Recent Changes

I am outspoken and intelligent.
I wonder what the camera really sees
I hear the buzzing bee
I see flowers in early morning light
I want to stop time in a box
I am outspoken and intelligent
I pretend to be a statue
I feel the shakes inside
I touch the shutter button
I worry about the blurry result
I cry that the moment has forever passed
I am outspoken and intelligent.
I understand moments in time
I say let's freeze them forever
I dream of watercolor effects coming to life
I try to see all the soft muted edges
I hope it happens someday
I am outspoken and intelligent.

__www.direct.gov.uk/en/moneytaxandbenefits/managingmoney/planningyourpersonalfinances/DG_10013916__
www.articles.latimes.com/2011/oct/07/news/la-heb-food-television-childrenstudy-20111007
__www.magazine.org/content/files/teenprofile04.pdf__
www.marketingcharts.com/interactice/teen-market-to-surpass-200billion-by-2011-despite-population-decline-817/
www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2008-04-13-teen-marketing-stores_N.htm
womeninbusiness.about.com/od/internetmarketandseo/a/ad-mark-differ
__marketing.about.com/cs/advertising/a/marketvsad.htm__
www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/gender-behavior-influence-teen-buying-105008

What if someone told you they could give written proof that teenagers make the world “go ‘round”? Teenagers in America play a big part in this society. We are what you would call trendsetters. We come up with new fashions, we listen to new music, we hang out at certain places. Teenagers are statically known as the age the group who shops the most, or set the most trends. Sometimes, society also wonder “how are teenagers able to do these things with no obvious source of income being that they are just teenagers?”. People may even think, “how are they such a big part of society with their lack of intelligence and wisdom due to age?”. The answer could be that society makes us trendsetters, magazines, news reporters and writers put us in the forefront. Marketers and company owners advertise to teenagers, because we’re the last people to think about bills, we basically focus on socializing, networking, and shopping.
Magazines are the first to influence teenagers, because magazines are usually are the only connection teenagers have to the world. “Magazines are an influential force on teen spending more than 28% of teens’ purchases have been directly influenced by magazine advertising for music, games, makeup, and clothes. Teens who read magazines are more likely to make purchases than the general population in a wide number of categories, including health and beauty, leisure, electronics/technology, apparel, and food. In fact, the more teens read magazines, the more likely they are to spend or own products in these categories. Teens who are heavy magazine readers are also more likely to be brand loyal across a variety of product categories. For example, they are 21% to sneaker/athletic shoes, 25% to shampoo, 21% to disposable razors. Older teens are brand loyal to jeans, eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, facial cleanser, body soap, disposable razors, toothpaste, sanitary napkins/pads, and tampons. Younger teens are more brand loyal to salty snacks and cookies. Teens read a wide variety of magazines especially those or including those that are targeted to their own particular interests, life stage, and gender. Teens who read magazines are engaged in more activities, ranging from sports to music to organized interests, than teens who do not read magazines.”
Companies made their products appealing to the age group who buys the most of product. “Marketers advertise for the most part in the categories where teens spend the money, such as clothing, cosmetics, and entertainment. Many of the top categories advertised to teens reflect their influence on household purchases, such as hair products, cosmetics, and sporting goods.” “Beyond the growth in the teen population, marketers cannot afford to ignore teens for numerous other reasons. This growing power base of spenders and influences are important, because they have significant discretionary income , spend family money as well as influence their parents’ spending on both large and small household purchases, establish and affect fashion, lifestyle and overall trends, and they provide a ‘window’ into our society, and what it is likely to become. Today’s teens live in a time of sweeping technological advances, relative affluence, and a flattening divorce rate. Consequently, their attitudes and cultural awareness exhibit a number of distinguishing characteristics. For example, they are realistic and optimistic with a strong sense of individualism, they like to be in control and are ‘hip to hype’, but not to the point of cynicism, and they want to expect to have control over their media experience.”
Company advertisers usually do not pay attention to race when making ads to market their new product. “When it comes to ethnicity and race, teens are the most diverse market segment. They are not however, overly concerned with ethnic designators. According to market research firm Cheskin, they are ‘intra-cultural’ they do not identify themselves as solely African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, or Caucasian. Teens blur lines between ethnic and racial identities.”
It is normal for teens today to have jobs, but those who don’t have jobs get their income from a family member. Parents, step-parents, guardians, etc tend to give their children money when asked. “There’s no limit on how much you can give or interest for your children or grandchildren. When a company gets something new, they need it to sell. They draw children in with their new fashions, but the kids have to get their money from one place. The parents, grandparents, etc are are financing the children. Companies market to children, because they’re going to beg their parents for it. Once the children get the parents to take them shopping they will get more money. “ “Parents have sway over what their children eat, but a study shows you should never underestimate the power of advertising.” “Teens fund most of their own clothing , entertainment, and music/CD purchases. Their parents are more likely to pay for items such as Internet access and cell phones. African- American teens spend 6% more per month than the average U.S. teen, about $428 monthly.”
Teens who have jobs usually tend to buy more product quite frequently. “Teens are also a rubust part of the economy. They have a significant income of their own to spend and also wield increasing influence on household purchases. For example, in 2003 nearly half, 47%, of 9 to 17-year-old were asked by their parents to go online to find out about products or service0s compared to 37% in 2001.” “The market for products bought by and for the 25.6-million-member teen market will undergo a slight growth spurt, increasing from $189.7 billion in 2006 $208.7 billion in 2011, despite an estimated 3% decline in the 12-17-year-old population in that same period, according to “The Teens Market in the US” report fromPackaged Facts. Teen spending money, accumulated through paying jobs, allowances from parents, “as needed” money from parents, and monetary gifts, will increase an estimated 3.5% annually, raising the aggregate teen income 14.4%, from $79.7 billion in 2006 to $91.1 billion in 2011. Packaged Facts estimates that 12-14-year-olds have an average annual income of $2,167; teens in the 15-17-year-old age group generate an average annual income of $4,023. The amount of money families spend on teens for food, apparel, personal-care items, and entertainment is expected to grow approximately 7%, from $110 billion in 2006 to $117.6 billion in 2011.”
