CENTENNIAL HONORS COLLEGE
Western Illinois University
Undergraduate Research Day 2015
Podium Presentation
In Reality, In Life
April Stokes
Faculty Mentor: Barbara Ashwood
English and Journalism
In my flash creative nonfiction piece “In Reality, In Life” I explore my suicide attempt and new found
appreciation for life. After I read this work, I will present my research on depression and suicide while
referring back to my own experience. My presentation aims to raise awareness of suicidal tendencies,
depression, and the stigma of mental illness in America. It is my belief that with empathy, humility, and
openness, we might be able to better understand and help to overcome this problem.