hsalakkhu (Natural disasters happen because of humans)
11. Awareness Month Nomination: Deforestation by San Da Aye (Losing trees means losing our beautiful and natural home)
12. Awareness Month Nomination: Global Warming: Think About It by kaleigh_forever (Global warming affects the planet)
13. Awareness Month Nomination: Global Warming by Zack3442 (Global warming will affect our generation)
14. Awareness Month Nomination: Global Warming Myths can be stopped by jurbauer (Global warming is a liberal myth)
15. Awareness Month Nomination: The World Can Be Saved! by lilysollberger (Green habits should be required of people)
16. Awareness Month Nomination: Let’s Plant Hope One Tree At A Time by underthefryingpan (She proposes a joint book and nature day)
17. Awareness Month Nomination: So We Can Breathe by jolly.dum_dum (“Humans are responsible for the well-being of their planet”)
18. Awareness Month Nomination: Recycling by strawberry (Recycling can save the planet)

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Volunteering Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: The Simple Act of Volunteering by magda (Volunteers provide support and guidance for those in need)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: Volunteer by kvelock14 (People should learn to give back to those in need)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: International Charity Month by nraphia125 (UNICEF helps families all over the world who need help)

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Education Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: Teacher Appreciation by kjy200700 (Teachers do not receive the respect they deserve)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: Scholarship Awareness by D01611701 (Scholarships are important to help struggling college students pay for school)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Education—The Limit Does Not Exist by lenasdeb (America should develop a National Subject of Choice Month)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: High School Completion by flippy997 (One-third of high school students do not graduate)
5. Awareness Month Nomination: The Issue of Education by Brianna898 (Every person deserves access to a sufficient education)
6. Awareness Month Nomination: Education by WhiteBlankPage (Budget cuts are hurting schools)
7. Awareness Month Nomination: Education by hlubkoj91 (Better education means better jobs)
8. Awareness Month Nomination: Knowledge is Key by jfajardo (Americans need to be better educated about their country)
9. Awareness Month Nomination: A Nightmare in the Form of Education by polkadot101 (America’s education system is subpar)
10. Awareness Month Nomination: Ignorance is Not Bliss by dreamingforpeace (Eradicate illiteracy)
11. Awareness Month Nomination: Ignorance is Neither Strength Nor Bliss by roygbiv (Many Americans are geographically illiterate)
12. Awareness Month Nomination: What Awareness Month? by Fulloflife95 (Education for children around the world)

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Poverty Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: Let’s Get Involved to End Poverty by a.chan (We need to help those suffering in poverty)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: Worldwide Poverty Month by khusbu96 (America should donate money to poorer countries)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Water Issues by ToewsIsaBeast (Many countries do not have adequate water)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: Starvation by pyang332 (Many people go without food)
5. Awareness Month Nomination: World Poverty by eldrummer619 (Worldwide poverty does not compare to poverty in South America or other struggling areas)
6. Awareness Month Nomination: Hunger by katherinevo (Raise money to help starving people across the world)
7. Awareness Month Nomination: Third-World Country by micahowens21 (Help third-world countries)
8. Awareness Month Nomination: The Effects of Dirty Drinking Water by kbor1501 (Many children die from unsafe drinking water)
9. Awareness Month Nomination: Inner City Month by Beola (Inner cities are dangerous wastelands)
10. Awareness Month Nomination: Hurting Community by L4HIM (A month to help the poor)
11. Awareness Month Nomination: World Hunger by merryhappyy (1.02 billion people in the world don’t get enough to eat)
12. Awareness Month Nomination: World Thirst by daklew (2 billion people don’t have access to water)
13. Awareness Month Nomination: Everyone Deserves a Place to Call Home by elove1 (Address the homeless issue in America)
14. Awareness Month Nomination: Clean Water: Is It a Privilege or a Right? by IBgirly754 (More people die from diseases from unclean water than from war)
15. Awareness Month Nomination: Hungers of the World by cvoetberg (The US should donate food that is not corn-based)
16. Awareness Month Nomination: Homelessness in America by Keyboardqueen12 (We need to alleviate the homelessness problem in America)