In most cases, teens influence their parents’ purchases. “The role of teens in influencing household purchases is growing as parents rely on teens’ advanced computer skills to research products online. However, teens who read magazines, especially heavy magazine readers, are even more influential in the household purchases than the average teen. Older teens have more influence than younger teens on household purchases of personal computers, cell phones, and deodorant. Older teens have about the same influence as younger teens on purchases of fast food, soft drinks, toothpaste, chewing gum, potato chips, and sunscreen products. Younger teens have more influence than older teens on video games, ice cream, candy, pretzels, and vacation travel.” “When it comes to teen males, the behavioral segmentation findings show that "young metrosexuals," those classified as individuals who focus on their outward appearance, make up more than 25 percent. The other male segments include "big man on campus," "technosapiens," "red-blooded boys," "tuned inward" and "under construction." "Jockettes," young women who embody active lifestyles and participate in sports, are the most common female segment that makes up over 25 percent. Girls are also categorized as "in-style socialites," "most likely to succeed," "style meets thrift" and "traditionalists."
In most cases, teens influence their parents’ purchases. “The role of teens in influencing household purchases is growing as parents rely on teens’ advanced computer skills to research products online. However, teens who read magazines, especially heavy magazine readers, are even more influential in the household purchases than the average teen. Older teens have more influence than younger teens on household purchases of personal computers, cell phones, and deodorant. Older teens have about the same influence as younger teens on purchases of fast food, soft drinks, toothpaste, chewing gum, potato chips, and sunscreen products. Younger teens have more influence than older teens on video games, ice cream, candy, pretzels, and vacation travel.” “When it comes to teen males, the behavioral segmentation findings show that "young metrosexuals," those classified as individuals who focus on their outward appearance, make up more than 25 percent. The other male segments include "big man on campus," "technosapiens," "red-blooded boys," "tuned inward" and "under construction." "Jockettes," young women who embody active lifestyles and participate in sports, are the most common female segment that makes up over 25 percent. Girls are also categorized as "in-style socialites," "most likely to succeed," "style meets thrift" and "traditionalists."
Teens control the shopping economy in a way. The stores teens shop in can influence more friends to shop there, even parents to shop there, but parents and friends can also turn away from these stores. “J.C. Penney, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Kohl's are all adopting approaches — from celebrity-designed fashions to mobile marketing to better fitting rooms — to try to lure young shoppers without turning off their parents. With consumers cutting back on spending, many retailers have decided the best way to recapture them is to deliver a more cutting-edge experience and trendier clothing to attract their kids. The reasoning: Even as parents tighten their belts, they still spend freely on their children. If kids can get their parents to drive them to stores, the parents will end up shopping for themselves, too. That thinking has led J.C. Penney, long known as "my mom's store," to overhaul its teen merchandising, introduce new brands and redesign its teen departments. The retailer, which slashed its first-quarter earnings forecast by a third late last month and last week posted a larger-than-expected 12.3% March sales drop, will announce the changes today. Many of its rivals are taking similar steps, though the 106-year-old Penney chain, with its core clientele of middle-age and older shoppers, faces an especially stiff challenge and is making the biggest push. While Penney says it commands the biggest share of the market for 13- to 20-year-old girls and women, CEO Mike Ullmann acknowledges his stores are most popular with teens until they get their own driver's license and credit card. At that point, Penney tends to lose them — until they grow up and return with kids of their own. Today, teens influence up to an estimated 90% of grocery and apparel purchases, according to studies by digital marketing agency Resource Interactive. Even beyond their sway over household budgets, teen buyers, with their willingness, even eagerness, to spend, are highly sought-after consumers in their own right.”
Companies market to teenagers, and other companies advertise to teenagers. There is a big difference between the two. “There are many technical and complicated definitions of both advertising and marketing and the differences between them. Advertising tells a story about something to attract attention. Advertising is a step in the marketing process. In business, “marketing” is the planning of, and steps taken, to bring merchants and consumers together. The best way to distinguish between advertising and marketing is the pie chart. Mentally visualize breaking the pie chart down into several slices that include advertising, product pricing, distribution, customer service, sales strategy, etc.” “Advertising: The paid, public, non-personal announcement of a persuasive message by an identified sponsor; the non-personal presentation or promotion by a firm of its products to its existing and potential customers. Marketing: The systematic planning, implementation and control of a mix of business activities intended to bring together buyers and sellers for the mutually advantageous exchange or transfer of products. Advertising is a single component of the marketing process. It's the part that involves getting the word out concerning your business, product, or the services you are offering. It involves the process of developing strategies such as ad placement, frequency, etc. Advertising includes the placement of an ad in such mediums as newspapers, direct mail, billboards, television, radio, and of course the Internet. Advertising is the largest expense of most marketing plans, with public relations following in a close second and market research not falling far behind. The best way to distinguish between advertising and marketing is to think of marketing as a pie, inside that pie you have slices of advertising, market research, media planning, public relations, product pricing, distribution, customer support, sales strategy, and community involvement. Advertising only equals one piece of the pie in the strategy. All of these elements must not only work independently but they also must work together towards the bigger goal. Marketing is a process that takes time and can involve hours of research for a marketing plan to be effective. Think of marketing as everything that an organization does to facilitate an exchange between company and consumer.”
I personally support the statement, that teenagers control the clothing and grocery economy. When it comes to fashion, by a child’s teenage years they are ahead of all the latest fashions. They get adapted to shopping in certain stores and wearing certain brands. Once teens begin to set trends, or wearing certain looks their circle of friends eventually shop at the same stores to get that same look. When going grocery shopping with their parents, children tend to pick out things they like. Parents begin to memorize certain foods their child likes, and buy that object more often. Being that teenagers are becoming more independent, the country may have a chance in boosting the economy.

