2023 Service Scholars

SERVICE SCHOLAR PUBLICATION

ENSWORTH SCHOOL

7401 HWY. 100

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37221

SPRING 2023

MARY CATHERINE BRADSHAW Service Scholar Director Publication Editor

BETSY THOMAS Service Learning Coordinator

PUBLISHED SERVICE SCHOLARS

The following students have chosen to publish their essays.

AUDREY CAMPBELL

SADDLE UP! NASHVILLE

Advisor: Thomas Jackoboice

MAGGIE CLARK

THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Advisor: Lexus Norwood

SARA McDERMOTT

AMPUTEE BLADE RUNNERS

Advisor: Cecilia Wang

KATE MISCHINSKI

ABE’S GARDEN

Advisor: Courtney Bahr

LILY MORGAN

ABE’S GARDEN

Advisor: Lexus Norwood

CLAIRE NORD

TURNIP GREEN

CREATIVE REUSE

Advisor: Teresa Todd

HAILEY RIVEN

TENNESSEE INNOCENCE PROJECT

Advisor: Lindsay White

KATHERINE SALES

FRIENDS OF WARNER PARKS

Advisor: Leila Dodson

WHITNEY SANDERS

BRIDGES FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING

Advisor: Leila Dodson

HELEN THOMPSON

SILOAM HEALTH

Advisor: JC Johnson

SERVICE SCHOLAR REQUIREMENTS

Service Scholar: The Service Learning Program is a curricular component of Community Life that promotes participation in the life of the community beyond the school. Its full description can be found in the high school Curriculum Guide. A Service Scholar engages in an extension of his/her/their senior Service Learning project. The extension consists of an academic component as well as additional service hours. Service Scholars exercise and incorporate the Core Skills that they have learned in their classes and apply them to their senior service-learning experiences.

Service Scholars complete at least 35 hours of service on their Grade 12 projects, which is beyond the graduation requirement. They spend additional time collecting artifacts, researching and composing a paper that provides insight into the issues relevant to their project. The paper is a minimum of 2000 words and must reflect the quality and depth expected of Grade 12 level academic research in order to pass. In addition, Service Scholars write a 500-word reflection analyzing their personal experience with the project related to their research and the learning outcomes. The reflection essay is not counted toward the 2000 word research component. As a graduation requirement, Service Scholars and all seniors present their service learning insights and experiences to an audience at school in April before graduation. The proposed academic component of the project must lie within the general purview of the high school academic program.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Each candidate has had the option to revise either, neither, or both of their written pieces for this publication. All Ensworth students are to be commended for their service learning efforts, and the students who have chosen this publication opportunity should be recognized for using their talents to the fullest, being contributors to society, and exercising their intellectual vitality. These published Service Scholars have received no academic class credit, nor was publication required to become a Service Scholar. The academic research done by Service Scholars is an independent project designed and managed by the individual students in consultation with the Service Scholar Director. These students should be celebrated for their initiative, their commitment, and their scholarship.

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Betsy Thomas

Our Non-Profit Partners

Advisors, Teachers, and Administrators

Mary Byrne Dailey

Lynn Vincent

Research Essay: Audrey G. Campbell

Saddle Up!

Caring for Working Horses at an Adaptive Riding Facility

Equine Therapy: What it is, Why it Works, and Stories from Saddle Up!

Humans and horses have lived alongside one another for centuries. It took until modern years to fully harness the benefits of the interspecies partnership. Ships loaded with horses were brought to the Americas by early Spanish settlers and selectively bred to be faster and stronger. Bringing horses closer with humans enabled farmers, hunters, and others to work more efficiently. Hippocrates, a doctor from ancient Greece, wrote about horseback riding and its therapeutic benefits (Clarke). Then, in the middle of the twentieth century, equine therapy began gaining popularity (Clarke) Of course, not all beneficial treatments prove themselves over centuries of modernization and evolution, but equine therapy has remained a steady, effective therapy for those with mental and physical disabilities.

Equine therapy is used as a part of treatment for mental and physical conditions alike. From those with autism, anxiety, eating disorders, and addiction to those with partial paralysis, mobility issues, and cerebral palsy, equine therapy has facilitated numerous improvements in the lives of those who participate. The main organization that oversees regulation of therapeutic equine services is the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (“PATH Intl.”, Clarke). Equine therapy is often included as a part of a larger treatment plan that also includes other types of therapy in addition to more conventional medicine Oftentimes, for a treatment to work, there must be more than one type of treatment for a patient. Different therapies work on different skills, but the most recognizable benefit of equine therapy, and what sets it apart from other therapies, is that it makes the participants feel more accomplished and proud of their abilities. The movement of the horse, particularly at the walk, can help people with physical disabilities and limitations because the movement can stimulate muscle movement and assist with gaining mobility and control. In addition, horseback riding increases overall strength for all participants, more specifically, core and leg strength are improved. The more core strength a person has, the less stress is put on the more fragile parts of their bodies; in some cases, improved posture due to increased strength can alleviate a portion of discomfort for a participant. It has been known for many years that animals reduce anxiety, but horses in particular can help a client process trauma or overcome challenges. Horses also sense the feelings of the person riding them or near them, and they react, often with a mirrored emotion (Clark). This tool can be used to bring to light emotions that a person may try to hide or may be unaware they are experiencing

Results and improvements in patients are often shocking. When other forms of therapy do not quite put the top layer on the treatment, equine therapy seems to do it. Not only does equine therapy help with mobility and anxiety reduction, it can improve social awareness and skills in addition to stress tolerance and emotional awareness (Clarke). Being on horseback or with a horse forces one to be aware of a unique set of characteristics. With a particular student, Ephraim, who is the only person ever recorded to have his combinations of genetic disorders, has shown improvement in many areas due to his time at Saddle Up! Nashville, an adaptive riding facility with PATH certified instructors (“Programs”). Even though he is connected to a feeding tube almost 24 hours a day, he was able to continue that essential treatment while he was on horseback or around the farm. The equine therapy a child receives can also have a profound impact on the parents of children who participate. As Ephraim’s mother notes, other types of therapy often cause burnout after years of monotonous appointments, but equine therapy is not like that; it does not feel like a task, which allows kids to be motivated to work, and thus, results in more improvement even in areas that other therapies do not target

(“SADDLE UP! EPHRAIM Hope in the Saddle 2019”). Ephraim’s physical improvements were visible after just a few lessons, and after a year, his strength had improved so much that he no longer needed torso support to stay upright on the horse. His endurance also improved to a point that he doubled the time he was able to be active in a lesson (“SADDLE UP! EPHRAIM Hope in the Saddle 2019”). This strength and endurance also transferred to other areas of his life which resulted in improvements there which, of course, is the ultimate goal of equine therapy. One of the instructors noted that Ephraim was a fast learner when it came to equine skills which gave him greater confidence because he finally had an activity that he was better at than his parents and his classmates; this also helped the whole family feel more typical (“SADDLE UP! EPHRAIM Hope in the Saddle 2019”).