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Athletics Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: Lack of Activity by jamrox32 (More people become sick when they aren’t physically active)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: National Athletic Month by Knock Knock Whos there come in (This month would be dedicated to healthy lifestyles)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Physical Fitness by Gage Parker (Healthy lifestyles prevent obesity and diabetes)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: Exercise or Die by Maurice (People need to make exercise a priority)
5. Awareness Month Nomination: Soccer hooliganism. How come? by CatttaStrophe (Hooligans need to stop being violent)
6. Awareness Month Nomination: Technology is Taking Over by icain (People should be more active, and use less technology)

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Peace Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: War and Peace by mvang (War needs to stop)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: World Peace forever, everything gets better by gloriawyszynski (We should strive for non-violence and world peace)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Keep the Peace by Dare2Dream (America fights unnecessary wars)
4. Awareness Month Nomination: Promoting World Peace by ethioprinces23 (“Without peace, the world would be in constant chaos.”)

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Age Awareness

1. Awareness Month Nomination: Honor Elders Month by ernidhiarora (Everyone should respect elders, not shame them)
2. Awareness Month Nomination: Children are the Future by nela (Children need to be taught to capable and mature adults)
3. Awareness Month Nomination: Realizing Time by Guerillafilth (“Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional”)

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Single Parent Awareness

1.      Awareness Month Nomination: A Single Parent’s Struggle by AshanayAllen (Single parents have to be both the mother and father)

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Kindness Awareness

1.      Awareness Month Nomination: Little Things Make a Profound Difference by momaloft

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From the National Awareness Month essay contest, several teen themes and trends emerged:

• Health Awareness: Teens are advocates for many varied health issues: both physically harmful, and mentally distressing. A common topic for teens and health was obesity awareness: eat healthy, and stay active.

• Bullying Awareness: Many teens wrote about bullying (both in person and online) and its effects. Bullying can lead to excessive stress, low-self esteem, and in some cases, suicide. To see how teens felt about bullying, check out the statistics from Stage of Life’s past writing contest: http://www.stageoflife.com/TeensandBullies.aspx

• Poverty: Teens are also concerned about the living situations of other Americans, and those less fortunate around the world. Many people do not have access to clean drinking water, or enough food. To help, you can donate to a charity that helps feed people, or volunteer at your local soup kitchen.

• Environment: We only have one planet, and teens are afraid for its well-being. Teens spread awareness for global warming, recycling, and pollution. One message was clear from this section: Go Green! You won’t regret it.

• Teens are Passionate: No matter what the issue, or the cause, teens are passionate about what they believe in. From broader issues like cancer awareness, to unique ideas about the high prices of car insurance, teens are striving to make the world a better place.

Currently being calculated...

A press release is currently being written...