The topic of my research paper is “Why do companies advertise to teens?” The reason why I am choosing this topic is it could show how teens influence urban fashion. It could prove teens could eventually save the economy.
Ten questions that I have about my topic are:
1. Who’s financing the teens?
2. What are the parents’ income? Do they have a budget?
3. Does the teen have an income?
4. Who is the product appealing to?
5. Are teens they key to success in the business of marketing?
6. What season(s) are they marketing to children?
7. Are they appealing to children all over America?
8. What is the difference between advertising and marketing?
9. Do teens influence purchases?
10. How do magazines influence teen buying behavior?
In order to get my research paper done on time, I plan to use my time management skills, and set my own personal deadlines. When my teachers ask for something to be due, I will set a personal deadline to turn it in a week earlier. I will keep all files, papers, and essay in a well-organized manner.
Plagiarism Contract: From class discussions, I understand that plagiarism means taking another author’s worker without giving credit (i.e. showing quotation marks, or giving source). I understand that there is a serious penalty for plagiarizing any part of my Senior Project. If I need help, I will ask Ms. McFadien.
Jasmine Isaac- Waters

Jasmine Isaac- Waters
5818 Ludlow Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139
Cell: (215) 740-7498
__isaacjass12@gmail.com__
January 10, 2012
To Whom It May Concern: I am writing in response to your advertisement on Careerbuilder.com for a forensic scientist. I am very interested in this position, and I believe I am the best candidate for the job.
I graduated from Overbrook High School in June 2011. I am currently attending Delaware State University, and I am majoring in forensic biology. In my classes, I have learned about testing different DNA's in chemistry class, and how the body functions in anatomy class. My current GPA is 3.3 out of 4.0.
In my previous jobs, I have learned strategic skills . My job skills include selling a product, and fixing the product. I am the best candidate for this job because I have the intelligence and skill to complete any and every task required.
My salary requirement for this position is open for discussion. I can be reached at 215-740-7498 or isaacjass12@gmail.com for an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you regarding this position.
Sincerely, Jasmine Isaac- Waters.
Sincerely, Jasmine Isaac- Waters
Sincerely, Jasmine Isaac- Waters

Jasmine Isaac- Waters
5818 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139
215-740-7498 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 215-740-7498 end_of_the_skype_highlighting isaacjass12@gmail.com
Objective To obtain a rewarding and challenging position in an established company. Education Overbrook High School, Philadelphia, PA
Scholars Academy
Work well under pressure
Experience in child development and retail
References Antoinette
Antoinette Thompson Cell:
Cell: (267) 401-5577 Work:401- 5577
Work: (215) 238-8005 Robert238- 8005
Robert Brown Cell: (215) 847- 6821
Cell: (267) 616- 0212