Another success story coming out of the same program is Connor’s story. He took lessons at Saddle Up! for fifteen years and in those years, improved dramatically. For example, when he began, he was nonverbal but is now speaking sentences (“Saddle Up! Hero - CONNOR B 2020”). He also no longer needs mobility support to walk around (“Saddle Up! Hero - CONNOR B 2020”). One of Saddle Up!’s physical therapists Sandra Zaccari states that the movement of the horse supports posture strength, and postural strength is essential for the production of speech. This element was key in Connor’s case. Connor’s mother remarked that he was speaking short phrases after just four months of lessons at Saddle Up!. Since the movements of the horse are repetitive, it helps teach the rider’s body the correct muscles to fire and when; this directly translates to walking (“Saddle Up! Hero - CONNOR B 2020.”). As for the social aspect of the benefits, Connor participated in the SUPER (Saddle Up Phenomenal Equestrian Riders) Show in 2019 which was an accomplishment of great strength and independence that he was able to share with his classmates. Connor’s mother reflects on the 2019 SUPER Show by remembering that in Connor’s first shows, he had a leader and two side walkers, but for his last SUPER Show, he was riding independently (“Saddle Up! Hero - CONNOR B 2020.”). After Connor graduated from high school and Saddle Up! programs, he was accepted into the Next Steps Program at Vanderbilt (“Saddle Up! Hero - CONNOR B 2020”). When Connor was born, his parents were told that he would never crawl, walk, or talk, but his parents attribute his defiance of these odds to Saddle Up! and their programs.

As for other stories coming from Saddle Up! participants, Fu, who was adopted as a child, was not supposed to walk. However, after many equestrian lessons and building core strength, he was able to transition from full mobility aids, to partial mobility aids, to using no aids around his house (“Saddle Up! 3 Hero Stories”). Pippa, another participant who has Down Syndrome, started at Saddle Up! after her family relocated to the Nashville area (“Saddle Up! 3 Hero Stories''). Originally, she had a great fear of horses, but with some encouragement, she was in the saddle in no time (“Saddle Up! 3 Hero Stories”). Sessions out of the saddle often work to build confidence quickly. For each rider, Saddle Up!’s team of professionals looks at all aspects of a child’s conditions, physical and mental strengths, in addition to other abilities to formulate a plan for learning and riding that leads to overall improvement. As the child progresses through their individualized plan, their confidence grows, their physical strength increases, and they have a cool activity to tell others about, something many of the participants have not had previously. A third student, Emma Claire, was born prematurely at 23 weeks (“Saddle Up! 3 Hero Stories”). At the start of Emma Claire’s time at Saddle Up!, she would lose her balance after a few steps, but with a few years of lessons, her balance improved greatly to the point where she could turn around and ride backwards on the horse (“Saddle Up! 3 Hero Stories''). Furthermore, it was noted that Emma Claire also loved to chat with the volunteers and staff helping in her lesson; this worked as speech therapy which Emma Claire also benefited from (“Saddle Up! 3 Hero Stories”). As mentioned earlier in the essay, horseback riding improves core strength which helps with speech production.

Equine therapy works for a variety of reasons. Horses lower blood pressure and can help decrease anxiety (“All About Equine Assisted Psychotherapy”). Having interactions with an

empathic, non-human being can help participants process trauma related to people without the stress of having to process it with only people. Horses can also help people, especially children, understand what a healthy connection and/or relationship looks like (“All About Equine Assisted Psychotherapy”). Since horses can smell adrenaline (fear), horses can be used to identify what a participant is feeling If a rider recognizes that the horse is feeling a bit wary of something, it could be a low-stress opportunity for the participant to share their own feelings because they are not alone in how they feel. If a horse feels that their rider is afraid, they may halt, refuse to go over a jump, or not move to a higher gait. This attentiveness allows the instructor(s) to have heightened insight into how the rider actually feels. It is very difficult to mask anxiety around a horse because they reflect it. The bond between horses and people can play a role in healing from traumatic events in addition to the other benefits. Having a scheduled time to go to the barn or have a riding lesson can create a sense of security because it can be a constant. For some people, their lives are otherwise very tumultuous, but horses can provide stability because they typically stick to their regular behaviors and routines; they are not concerned with a rider’s personal issues; they are there to love and teach. Equine-assisted learning can teach things that have nothing to do with horses or riding. Horses remain in the present moment which helps to alleviate stressful thoughts or spiraling anxiety. Learning to take care of a horse can help participants realize the importance of taking care of themselves. Since horses need certain care each day, it is easy to show riders that they too, need certain things on a daily basis.

Horses are a valuable resource for many types of learning and healing. Moving into the future, equine therapy will continue to be a valuable resource, especially as more research is done to improve the therapy as a whole The human bond with horses has always been a part of human culture and history, and it will continue to strengthen because it is a bond that is here to stay. At adaptive riding facilities like Saddle Up!, volunteers play a critical role in the effectiveness and wide-spread impact of the programs. Thousands of hours are committed each year by families, students, and retirees. Through different types of training such as feeding training, leader training, side walker training, stable hand training, and more, each volunteer has the ability to help program operations in one or more areas which allows for a low program cost, making the essential program accessible to more people. In the 813 adaptive riding programs across the globe, the most important factor is getting more kids in the saddle so they can experience the life-changing benefits that equine therapy provides (“Path Intl”)

WORKS CITED

“All About Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.” PsychCentral, Healthline Media, 30 June 2022, Web. Accessed 9 January 2023.

https://psychcentral.com/health/equine-assisted-psychotherapy?scrlybrkr=e4f42114#research.

Clarke, Jodi. “Equine Therapy for Mental Health: Benefits and Things to Consider.” Verywell Mind, 8 December 2022, Web. Accessed 9 January 2023.

https://www.verywellmind.com/equine-therapy-mental-health-treatment-4177932.

“PATH Intl.” PATH Intl: Therapeutic Horsemanship | Professional Certifications, PATH Intl, 2022, Web. Accessed 9 January 2023.

https://pathintl.org/.

“Programs.” Saddle Up!, 2023, Web. Accessed 9 January 2023.

https://www.saddleupnashville.org/programs/

“Saddle Up! 3 Hero Stories.” YouTube, 25 February 2019, Web. Accessed 9 January 2023.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H62GoDVJRI.

“SADDLE UP! EPHRAIM Hope in the Saddle 2019.” YouTube, 5 February 2020, Web. Accessed 9 January 2023.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwCMczaRZtc.

“Saddle Up! Hero - CONNOR B. 2020.” YouTube, 1 March 2020, Web. Accessed 9 January 2023.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGhUIOdSMUQ.

Reflection Essay: Audrey G. Campbell

Caring for Working Horses at an Adaptive Riding Facility

Volunteering at Saddle Up! Nashville for over two years, I have learned skills and knowledge that I will carry with me forever. After cycling through many staff members, I have worked closely with three of the barn staff: Natalie, Melissa, and Jordan I learned basic skills like driving a Kubota UTV, general farm chores, and the most effective way to clean a stall. Though I have not worked with Jordan for many months, she is the person who has pushed me to continue learning how to do new tasks. She trusts me to put together supplement bags and administer medication that the other volunteers are not allowed to do. Sometimes when I am doing my normal tasks, I will hear “Hey, Audrey! Do you want to learn a life skill?” I never know what the skill will be, but my answer is always a “Yes!” The last time this happened, Jordan taught me how to give intramuscular (IM) sedative injections. To be honest, after pulling the medicine from the bottle and putting the needle in the correct place, I was proud of myself It is moments like these that give me confidence in my own ability to learn new, unusual things. Over the years, I have done the basic training that all volunteers have to go through which is Side Walker Training; in addition, I have done Leader Training, Feeder Training, and Stable Hand training. Due to my training in different areas and confidence around horses, I am able to pick up any task and complete it. Even without detailed instructions, I am bound to figure it out While I have participated in some lessons when there was a vacancy needing to be filled, my work is primarily behind the scenes. I do the work that ensures the horses stay healthy enough to continue their job, as it is an important one. The horses are responsible for aiding in the healing and strengthening of kids with disabilities to make their everyday lives easier. This progress occurs during mounted lessons and equine-assisted learning out of the saddle. Participants come from all backgrounds and all have a documented disability. Being in the saddle is freedom for them, so I take my background work very seriously because I know it makes a difference in a multitude of lives even if it is indirect at times.