	May 2013 National Writing Contest:  Share a Special Memory of Your Mom, Grandmother, or Important Woman in Your Life? Writing Contest Details:  It's May, and we're honoring Moms and Grandmothers this month.  So we're asking students to take ten minutes to respond to our writing prompt: "Share a Special Memory of Your Mother or Grandmother."  Simple.  Yet Powerful.  We want to hear a special memory about an important woman in your life.  Get details and enter the FREE Stage of Life national writing contest to share your voice with the world...
	April 2013 National Writing Contest:  What Current National or International News Story Do You Think More Teens and College Students Should Care About, and Why? Writing Contest Details:  There is a LOT going on in the news.  For instance, the day we posted this April 2013 monthly writing contest, we saw headlines for news stories on the following topics... Nuclear armed North Korea's aggressive militaristic talk, North Dakota passes most restrictive abortion bill in US history, US Supreme Court debates gay marriage, Cyprus Banks and Economic issues in the Euro Zone, Pope includes women for first time in Holy Thursday rite, US Senate group resolves key immigration issues to move ahead with overhaul of US immigration policy, China's losing battle against polluters, Obama makes impassioned plea for gun control legislation, NCAA Basketball Tournament enters Final 4, Obamacare...and many others. Keeping these news headlines (and others you may have recently read, seen, or heard in mind), our question this month was..."What current news story or event should teens and college students care about...and why?" THIS CONTEST IS BEING JUDGED
	March 2013 National Writing Contest:  When have you applied the phrase "No Fear" in your life? Writing Contest Details:  Every teenager or college students has fears.  Some are things you can touch, like snakes.  Some are situations you want to avoid, like public speaking or test taking.  Some come from childhood stories, like ghosts or monsters.  And some fears are things that unfortunately find us, like terrorism, natural disasters, or cancer.   However, we can't live in the shadows of our fears everyday.  To do so would dishonor the act of living. So this month, the Stage of Life national writing contest prompt is simple:  "As a teen or college student, how have you applied the phrase "No Fear" in your life?" THIS CONTEST IS BEING JUDGED BUT WILL BE POSTED SOON
	February 2013 National Writing Contest:  Why Can't You Turn Away From Your Favorite TV Show? Writing Contest Details:  It's winter, and we're in the middle of a new season of TV programming (as most of you know who have been fervently waiting for your favorite shows to begin again). For good or bad, people everywhere are spending more time indoors right now, plopped down in front of the warm glow of their favorite television shows.  Glee.  Breaking Bad.  Mad Men.  The Bachelor.  The Super Bowl.  American Idol.  Boardwalk Empire.  Nashville.  Survivor.  Downton Abby.  Homeland.  Modern Family.  And the list goes on. Whether you love Golden Globe nominated TV programming found on the cable channels or the popular reality TV series found on all of the major networks, we want to know what one TV show makes you stop in your tracks, put on your cozy clothes, and jump up on the couch for 30-60 minutes of "me" time.
	January 2013 National Writing Contest:  Where do we go after Newtown? Writing Contest Details: What solutions, if any, would you propose to Congress, parents, school officials, gun advocacy groups, or the NRA after the tragic event in Newtown this last December?  Or, on a more emotional level, how do you simply feel about this event and what changes, if any, did it make in you? And for everyone...where do we go from here?? View our Writing Contest Summary on Teens and Guns.
	December 2012 Writing Contest:  How will you be the change in 2013? Writing Contest Details:  In looking towards 2013, we want to hear how you will "be the change." This open-ended writing contest question can be addressed in a 500-word essay in one of three ways: 1.  On a philosophical level, what needs to be changed in 2013 in your community, city, state, country or the world? 2.  Or...on a personal level, what will you do to make a change in yourself in 2013? 3.  Or...how have you already helped change the world and how can you spread your message to others in 2013? As a part of this month's topic, we're also asking teens in our national survey how they feel about one very important "change" topic...body image. View Summary Report:  Teens and Body Image - Be the Change
	November 2012 Writing Contest:  What was the most inspirational or important book you've ever read? Writing Contest Details:  After years of asking teens to submit personal, inspirational essays about everything from their favorite songs to their favorite movies, surprisingly, we never asked students to write an essay about their favorite book. For those of you familiar with StageofLife.com, you know we're one of the nation's leading digital literacy initiatives.  So it's about time we celebrate one of the foundations of literacy itself... books! We're asking high school and college students to share a 500 word essay about their favorite book and how and why it made an impact on their life. View Summary Report:  Teens and Books
	October 2012:  SPORTS & FAMILY - How have sports positively (or negatively) shaped traditions in your family? Writing Contest Details:  The month of October is rife with professional sports.  The World Series is played this month, along with college football, NFL football, NASCAR and NHL hockey seasons all being in full swing...not to mention the NBA basketball season starting too. This led us to wonder how sports (American or International) play a role in forming family traditions (positively or negatively), so we're asking high school and college students to share a 500 word essay about the impact of sports as it relates to their family traditions. View Summary Report:  Teens and Sports
