36 | FEATURES
GLOBAL CAPSTONE
RECAP
A look back at the class of 2021’s global cohort and their capstone projects MAGGIE BELENKY, co-editor-in-chief
Go Phish!: Robert McDonald There’s no better teacher than experience. When someone experiences an online scam,it makes that person more aware of techniques that scammers used to take advantage of them. Therefore, I believe that by simulating a fake phishing attack, I can safely and effectively raise awareness of this issue and educate users on how to recognize cyber fraud. The experience of almost falling victim to a potential plot will reveal the potential danger that lurks on the internet to people who have never been in this kind of situation before. By combining my simulation with educational resources already provided by the AARP, I can help people learn to protect themselves from being taken advantage of, a strategy that will decrease the amount of cybercrime overall by reducing the number of potential victims. After completing my simulation, participants will be able to recognize a potential scam before it happens and avoid it falling victim to it.
You are not Alone: A Suicide Prevention Podcast: Regan White I believe that by creating a podcast for teens struggling with mental health and suicidal thoughts, we can increase the use of the suicide prevention resources and decrease the number of teen suicides. By providing an engaging and informative podcast we can make the information many teens lack on where to go when they need help more easily accessible. By creating a platform to discuss issues around suicide we also provide an outlet for teens to meet and talk with people in similar situations, creating a strong community and connections that teens would otherwise lack. The inclusion of information on organizations, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, will increase the use of those resources by teens and has the potential to decrease the number of teen suicides in the US.
Lets Talk: Logan Jackson Young adults deserve to explore their identity and feel comfortable asking for help about topics such as sex and knowing the signs of a violent relationship. Students need a platform or safe space where they can be heard and understood in order to prevent the feeling of isolation. The lack of support in schools around this topic is a very urgent and troubling matter that needs to be solved very intentionally around the needs of students. These efforts will be lead by student leaders. Once that level of trust is established, leaders can begin to demand change within school curriculums (Sex Education in particular) and demand support from high power that can help them gain professional guidance and support from other organizations. Change will happen because people will begin to have open conversations about not only finding their identities but also about their personal relationship struggles.
Beyond the Buzzer: Eric Francis I believe that representation of the adaptive community is extremely important. Creating a space for people with disabilities to have a platform to share their story beyond their disabilities. Through access to platforms of stories about disabilities and inclusivity. Young disabled Americans are able to see and hear experiences of others that are able to promote and provide good self esteem and ideas that they are not alone in their fight. There is someone that is just like them that has gone through a similar experience that was able to succeed and thrive. While promoting inclusivity within the able bodied community pushing ideas that people with disabilities are more than their disabilities.