As for the horses, they have changed me, and a select few have made an even greater impact on my life. Shiloh, who is now retired, was my favorite horse in my early days of volunteering. He was accident prone, so he was on stall rest frequently which meant that I got to spend more time with him than the other horses when I was working in the barn. After my favorite lesson horse at the farm where I take lessons died, I was having a hard time. I was cleaning Shiloh’s stall, and I began to cry. Even with my back turned to him, he knew, so he walked over to me and wrapped his neck around me. I do have to say, it made me feel a lot better. We always hear about animals’ intuition and emotional capabilities, but until one experiences a moment such as that, one does not truly understand it. The second horse that impacted me the most is Bishop. He is the largest horse at Saddle Up!, and he weighs over 1500 pounds. When I first met him, I was told he was blind in one eye, so I should greet him from the other side. Right away, he was surprisingly snuggly. He loves to nuzzle his large nose into your neck. The real lesson from Bishop is due to the sadder part of his story. After his work pulling barges in the Ohio River, he was sent to a kill auction. Thankfully, someone noticed his loving nature and brought him to Saddle Up! for a career change and a life in a loving herd What Bishop’s story can teach us is that even if part of the world fails you, there is still another part of the world that will make it better in the end.

Research Essay: Maggie Clark

The Boys and Girls Club of Middle Tennessee

Many children grow up with big dreams about the future, but without resources and support from the community surrounding them, they can become discouraged and feel as though they are unable to achieve their goals. Without a supportive community and opportunity to discover their interests, children will not enter the world with the confidence to advocate for change. The Boys and Girls Club of Middle Tennessee provides underserved children with opportunities to explore their interests in multiple areas including art, music, academics, and athletics. It is vital that young children explore different areas of interest to find what they are passionate about, but in the midst of a pandemic, it is not only challenging to simply help children keep up in school, but they are also unable to explore their areas of interest due to lack of resources and social interactions. There is a growing learning gap in privileged and underprivileged children, and if the issue is not addressed soon, it could impact the future of these children more than it already has. By volunteering at The Boys and Girls Club, I strive to understand how society can best approach and improve the learning losses due to the pandemic, especially in underprivileged communities, now that we are able to be back in the classroom together.

Children, specifically those of kindergarten and first grade age, who have been unable to be in the classroom due to the pandemic have lost basic skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic. Some schools were fortunate enough to teach online, but some children, such as many children at The Boys and Girls Club, were unable to have access to a computer or the internet to participate in online learning, leaving parents attempting to work, support their family, and deal with the emotional impact of the pandemic to teach their kids. An analysis was performed district-by-district to assess the losses due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and it was found that students were losing approximately half a year ' s worth of learning in math and around a quarter year ’ s worth of learning in reading (Massive Learning Setbacks Show Covid's Sweeping Toll on Kids) These losses were especially prominent in low-income households as these families were less likely to have access to online learning for their children. A survey conducted by The U.S. Census Bureau found that 93% of households did report some type of remote learning in place for their children, but this report does not include the undercoverage bias that can occur in a survey and does not account for how students simply do not learn as much when not physically in the classroom. The survey also found that on average, low-income families reported less remote learning than high-income families (McElrath). Most underprivileged students do not have necessary materials required for remote learning such as a computer, internet access, or parental assistance due to parents having to work, ultimately causing most of these students to struggle more with remote learning than children in more affluent areas (Deparle). Specifically for underprivileged children, the gap in low-poverty situations grew significantly, around 20% in math and 15% in reading, and the results are even more frustrating knowing how much time and effort has been put into remote learning strategies. Children in high-poverty areas do not have the same remote learning tools that private and low-poverty schools do (Kuhfeld). Test scores demonstrate that on average, all students learn less the longer they participate in remote learning, making the learning gap even more prominent the longer the students are not in the classroom. Without basic math and reading skills, not to mention the emotional impact that the pandemic has caused, students may later on drop out of school due to falling too far behind or due to mental health reasons leading these children to not pursue a job in a field they truly love (Press). The Boys and Girls Club strives to close the learning gap between underprivileged and privileged children, but that task is more daunting than ever before; however, the goals of “academic success, good character, and healthy lifestyles” are what allow Club kids to rise to the top. While I was volunteering over the

summer, the primary goal was to assist children in catching up and keeping up while not in the classroom over summer break. Summer is an optimal time for places such as The Boys and Girls Club to focus on providing children with resources to prepare them for the school year ahead. The Boys and Girls Club uses both online resources and the support of each other to close the gap, and by using these methods “74% of 12 to 17 year olds participating in the Club earn mostly A’s and B’s in school” (“Great Futures Start Here”). If students do not grow up with the confidence to succeed academically or socially, they are more likely to struggle in later life. These disadvantages are why places such as The Boys and Girls Club have been crucial to students especially in the past few years.

Many children have fallen significantly behind in core subjects, but many students have also suffered from a lack of social interaction with other students and teachers, which can affect their performance in school and affect their core communication skills. Children begin developing basic social and conversational skills at a young age, and these basic skills provide them with a basis for productive communication. By spending time with other children their age, young children learn about their feelings and how to share those feelings with those around them. They also learn social skills through watching older children and adults around them, making a school an ideal place to develop these social skills. Some children are able to develop these skills at home if they are surrounded by siblings and parents, but children without siblings and with parents working during the typical school day, these social interactions have been limited. Many children also develop language and social skills if they feel encouraged to do so; they believe these skills will be useful to them and being able to interact with other children on a daily basis gives them encouragement to develop these skills. While being in a classroom among their peers, the students also learn basic skills in respect and patience (“Conversation and Social Skills.”). At school, children are put into a classroom of a group of their peers and only one or two adults, typically. They must learn how to wait in line for lunch or share their colored pencils with their friends, but spending all their time at home can lead to a lack of knowing how to interact with others in a large group setting, ultimately leading to behavioral problems. Many parents have noticed increased temper tantrums and increased attachment or detachment from parents and other caretakers. Children benefit from predictability–children having a set routine results in less abnormal behavior. The pandemic was quite the opposite of predictable. All of a sudden, children had to live in a completely opposite situation of what they had known previously, and the unpredictability of sickness, loneliness, and their learning environment did not help their stress level. Many ways to improve negative behavior in children were taken away from parents and guardians (The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia).