Jasmine Isaac- Waters
5818 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139
215-740-7498 isaacjass12@gmail.com
Objective To obtain a rewarding and challenging position in an established company. Education Overbrook High School, Philadelphia, PA
Scholars Academy
GPA: 3.3
Coursework: Physics (Honors), AP English 4, AP Statistics
Employment Highlights Jako Enterprise (Ubiq Gallery), Philadelphia, PA November 2010- October 2011
Sales Associate
Customer Asisstance
Selling of product
Camp Jill Scott, Philadelphia, PA August 2011
Camp Counselor
Child Care Development
Selected Skills and Abilities
Highly skilled in retail and selling
Able to get along with multiple personalities
Work well under pressure
Experience in child development and retail
References Antoinette Thompson Cell: (267) 401-5577 Work: (215) 238-8005 Robert Brown Cell: (215) 847- 6821

Nicole Waters is a very big influence in my life. She was born on April 30, 1972 in Philadelphia, Pa, to Mahalia Boyd and Robert Isaac Sr. She grew up in a struggling home with one older brother. After graduating high school, she went cosmetology school and received her license. After working at various hair salons to gain experience, she opened her first hair salon in the center city area of Philadelphia. The salon was named “Salon N’ Jasmine”, named after her one and only child Jasmine Nicole Isaac- Waters. Ms. Nicole Waters is my mother. Through all of her ups and downs throughout her, she managed to maintain a healthy business and raise a beautiful daughter in a single-parented home. My mother is a great inspiration for me, I hope to have the same dedication through my life. Following in her footsteps, my plan are very simple. I will go to college to receive my Master’s degree in forensic biology. When I graduate college, I plan to work in a forensic science or research field for criminal justice. Furthermore, I want to open my own forensic science laboratory. Many different scientists can come and research, and the FBI could conduct experiments here. Within time, my laboratory can be talked about worldwide. Whenever times get hard, I will refer back to my mother hardships and trials and keep my head held high. I will stay determined and focus on the day-to-day bases. I will accomplish all of my goals, and succeed in the end.

When I graduate from Overbrook High School, I will be continuing my education in the fall semester of 2012 at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. Harrisburg University is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and has a tuition of $11,250 for an undergraduate student and $9,750 for a graduate student. If tuition is late, they charge a fee of $150.00. They also have payment plans available to meet your financial needs. I plan to major in forensic biology with a minor in criminal justice. I will complete a five year program earning my Master’s Degree.
In order to get through college I will have to apply for scholarships that are available to me. I use resources like collegeboard.com, fastweb.com, the senior counselor at my school, or just by exploring the internet. Recently, I have applied for the Bill Gates Millennium Scholarship. “The Gates Millennium Scholars Program, established in 1999, was initially funded by a $1 billion grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.” It has an application process that contains various essay topics and the applicant needs to have a recommender and a nominator. In order to apply for this scholarship a GPA of 3.3 or higher is required, this scholarship is offered only to minorities in America. This scholarship pays whatever FAFSA does not pay, if rewarded with this scholarship your tuition is paid for, up to five years.
To support myself financially, I plan to get a job on or off campus, mostly likely close by. I plan to commute to an off-campus apartment after my freshman year. During my five years of schooling, I plan to find tutors for all of my classes needed. I want to increase my GPA to a 4.6 on a 5.0 unweighted scale. I chose Harrisburg University, because they will train me correctly in all areas needed for a forensic scientists. I will have hands-on experiences in my lab classes. When I earn my Master’s Degree in forensic biology, I plan to take my skills to the Philadelphia Police Department.
I will be working behind the scenes of crime investigations. I will be testing different DNA and more. “Many employers prefer applicants who have at least two years of specialized training or associate degrees in applied science or science-related technology. Others prefer applicants with bachelor's degrees in__chemistry__,__biology__, or__forensic science__. Career preparation is also available through two year formal training programs that combine the teaching of scientific principles and theory with practical hands-on application in a laboratory setting with up-to-date equipment.”
Forensic science can be described in many ways. “Any type of organism can be identified by examination of DNA sequences unique to that species. Identifying individuals within a species is less precise at this time, although when DNA sequencing technologies progress farther, direct comparison of very large DNA segments, and possibly even whole genomes, will become feasible and practical and will allow precise individual identification. To identify individuals, forensic scientists scan 13 DNA regions, or loci, that vary from person to person and use the data to create a DNA profile of that individual (sometimes called a DNA fingerprint). There is an extremely small chance that another person has the same DNA profile for a particular set of 13 regions.”