	September 2012:  POLITICS & PASSION - Share a story about what one political issue is most important to you in the upcoming U.S. Presidential election. Writing Contest Details:  With the U.S. presidential election coming up in November, our student writing contest this month asks teens and college students to share a personal essay on the current state of the union, and in particular, what one issue is the most important topic for you in the upcoming U.S. Presidential election. We call this important issue your "passion issue." Other components of the writing prompt also ask you to share if your parents' political viewpoints have made an impact on yours and which Presidential Candidate is best suited to make the lives of teens and college students better over the next four years. View Summary Report:  Teens and Politics
	July & August 2012:  MUSIC - Share a story of a song that played an important role during a unique time in your life. Writing Contest Details:  Music plays an integral role in our lives.  There was the song that was playing in the background during that last slow dance on your first prom.  The song you listened to over and over after your first break-up.  Or the song you and your friends belted out at the top of your lungs one summer night around a campfire. We all have stories tied to songs that have become a part of who we are, thanks to those songs playing in the background during key moments and milestones of our lives. For our July and August writing contest, we want you to share a 300-500 word essay about how a particular song impacted you during an important time in your life. View Summary Report:  Teens and Music
	June 2012:  NATURE - How has nature inspired you? Writing Contest Details:  With summer upon us, students will find themselves out of school...and outside!  Or...will they? According to Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, today's children (and adults) are deprived of a basic necessity we have as humans...to connect with the outdoors.  Louv labels this phenomenon (that many saw happening but couldn't quite articulate): "nature-deficit disorder." Between jobs, Facebook, online gaming, or bad weather, many teens will forgo opportunities to feel the grass beneath their toes, to breath in a summer breeze, to let sun touch their skin, and to otherwise connect with the planet around them. But we know that can't be the case for everyone...can it?  Are we all experiencing nature-deficit? How has nature inspired you? View Summary Report:  Teens and Nature
	May 2012:  TEEN PREGNANCY - What do you attribute to the decline of teen pregnancies? Writing Contest Details:  According to the latest teen pregnancy statistics from the CDC, U.S. teen birth rates are at an all time low.  But the last report still showed a total of 367,752 babies were born to teen girls aged 15–19.  In honor of May being National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, we want to hear from teens and college students about why they think teen pregnancies are dropping. What's the reason?  What's happening at your school or with your friends or in your community VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  Teen Pregnancy Prevention
	April 2012:  MOVIES - What movie has made the biggest difference in your life? Writing Contest Details:  In honor of the hottest student movie ticket in town right now, "The Hunger Games" (based off the YA fiction novel of the same title by Suzanne Collins), we wanted to find out what films speak to teens and college students. Which movies inspire you?  VIEW SUMMARY REPORT: Teens and Movies
	March 2012:  POETRY - Dedicate a Poem to Someone Who Matters Writing Contest Details: In preparation for April’s National Poetry Writing Month, we are asking teens and college students to write a poem in dedication to someone who matters in their life.  Whether it is a family member, friend, teacher, celebrity or kind stranger, write an original poem about what that person means to you.  VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  Teen Poems
	February 2012:  LOVE - What's Your Definition of Love? Writing Contest Details:  Teens and college students find themselves in an on-going dance as they court, woo, avoid, or try to win the romantic affections or attention of someone they like, admire...love. Consider these famous quotes about love... "If you have it [love], you don't need to have anything else. If you don't have it, it doesn't matter much what else you have" --James M Barrie "All we need is love."  --John Lennon "Young love is a flame; very pretty, often very hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. The love of the older and disciplined heart is as coals, deep-burning, unquenchable."  --Henry Ward Beecher "Love is like pi -- natural, irrational, and very important." --Lisa Hoffman "For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.   I can live without money, but I cannot live without love."  --Judy Garland "Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love."  --Albert Einstein "If you can't be with one you love, love the one you're with."  --Stephen Stills It goes without saying that love can be either the happiest emotion or most tragic.  Just look at your parents.  Your grandparents.  Romeo and Juliet.  Or Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries.  From happy to tragic to absurd, love runs the gamut.  But these platitudes are all relative, because love will always be different for everyone.  How can we pin down a definition of love? VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See what teens think of love...
	January 2012:  Person to Watch in 2012? Writing Contest Details:  Last month, TIME magazine named "The Protestor" their Person of the Year for 2011.  That got us thinking...okay, but who is the person to watch in 2012?  So, in looking back at the last 12 months and considering the future, who would you nominate as the Person to Watch for 2012, and why?  Whether it's a celebrity, an innovator, a politician, a cultural icon, an up-and-coming artist, a rising star or someone more personal in your life, we want to hear, in 500 words or less, who your Person to Watch for 2012 would be. VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See who teens chose as the Person to Watch in 2012