It is true that closing schools was vital to the safety of society, but now it is important to focus on how to best prepare students for the next step. Specifically during summer breaks, The Boys and Girls Club has given children the opportunity to increase their interactions with other children of both their own age and older through educational, physical, and artistic activities. The opportunity to be back in the classroom and at organizations such as The Boys and Girls Club has given children a sense of community that is more important than ever before. Not only does The Boys and Girls welcome outside volunteers, but teenagers within the Club are invited to help out with younger students and take on leadership positions within The Boys and Girls Club. The children in the Club feel a sense of community when they have older students to look up to, and they will follow the example of those older students. With all the behavioral abnormalities that have resulted from quarantine, young children need a good example to look up to, which is exactly what The Boys and Girls Club provides (“Great Futures Start Here.”). It is crucial that programs such as The Boys and Girls Club have the ability to provide programs for underprivileged children so that they are prepared for not only the next grade level but also for college and life after. The NCES found that the educational losses students are currently experiencing could negatively impact the wages they receive in their future jobs due to a lack of core knowledge. A decline in kindergarten enrollment in public schools was also found

(approximately ten percent) as many parents have shifted to alternative methods of learning such as private school, homeschool, or, most notably, starting kindergarten late (Paulson). When children start kindergarten late, they have a higher maturity level which can lead to fewer behavioral problems with the child, especially as they grow older, and these children, who are more mature, perform better on standardized tests What is not known, however, is if delaying children will benefit them after the learning losses from the coronavirus. The world has not yet had to respond to a pandemic in this manner, so it is unclear whether or not delaying the start of kindergarten will help or hurt the children in the long-run. It has also been found that the activities the children participate in while in the classroom also affect their maturity level. If children work on more academic focused activities in kindergarten rather than activities that focus on socializing and developing basic skills, the children are less likely to perform well. Children need a way to develop basic mental skills before they dive deep into academics, so it is unclear how the shift in public school enrollment will affect these children in the future (Strauss) The uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic is another reason why places such as The Boys and Girls Club are vital for children; they provide social, extracurricular, and academic opportunities for children who are not receiving them at school. Children need a way to hone both academic and social skills, and they need to develop these skills in a safe, welcoming environment. It is crucial that these children have a place to go to grow within themselves.

The Boys and Girls Club provides more than just a place for students to go when not at school. Programs such as Club NEXT give Club members the opportunity to develop their skills even further. Through Club NEXT, Club members have access to tutors, coding camps, and virtual resources, but these resources also encourage students to create change in the world Particularly, the coding camp, Code Academy, not only teaches students basic skills in coding and app design, but also encourages them to think about how their app could promote change, ultimately providing these students with the tools and confidence they need to create change as they grow up (Club Next). The Boys and Girls Club’s goal is to provide a safe space for children to discover their interests and develop confidence in who they are By providing access to music equipment, sports equipment, computers, and tutoring services, these children are given the opportunity to not only find their talents but also create lifelong friendships. Many children within the Boys and Girls Club grow up in underprivileged communities, some of which are surrounded by violence, but the Boys and Girls Club strives to keep these children feeling safe and combat the learning gaps that are occurring, making the Club an optimal place for these children to go (“Great Futures Start Here.”). It is crucial that these children feel confident in themselves and their abilities so that they can also combat the increasing learning gap and developmental losses in privileged and underprivileged communities.

WORKS CITED

bgcmt.org/clubnext, Club Next. Web. 22 Dec. 2023.

https://bgcmt.org/clubnext#:~:text=Virtual%20Club&text=Open%20to%20grades%20K%2D12,content%2 C%20and%20explore%20coding%20activities.

“Conversation and Social Skills.” Department of Education and Training Victoria. Web. 22 Dec. 2023.

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/professionals/learning/ecliteracy/interactingwithothers/Page s/conversationandsocialskills.aspx#:~:text=Children%20learn%20with%20their%20peers,make%20new%2 0meaning%20of%20experiences.

Deparle, Jason. “Disadvantaged Students More Likely to Be Learning Remotely, Study Finds.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 24 Dec. 2020. Web. 22 Dec. 2023.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/24/us/remote-learning-student-income.html.

“Great Futures Start Here.” BGCMT. Web. 22 Dec. 2023. https://bgcmt.org/.

Kuhfeld, Megan, et al. “The Pandemic Has Had Devastating Impacts on Learning. What Will It Take to Help Students Catch up?” Brookings, Brookings, 3 Mar. 2022. Web. 22 Dec. 2023.

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2022/03/03/the-pandemic-has-had-devastatin g-impacts-on-learning-what-will-it-take-to-help-students-catch-up/.

Massive Learning Setbacks Show Covid's Sweeping Toll on Kids. 28 Oct. 2022. Web. 22 Dec. 2023.

https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2022-10-28/massive-learning-setbacks-show-covids-sweepingtoll-on-kids.

McElrath, Kevin. “Nearly 93% of Households with School-Age Children Report Some Form of Distance Learning during COVID-19.” Census.gov, 21 Dec. 2021. Web. 22 Dec. 2023.

https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2020/08/schooling-during-the-covid-19-pandemic.html.

Paulson, Mariko. “Covid-19 Learning Loss: Long-Run Macroeconomic Effects Update.” Penn Wharton Budget Model, Penn Wharton Budget Model, 27 Oct. 2021. Web. 22 Dec. 2023.

https://budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/issues/2021/10/27/covid-19-learning-loss-long-run-macro-effect s.

Press, Associated. “Online Learning during COVID Put Us Kids behind. Some Adults Have Regrets.” WUSF Public Media, WUSF, 22 Oct. 2022. Web. 22 Dec. 2023.

https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/education/2022-10-22/online-learning-during-covid-put-us-kids-behind-so me-adults-have-regrets.

Strauss, Valerie. “Delaying Kindergarten until Age 7 Offers Key Benefits to Kids - Study.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 30 Nov. 2021. Web. 22 Dec. 2023.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2015/10/07/delaying-kindergarten-until-age-7offers-key-benefits-to-kids-study/.

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. “Managing Disruptive Behavior at Home.” Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 22 June 2020. Web. 22 Dec. 2023.

https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/managing-disruptive-behaviors-in-the-time-of-covid-19#:~:text=F or%20many%2C%20these%20changes%20have,withdrawal%20and%20clinging%20to%20caregivers.

Reflection Essay: Maggie Clark

The Boys and Girls Club of Middle Tennessee

Working at The Boys and Girls Club allowed me to create connections across a wider community. I had the benefit of working at two different club locations, as well as with the Code Academy, allowing me to meet both adults and children with different experiences and stories to share. At the club locations, I was assigned to the Dreamers group, the five and six year olds Being assigned to this group not only meant helping the students harness core academic skills, but also teaching them how to have a positive attitude and treat those around them with respect. Our goal was to ensure that when they started the school year, they felt equipped academically and socially, but reaching this goal was different than I expected. Most children who attend The Boys and Girls Club grow up in low-income areas, and some are surrounded by violence in those areas. Not only is it important to provide a place for the children to learn and grow, but it also must be a place where they feel safe. At the very beginning of the summer, before the clubs were officially opened, I assisted in cleaning and decorating the club locations for the students, but this time also gave me the opportunity to connect with staff members, many of whom went through The Boys and Girls Club During this time, we also went over some procedural issues such as how to handle armed intruder drills and how to handle Club kids involved in violence. This second learning experience definitely came as a shock, and the staff’s response was not what I was expecting. Rather than simply telling the students that violence is not okay and ignoring the situation, they taught me that we need to understand why the student is involved in violence. Knowing this information gives the student the opportunity to talk about how they are feeling with someone who will listen to them, providing needed support. While working with the Dreamers one day, I learned that one student had a vape cartridge; I had no idea at how young an age some children were exposed to something such as the cartridge While I am unable to even imagine some of the experiences they shared, hearing from them widened my perspective significantly and made me realize how deeply important The Boys and Girls Club is for many families and students. It not only helps children reach their full potential but also provides them with a safe community to open up to about a wide variety of situations. Hearing from the staff allowed me to enter into the summer with a wider perspective on the different experiences the students were going through, and while I was not equipped to help with some situations, I was able to be someone the students could look up to and show them how to be a good person. The Boys and Girls Club strives to help students be the best version of themselves, and I was able to assist in this goal by encouraging the students to keep growing and learning I am incredibly grateful to have volunteered at The Boys and Girls because it widened my perspective and introduced me to a wider community.

Research Essay: Sara McDermott

Amputee Blade Runners

The Importance of Affordable Prostheses

Many people in the United States face some form of limb loss, due to a birth difference, trauma, or, most commonly, a vascular disease. According to Amputee Coalition, nearly 185,000 amputations occur in the United States each year, and there are currently around 2 million people in the United States who live with a limb difference. Although technology has advanced and awareness surrounding limb loss has increased over the past few decades, amputees across the nation still face difficulty when finding a prosthesis that works for them specifically. Every residual limb is unique due to where it was removed, its muscle and shape, and the individual's age and activity level. However, although the details, quality, and structure of a prosthesis are vital to ensuring the amputee is truly able to obtain full mobility, many amputees struggle to remain active because their prosthesis does not fit them correctly or is not designed in a way that will enable them to do what they want. This dilemma is mainly because, for a variety of reasons, insurance and general healthcare providers give people something that simply works, not necessarily something that fits the patient’s needs. In particular, most young and active lower-body amputees do not have easy or affordable access to prostheses that enable them to stay active such as running blades because such prostheses are expensive and not deemed medically necessary. The research for this essay specifically focuses on lower-body amputees and aims to address the importance of a prosthesis that allows an individual to have an active lifestyle by fitting well and suiting their specific needs The essay also explores why insurance companies do not cover running blades and how organizations like Amputee Blade Runners can give people access to high-tech running blades at an affordable rate.

It is very important that a prosthesis fit an individual as close to perfectly as possible because the long-term implications of an ill-fitting prosthesis are worse than the extra cost to ensure a prosthesis properly fits Research shows that many lower-body amputees continue to face medical issues even after their amputation. A majority of amputations (about 54%) are due to some form of vascular disease, such as diabetes or a cardiac condition (Amputee Coalition). Post-amputation, the activity level in most individuals decreases, which not only worsens the original condition that led to the amputation, but also results in issues such as obesity, hypertension, and clogged arteries in their heart (Amputee Coalition). Thus, individuals must maintain an active lifestyle to prevent the previous condition from returning or worsening while also preventing future conditions from arising. Particularly for children and young adults who face amputations for these vascular disease-related problems, if they are not given the opportunity to remain active, they will only face more and more health issues for the rest of their lives. Technology such as running blades can help lower health risks due to decreased levels of activity because they do not just enable, but encourage individuals to exercise and live life as they did pre-amputation. It has also been shown that an ill-fitting prosthesis causes a variety of issues that may lead to a decrease in the quality of the residual limb and thus the individual’s overall health. Issues such as excessive sweating, blistering, and bruising can all result from the liners and design of a prosthesis, as do problems with posture, muscle imbalance, and an unequal gait (Amputee Coalition). Prostheses cannot fix everything, but issues such as these can be prevented, or at least minimized, with a prosthesis that fits the person better, whether that means a specific material for the liner or a different vacuum or locking device to keep the socket in place. However, since many insurance companies do not cater perfectly to each amputee, many amputees face this issue of low-tech problems because the limb does not have proper ventilation, or their limb shape changes and the prosthesis is slightly off. If these problems are not addressed, they can result in long-term issues that continue to hinder the person ’ s recovery process. Furthermore, research shows that rehabilitation post-amputation with a prosthesis not

only improves the individual’s mobility and quality of life, but a quality experience can actually reduce some of the amputee’s future health costs (Hanger Clinic). Nonetheless, since making prostheses is an expensive and time-consuming process, insurance companies do not emphasize a perfect fit, only that the prosthesis works. While this necessity for perfection may not seem vital, as people recover from their amputation and their body heals, their residual limb will change shape, just slightly or more noticeably, and even the smallest shift in a person ’ s body weight or alignment can throw off their entire prosthesis as a bone or muscle that was not once as prominent may suddenly prevent the artificial limb from fitting correctly. These scenarios are what result in the rubbing and bruising mentioned above, and yet prostheses are generally made to simply be good enough to get the job done. Since the majority of amputees are over the age of 65, these basic prostheses may be enough for them to obtain basic motor skills, but younger amputees like children and athletes need prostheses that will grow with them and cater to their more active lifestyles. While the invention of running blades has led to a new kind of technology made specifically to help these individuals remain active, a properly fitted prosthesis is equally important to ensure the individual can safely and comfortably use the artificial limb to its full capability as they exercise. Access to running blades would not only assist in an amputee’s long-term health both physically and mentally, but it would also help reduce some of the overall costs related to prostheses. Furthermore, it is equally important that these prostheses, running blades or otherwise, fit the individual properly such that they are comfortable and confident in all aspects of their lives.

While the fit of a prosthesis is very important, it is also essential that each individual uses the right prosthesis for what they are doing. Walking prostheses, which are the most common kind of prosthesis, are good for what they are designed to do: enable someone to walk However, younger amputees require something like a running blade to stay active. Running blades essentially function as springs, allowing the user to push off the blade and propel themself forward, similar to how a human leg works to generate force and momentum allowing people to run. These running blades can come in a variety of forms and have become a key way for athletes, children, and generally active individuals to exercise daily and maintain an active lifestyle. Nonetheless, unlike a standard walking prosthesis, running blades are not considered medically necessary and Medicare will not cover the cost of such a prosthesis (Standup Wireless). Joshua Southards, the Executive Director of Amputee Blade Runners where I volunteered, explained that “Medicare establishes the baseline for lots of payment/coverage decisions.” This means that insurance companies look to see whether Medicare would pay for something and follow their lead, so in the case of running blades, as Medicare does not cover them, nor will most insurance companies. Mr. Southards went on to explain, “The big mobility goal [for Medicare-eligible amputees] is usually something like pivoting from bed to wheelchair or wheelchair to toilet Others might want to walk from the bedroom to the living room, or maybe in a parking lot at Walmart before getting on a motorized scooter.” All of this means that there is no reason for Medicare to cover something like a running blade when a simple walking prosthesis is more than enough for the majority of their patients. However, this causes a negative impact on younger amputees since they cannot easily access running prosthesis because insurance companies base their policies on what Medicare covers, even if their patient demographic is on the younger and more active end of the spectrum. Since more active individuals with limb differences, such as athletes and children, still exercise daily, they wear their prostheses more often and for longer time periods than the majority of the amputee population Although a walking prosthesis is useful in many situations, kids who want to play sports or games at recess along with adults who want to exercise and stay healthy cannot depend on a walking prosthesis to get them through the day. However, although these blades are extremely beneficial to amputees both physically and mentally, individuals have to find a way to pay for these high-tech, expensive prostheses themselves as their insurance company typically will not cover the cost While this is an option for some people, many cannot