	November & December 2011: AWARENESS - What issue or cause should receive its own "awareness" month? "There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction.” -Winston Churchill “The time is always right to do what is right.” -Martin Luther King, Jr. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Mohatma Ghandi Details:  We saw NFL players wearing pink throughout October in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness month.  We will pay tribute to the role of African-Americans throughout February during Black History month.  Now think about the topics on which you're passionate, and share your thoughts on a single issue or cause that should receive its own awareness month.  In your essay, please creatively tell us... Is this a local, regional, national, international or planetary issue? Why is this issue important? Who does the issue impact? How could the message be spread? Are there any organizations, companies or blogs currently trying to make a difference to increase awareness on this issue? VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See what teens wrote about awareness
	October 2011:  TRUST & SAFETY - Do you trust our institutions to keep us safe? Details: As we look ahead to Halloween, there are scarier things than ghosts and goblins in the lives of today's teenagers and college students.  For instance, from a historical perspective, Baby Boomers grew up living under the threat of nuclear Armageddon, complete with classroom drills to hide under their desks in the case of nuclear attack.  However, today's teenagers and college students have been growing up in their own unique time:  The threat of internet predators, cyber-bullying, and other online dangers. The threat of school shootings and lock-downs. The threat of terrorism. How do you, as a student, feel about these threats, and do you have trust in your parents, school or government (the major institutions around you) to keep you safe? VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See what teens wrote about trust and safety
	September 2011:  EDUCATION - Teacher Appreciation essays Details:  It's the big back in school month.  You're either loving it, hating it, or experiencing a mixture of both.   In fact, some of you may already be waiting for final bell to ring (even if it's only 9:45am).  However, no matter how this year is starting out (good or bad), we know that there have been certain teachers and classes in the past that stand out in your mind... This month, think back to a favorite class or educator (teacher/coach/director/principal).  Whether it was their attitude, the way they taught, or a life lesson you learned from their class/sport/activity, how did this person make a positive impact in your life? VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See what teens wrote about their teachers.
	August 2011:  SELF-REFLECTION - Letter to Me Details:  We want you to write a letter to yourself.  Yes, you heard us...a letter to yourself.  Take 15 minutes, alone, and spend some time thinking about the upcoming school year.  Think about the things you want to accomplish.  The things you fear.  Think about where you've been and where you're going.  Think about how your summer has been going.   What are you looking forward to?  What are you dreading about the return to school?  Think about your goals.  Think about if you're looking to make a big change this year...or simply survive?  After all of that thinking, now write a "Letter to Me."  This is a letter addressed to yourself.  Tackle some of the topics we've outlined above...or get creative and come up with your own original angle for the letter. VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See what teens had to write to themselves in our "Letter Me" writing prompt
	July 2011:  BULLYING - Have you ever been bullied, teased, or picked on? If so, about what? Details: Whatever you want to call it, bullying is a problem in many schools and continues to be a hot topic in the national press.  We've know many students experienced some form of bullying during high school. Our writing contest question this month asks teens and college students to share their stories about being bullied or about being the bully. The student is then asked to write a short essay about that experience. Were you once a bully who regrets it now?  Share your experiences with us and help prevent students from bullying others. VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See what teens shared about being bullied.
	June 2011:  PARENTS - What is one thing you don't know about your Mother or Father? Teen Trends:  How well do teens really know their parents? Our writing contest question this month asks teens and college students to interview their parents and ask them to share ONE thing about themselves their son/daughter doesn't already know.  The student is then asked to write a short essay about that experience. Did you learn something that shaped the way you think about your parent?  We call this contest the "Parent Paradigm Shift."   VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See what teens learned about their parents...
	May 2011:  OBSTACLES - What was the most difficult thing you overcame this school year? Teen Trends:  What major obstacles stood in the way this school year? From friends to family to graduation to grades to self esteem, teens go through a lot in a school year.  Tell us about one area or experience that caused you the most trouble, but that you were eventually able to overcome. Help inspire another high school student to gain some courage to tackle or navigate their problem by sharing your experience. VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See what challenges teenagers face today...
	April 2011:  PROM - Is prom a positive or negative teen tradition? Teen Trends: How do teens feel about prom? Going to prom is a high school milestone, and prom traditions have been around for decades.  Dresses.  Dinner. DJ's.  Dancing.  For most teenagers, it's about celebrating life with friends and/or a significant other.  However, we've all heard the "negative" aspects often associated with prom too.  Drinking.  Drugs.  DUI's.  Damaged self-esteem.  Date rape.  So we want to know - is prom a positive or negative milestone.   VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See how teens feel about prom...