afford a high-quality running blade, even if it would vastly improve their lifestyle, as so much money already has to go to doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, and other forms of strength and rehabilitation for those with limb differences. However, there are organizations such as Amputee Blade Runners that work specifically to make running blades that are both high-quality and affordable for amputees, regardless of what their insurance company outlines. Organizations like Amputee Blade Runners, which is the nonprofit I worked with for my service project, aim to approach prostheses from a different direction than insurance companies; they provide lower-body amputees with custom prostheses to help them pursue more active lifestyles at no cost As a non-profit, Amputee Blade Runners relies on donations and fundraisers to provide their athletes with scholarships and grants. These scholarships enable the athletes to access high-tech, top-of-the-line prostheses that cater to their needs and allow them to enjoy full mobility, range of motion, and activity levels. In addition to using the best materials available, Amputee Blade Runners ensures every prosthesis fits each patient as close to perfectly as possible, occasionally going as far as remaking the whole thing to ensure a perfect fit. Furthermore, Amputee Blade Runners does not just provide one-time services, they stay with athletes throughout their whole lives. This means that, especially for children, as the individual grows, gains muscles, and their residual limb changes, ABR continues to redesign and rebuild their prostheses to ensure an optimal fit Since Amputee Blade Runners keeps track of every leg mold they make, their athletes, once fitted, can request a new limb that is nearly exactly the same as one ABR made for them previously. However, if the athlete’s limb shape has changed over time, which is especially common during the first year or two post-amputation and for children and growing teenagers, Amputee Blade Runners will recast, shape, and build a prosthesis for the patient, even implementing a new design like a suction or vacuum to not only adapt to the new limb shape but take the patient’s feedback on what previously worked and what needs improvement. Another unique element of Amputee Blade Runners is that they provide their amputees with both running and walking prostheses, with the running blades specifically designed to ensure the amputee can be as active as possible, whether that means playing school sports, training for and running marathons, or even competing in the Olympics. Although this is an expensive process, especially since insurance companies do not cover any of these costs, Amputee Blade Runners has found a way to help children and individuals stay active in spite of their limb differences. Unfortunately, Amputee Blade Runners is one of very few organizations that functions in this way, despite the growing awareness surrounding limb loss in the United States. While organizations like Amputee Blade Runners are a great start to helping amputees across the country gain access to high-quality prostheses that will improve their lives, there still remain questions of how to encourage insurance companies to understand the health benefits of prostheses such as running blades and how to make such high-quality prostheses a viable option to an even broader range of amputees.

WORKS CITED

“About Amputee Blade Runners – Who We Are.” Amputee Blade Runners, 2023. Web. 1 Feb. 2023.

https://amputeebladerunners.com/about/amputee-blade-runners/ Horton. “How Much of My Prosthetic Will Insurance Cover?” Horton’s Orthotics and Prosthetics, 2 Feb 2021. Web. 1 Feb. 2023. https://www.hortonsoandp.com/how-much-of-my-prosthetic-will-insurance-cover/ Lewandowski, Kerri. “Hanger Clinic Blog: Limb Loss and Limb Difference: Facts, Statistics, & Resources.” Hanger Clinic, 1 Apr. 2022. Web. 1 Feb. 2023

https://hangerclinic.com/blog/prosthetics/limb-loss-and-limb-difference-facts-statistics-resources/#:~:text =Limb%20loss%20is%20more%20common,arm%20or%20leg%E2%80%94by%202050.

“Limb Loss Statistics.” Amputee Coalition, 2023. Web. 1 Feb. 2023.

https://www.amputee-coalition.org/resources/limb-loss-statistics/ “Will Medicaid Cover Prosthetics.” Stand Up Wireless, 24 June 2022. Web. 1 Feb. 2023.

https://standupwireless.com/blog-will-medicaid-cover-prosthetics/ Southards, Joshua. Personal interview. 24 January 2023.

Reflection Essay: Sara McDermott

The Importance of Affordable Prostheses

When I was researching an organization to work with for my service scholar project, one of the administrators at Ensworth, who knew about my interest in biomechanics, suggested that I spend some time at the organization his friend worked at, called Amputee Blade Runners. As they work specifically with children and athletes to help them become more active, I was really excited about being able to combine my mechanical interests with spending time with patients and getting to know them beyond simply a medical context. On my first day, I met a young girl, about eleven years old, who was coming in for a refitting since she had grown considerably since her last visit and her prosthesis no longer fit her. However, she was not alone, her family had recently bought a puppy who, like her, needed a prosthesis as she had been born with a limb difference on her left foreleg Watching the two get fitted for matching prostheses with the same design made me instantly recognize I was in the right place.

I got to experience many parts of the prosthesis-making process that summer; I went to fundraisers where I met numerous amputees with different stories of how they got to where they are; I conducted interviews with the people applying for grants from the organization to make their prostheses affordable, and I spent time in the shop where they mold and make the prostheses, even getting to help laminate one of the sockets. No matter what role I was in, I got to experience some part of the process, from casting a limb to watching the person walk out the door on their own for the first time in months However, as the only teenager in the office, my primary role over the summer was to ensure the children felt comfortable throughout their time in the office. Summer is the best time for children to come and get fitted for prostheses as they do not have to worry about missing school, so I was able to connect with several amazing people who are very close to my own age. One boy in particular stuck out to me, a 6-year-old bilateral amputee (both below the knee), who refused to cooperate with any of the adults at the organization. Although it wasn’t his first time in the office, he had had surgery since his last visit and because it was a painful procedure, he had begun to associate anything medical-related with pain, including doctors, even if nothing physically hurt. As the only non-doctor, I was the only person he didn’t look at and immediately started crying The doctors had me hang out with him for a while, just chatting about books and his family before I helped him put on his new prostheses and encouraged him to try walking. It took some games, like trying to step on my toes, but he slowly gained confidence, shifting from fully depending on the double bars around the room to occasionally taking off a hand. He still used a walker to leave and then returned home the following day so I didn’t see him again, but he made me truly realize the impact that access to custom, high-quality prosthetics has on people’s lives and why it is so crucial that we as a community find a way to make such technology available to a broader range of amputees across the country.

Reflection Essay: Kate Mischinski

Abe’s Garden Dementia: Connections, Causes, and Preventions

Through my experience at Abe’s Garden, I learned about the need for senior care. This venture reinforced my commitment to becoming a nurse. Prior to completing the active service, I sought not only to experience the personal relationships nurses form but also the demanding labor the profession entails Since childhood, I was drawn to nursing, but I never had the hands-on expertise to fully understand why I felt it was my calling. Therefore, for my Senior Service Scholar Project, I chose to serve at Abe’s Garden, an assisted living residence for seniors, where I volunteered in the memory care unit. This organization aims to “establish a replicable model for senior life that is focused on brain health, wellness, and purposeful living” (Abe’s Garden Community) Because of this service, I researched the ongoing causes of dementia and possible avoidances one can take to prevent the onset of this disease.

From June 2022 until the beginning of 2023, I partnered with Abe’s Garden several times a week and participated in various activities. Some days, I would color or complete puzzles with the residents, while other times, I gave manicures or called out Bingo numbers My purpose was to simply bond with the patients and bring positive energy and a warm smile into the building. One would be amazed at how far a friendly conversation can go for many of the members’ spirits. While each resident gave rise to my passion and curiosity, one woman, in particular, truly taught me the impact caring for others can have: her name was Ann Wells. Mrs Ann was a fireball, a light, an angel, and most importantly the first resident I connected with at Abe’s Garden. When I first met Mrs. Ann, her lively persona radiated from her. I discovered she used to teach at Ensworth, and we bonded with ease. I would catch up with her weekly, hearing of new memories she desired to share or life lessons she wished to preach. I cared for her when she needed it; whether it was guiding her to her room, or bringing her water, I acted as a provider in many senses. Unfortunately, on September 17th, 2022, she passed away due to an unexpected Covid-19 outbreak in the facility. Even though Mrs. Ann may not have remembered me, I will forever cherish her contagious smile, warm heart, and sweet words. She (and Abe’s Garden) helped me further realize my purpose in this world - to care for others as a nurse

Every time I served, there were two nurses- Katie and Larina- who have become two of the most well-respected people I have ever met. They both have patience like no other and spend countless hours ensuring they provide quality patient care. Larina worked over several holidays and made light of any situation that came about; that includes when the entire memory-support unit flooded on Christmas Eve! Katie knew the members of Abe’s Garden like the back of her hand and always gave her full effort to create personalized engagement for the residents. I am so grateful to have such outstanding role models for my future in medical services.

After serving over 35 hours at Abe’s Garden, I better understand the value of healthcare and the many challenges those with memory loss face. Although dementia is a damaging and unfortunate disease, I have seen, in a deeply personal manner, that there is so much more to a person than this illness. I have also found that through exposure to this agency, I ventured outside of my comfort zone and explored different sides of myself that I never knew existed. Thank you, Abe’s Garden, for such a remarkable learning experience!

Research Essay: Lily Morgan

Abe’s Garden Memory Support Program

The Effects of Environmental Factors on Predisposition and Progression of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for the cognitive and functional decline in seniors as a result of the deterioration of neurons (Killin, et al.). When these neurons and their connections stop working properly, damage occurs in certain parts of the brain, resulting in memory loss. Some diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, have dementia as a symptom There are several types of dementia, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. The most common type, however, is Alzheimer’s disease. Between 60 to 70% of people with dementia have Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s not only damages neurons, but shrinks the brain as well. Alzheimer’s usually begins with a victim forgetting recent events or conversations, but progresses with time to cause severe memory impairment and inability to do everyday tasks (Killin, et al.). The worsening of the symptoms is due to how the disease progresses physiologically. In the early stages, the neurons are destroyed in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus, which are regions of the brain primarily responsible for memory. As the disease progresses, damage spreads to the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for social reasoning and behavior In the final stages, the brain rapidly shrinks, or atrophies, causing severe degeneration of basic human function (“Alzheimer’s Disease”). Alzheimer’s is worsened by the accumulation of two proteins, beta-amyloid and tau proteins. Beta-amyloid proteins collect between neurons and form plaques, causing neuron degeneration. While beta-amyloid collects around the neurons, the tau protein collects inside the neurons. In a healthy brain, the tau protein binds to microtubules, structures that guide molecules from the cell body to the neurotransmitter sites, and stabilizes them. In a brain with Alzheimer’s, these tau proteins detach from the microtubules and attach to each other, creating a protein chain that tangles within the neuron. These neurofibrillary tangles block neurotransmitters, harming cell communication and leading to cell death When the beta-amyloid protein levels reach a certain point, the amount of tau protein tangles skyrocket (“What happens to the Brain in Alzheimer's Disease?”). Besides a genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s and dementia, certain environmental factors, such as air quality, behavior, high contact sports, and nutrition, affect the predisposition for said conditions; factors such as cognitive complexity, physical activity, and socialization affect the speed of progression for Alzheimer’s and dementia, as seen at Abe’s Garden Memory Care Center. Poor air quality and pollution increase the risk and predisposition for Alzheimer’s. In the last decade, pollution and air quality have become a major concern for people all over the world. Pollution is a known cause of global warming and damage to the environment, but recent studies show that pollution is harming human health as well. Air pollution consists of gasses, chemical compounds, trace metals, and minuscule particles known as particulate matter. Specifically, researchers study fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) because of the high amount of magnetite, a form of iron, that can be studied due to its magnetic properties. PM 2.5 can be released through burning fossil fuels and can enter the brain via the bloodstream or breathing it in through the nose. A 2016 study proved that magnetite is present inside the brain plaques caused by beta-amyloid protein formation. The formation of the plaques indicates the progression of Alzheimer’s inside the brain. People with Alzheimer’s have high levels of these plaques, proving a connection between air pollutants, such as magnetite, and Alzheimer’s. Another 2016 study proved a connection between pollution and dementia through car exhaust and proximity to major roads. Out of 6.6 million people, the study found that people living within 50 meter proximity to a major road were 7% more likely to develop dementia than people living over 300 meters away from major roads. The particulate matter level, which is used to

measure levels of pollution, was 10 times higher within the 50 meter proximity than the 300 meter proximity (“Air Pollution and Dementia”). Even young children’s brains exhibit differences resulting from exposure to pollution. A 2014 study of children from urban areas showed that about half of the children had both amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in their brains, which are both a cause of Alzheimer’s The children in rural areas had no plaques or tangles in their brains (Calderón-Garcidueñas, et al.). Overall, there is a correlation between high levels of pollution and levels of amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. Behavioral habits, such as diet, exercise, drinking, and smoking, all have an impact on the predisposition for Alzheimer’s and dementia. When these behaviors become negative, like having a bad diet, not exercising, and smoking excessively, they create a domino effect regarding human health. A bad diet and no exercise lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, and these lead to poor cardiovascular health. Smoking also leads to poor cardiovascular health. For years research has shown a strong correlation between poor cardiovascular health and vascular dementia, which is caused by interrupted blood flow supply to the brain and damaged blood vessels, but more recent studies are proving a connection between cardiovascular health and Alzheimer’s. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are the leading causes of heart disease, and any kind of heart disease causes reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF). Reduced CBF worsens the vascular homeostasis in the brain, which worsens the cognitive problems associated with the buildup of plaques and tangles. Small vessel disease caused by poor cardiovascular health disturbs CBF, worsening the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tangles. Atherosclerosis, or lesions in the arteries as a result of high cholesterol, serves as a connection between coronary artery disease and dementia. Studies prove that the rate of dementia is higher in those with coronary artery disease and that coronary artery disease is associated with major cognitive impairment seen with dementia. Also, the progression of atherosclerosis is directly related to the dementia patients’ performance on cognitive testing. The worse the atherosclerosis, the worse the cognitive assessment score was. Heart disease is a significant risk factor for dementia, which leads back to basic habitual behaviors like diet, exercise, and smoking These behaviors, therefore, are indirect risk factors for Alzheimer’s and dementia (B Ng et al.).