	March 2011:  MEDIA - What form of media impacts your life the most, and why? Teen Trends: How do teens feel about the media? The "media" is an undeniably powerful entity in our daily lives, and even more invasive for teens and college students, a generation growing up with more forms of media choices than any other generation before them. VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See how teens feel about the media...
	February 2011:  MARRIAGE - What is the value of marriage? Teen Trends:  How do teens feel about marriage? This contest came out in February 2011.  The month of love.  Valentine's Day sits right in the middle of this month and helps (or in some cases forces) all of us to pay homage to the idea of romance...love. We got little controversial this month and asked teens to share their point of view on marriage. VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See how teens feel about marriage...
	January 2011:  MAKE A DIFFERENCE - What organization, company, non-profit or 'cause' will help make the world a better place? Teen Trends:  How do teens want to better the world? Our mission on StageofLife.com is to help change the world, one story at a time.  What a better way to do that than to ask teens and college students about worthwhile causes we should all know about.  This was an opportunity for teens to shed light and share with us their favorite non-profit, company, organization or 'cause' that could help make the world a better place. VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See how teens feel about making the world a better place...
	December 2010:  MONEY - What is your relationship with money?  How do you spend (or save)...and why? Teen Trends: How do teens feel about money? Money....Cash.  Coin.  Greenbacks.  Pesos.  Gravy.  Deniro.  KaChing.  Moola.  So we're curious...how do teens and college students feel about money?  Whether the student knew a homeless teen or has a friend living in the penthouse, we wanted to know about their relationship with the almighty dollar. VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See how teens feel about money...
	November 2010:  GIVING THANKS - What are you most thankful for? Teen Trends: What are teens grateful for? This writing contest rolled out in November 2010.  We all get busy during the day-to-day routine of our lives, but it's important to stop once in while and reflect on what matters most, and to give thanks for that.  Keeping that in mind, we wanted to hear from teens about who or what, in their lives right now, should receive public acknowledgment of their thanks. VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See for who and what teens are thankful...
	October 2010: TEEN STRESS -  What stresses you out, and how do you cope with that stress? Teen Trends: How do students deal with stress? From classes to homework to jobs to extra curricular activities to social outings, teens and college students are maintaining hectic schedules.  Add on top of that any current relationship hardships, social issues, e.g. bullying, illnesses or other personal problems and it's not surprising that many young people feel...stressed. VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See how teens deal with stress... .
	September 2010:  HEROES - Who is your hero? Teen Trends:  Who would a teenager name as their hero? We wanted to talk about heroes, both big and small, with high school and college students.  We asked teens to name their hero, it could be a family member, someone famous, or an everyday person in their lives who is quietly making a difference, and then write a 500 word essay about that hero.  You'll love these responses. VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See who teens nominated as their heroes...
	August 2010: EDUCATION - What suggestion(s) do you have to make a positive change at your school or with the educational system as a whole? Teen Trends: How would teens improve education? We wanted to know how students were perceiving their educations, educational environments at their high schools, colleges and universities and the overall trends in education.  We asked the teens for ideas on how to improve the educational environment. VIEW SUMMARY REPORT:  See how teens would improve the educational system...
	July 2010: FOOD - Do we have an obligation to take better care of ourselves by making changes in the way we eat and/or buy and consume food? Teen Trends:  How do teens feel about food, obesity and nutrition? TV shows like NBC's Biggest Loser are big hits and books like Michael Pollan's Food Rules are flying off the shelves.  Even film documentaries like Food, Inc. and Super Size Me have pushed into the mainstream consciousness.  It goes without saying a tipping point is occurring in our society's awareness in regards to people's relationship with food.  Obesity in America is reaching an epidemic...but are people ready or really willing to change?  Is our addiction to unhealthy food too hard to break? See how teens feel about food, obesity and nutrition...[this summary report is being pulled from the essay archive for posting here soon]
	June 2010: COLLEGE - What is the most difficult thing (for you) about college? Teen Trends:  How do teens feel about college? We want to know what's making the college process or college itself difficult and why.  Financial aid?  Application process?  Juggling classes and work? What is making college difficult?  This contest was held in partnership with "Take America to College" initiative. See how teens feel about college...[this summary report is being pulled from the essay archive for posting here soon]
	May 2010: ENVIRONMENT - What is one behavior you can either change or incorporate into your daily life that will reduce our negative impact on the environment? Teen Trends:  How do teens feel about the environment? The negative environmental impact and tragedy of lives lost from the BP off-shore oil rig disaster was obvious.  What we wanted from our high school and college students entering this month's writing contest was not their outrage about how this could have happened, but rather, share one solution (big or small) that can help combat man's ever-reaching environmental impact. See how teens feel about helping the environment...[this summary report is being pulled from the essay archive for posting here soon]