Another risk factor for Alzheimer’s and dementia is high contact sports that lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Approximately 2% of the United States’ population lives with disabilities resulting from TBIs, such as dementia TBIs can result from car accidents, falls, and high contact sports, like hockey and football. Individuals with TBIs are at a 50% increased risk for dementia, and an estimated 5-15% of dementia is attributed to TBIs (Shively, et al.). A World War II case study examined how the severity of a TBI affects the risk of dementia over the course of 50 years. The soldiers who suffered severe TBIs, which is considered to be a loss of consciousness or amnesia lasting over 24 hours, were four times more likely to develop dementia than the soldiers who did not suffer any level of TBI. The soldiers who had a moderate TBI, which is considered a loss of consciousness or amnesia between 30 minutes and 24 hours, were twice as likely to develop dementia later in life (Plassman, et al.). Research also shows that TBIs cause the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which are known causes of dementia. In fact, amyloid plaques are found in 30% of all patients who died shortly after a TBI. In one study of professional athletes with a history of severe concussions and TBIs from sports who had developed dementia, neurofibrillary tangles were highly reported in autopsies (Shively, et al.). Although there are many studies proving the damage of severe TBIs, a recent University of Pennsylvania Medical School study showed that even a single fall causing a TBI results in a 1.25 times increased risk for dementia. When a person has two TBIs, the risk increases twofold (“Head Injury 25 Years Later – Penn Study Finds Increased Risk of Dementia”). Overall, TBIs cause an increased risk of dementia; many TBIs can be prevented through avoidance of high-contact sports.

Abe’s Garden serves the community as an independent living, assisted living, and memory care facility. I spent my time serving in the memory care facility so I could get a firsthand experience with memory related diseases and how they progress over time. Abe’s Garden created their facility with the intent to use scientifically proven ways to support and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia for the residents. Cognitive complexity, socialization, and exercise all affect the progression of cognitive decline in dementia and Alzheimer’s, as seen in my time volunteering at Abe’s Garden. Cognitive complexity is defined as the extent to which a person can perceive, analyze, and describe information and surroundings. Cognitive complexity is significantly higher in highly educated individuals who challenge their brains and often utilize the skills of the brain. Cognitive complexity can be used to study Alzheimer’s because a lack of use of cognitive complexity puts an individual at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s. Cognitive complexity can also be used to study the progression of Alzheimer’s and how it can slow the progression of the disease. Cognitively demanding activities, such as reading, writing, puzzles, art, playing an instrument, and speaking different languages can both lower the risk for Alzheimer’s and aid with slowing the progression. Moreover, cognitively complex activities stall the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain, a telltale sign of worsening Alzheimer’s. Once diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, cognitively complex activities can be used to slow the cognitive impairment (Bartolotti). Specifically in the early stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s, high-frequency participation in these intellectual activities can drastically slow down the cognitive decline associated with the diseases (Ruthirakuhan). Abe’s Garden uses the research behind this idea to support their residents. Abe’s Garden creates a schedule for the resident each day with both group activities and options to do alone. These activities include singing, drawing, drumming, reading, puzzles, flower arranging, games, and general community activities. These cognitively complex activities help the residents with their temperament, happiness, and sense of belonging and community (“Engagement and Person-Directed Care”). The socialization of the residents also aids with slowing cognitive impairment. Isolation from others has a large impact on a person’s mental health, and in turn, physical health. Older adults, especially those living in assisted living away from their family, may feel loneliness and isolation. In fact, the elderly with no social connections were 2.37 times more likely to experience cognitive decline compared to those with many social connections (The Power of Socialization”). People who experience Alzheimer’s or dementia can sense their own cognitive decline, which can lead to social withdrawal, anxiety, depression, irritability, and decreased self-confidence. By creating a good social environment, the patients may be able to gain self-confidence back and restore a more positive outlook on life. By improving social interactions, eating habits, like eating all three meals together, and exercise habits can be improved and benefit the patient’s overall wellbeing (Ruthirakuhan). The volunteer program at Abe’s Garden was created in hopes to support the social needs of the residents. Studies show that volunteer programs with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients improved their participation in other social activities. Especially if the patient does not have family to visit them often, these volunteers show them undivided attention and provide positive social interactions (Ruthirakuhan). Abe’s Garden also uses exercise as a proven method to slow the cognitive decline that comes with Alzheimer’s and dementia (“Engagement and Person-Directed Care”). Moderate exercise for the residents not only improves symptoms of cognitive decline, such as alertness, visual tracking, inhibition, and temperament, but physical health as well (Ingold). The architecture of the Abe’s Garden Memory Care Center supports and encourages an active lifestyle by connecting all three units with a large, circular garden. The residents not only complete group exercise activities, but often use the garden to move throughout the property (“Engagement and Person-Directed Care”). Abe’s Garden uses proven scientific research to support their residents in a social sense to slow the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Many factors besides genetics affect the predisposition for Alzheimer’s and dementia. Environmental factors can also be used to aid the patients after Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis. Abe’s Garden uses these factors to help the residents with their wellbeing and happiness in efforts to slow their cognitive decline associated with these diseases.

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Research Essay: Claire Nord

Turnip Green Creative Reuse

What are the Consequences of Landfills and How is Turnip Green Creative Reuse Making an Impact?

Most of the time when people throw something away, they are not thinking about where that item is actually going. Living in a large city, I have noticed people will throw just about anything away if it means they do not have to deal with finding a new place for it. When I thought about what I wanted to do for my service project, the issue of sustainability and the environment came to mind. I knew that landfills were harmful but did not realize what a large negative impact they have on the community until researching. They cause endless health and environmental issues that I, and most people, are not aware of I then discovered Turnip Green Creative Reuse and their great efforts to reduce landfill overflow in Nashville. As stated on their website, “We foster creativity and sustainability through reuse. We provide a welcoming, inclusive space to divert materials from the landfill and connect them with people who need them such as teachers, students, artists, and more ” (Turnip Green). Turnip Green takes what could be considered trash and turns it into an opportunity for creativity and education for everyone while striving for a cleaner and less wasteful community.

Each year, U S landfills are filled with 139 6 million tons of waste (Mcdonald) There are over 3,000 active landfills in the U.S. and 10,000 closed ones, causing an array of environmental and health issues. One problem is that they release methane gas, which contributes significantly to climate change and harmful ground-level ozone. They also produce carbon dioxide, water vapor, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and nonmethane organic compounds, which can all lead to smog. Landfills negatively impact the environment for animals as well, and 1,800,000 acres of habitat have been lost due to their immense damage. Plastic liners of landfills can leak, which causes the liquid leachate to be released This liquid contains ammonia, which can be nitrified to produce nitrate, leading to eutrophication, or lack of oxygen, in nearby water sources. Dead zones are then created, which are areas where no animals are able to survive (Vasarhelyi). Landfills not only cause damage to the environment and animal habitats, but they affect humans as well. Being exposed to high levels of ammonia in the air can cause irritation of the eyes, coughing, headaches, and several more issues (“Important Things to Know about Landfill Gas”). There was a study conducted in New York that discovered a “12% increased risk of congenital malformations in children born to families that lived within a mile of a hazardous waste landfill site” (Vasarhelyi). Imagine waking up every day and being greeted with odors, risks of harmful gasses, possible health issues, and an increased number of bugs in the area. Unfortunately, these problems, and many more, are the reality for people living near landfills. These issues are more prevalent in low-income areas because they do not have as many resources to help with the damage caused by landfills or the means to move to a safer location (Vasarhelyi). The problem of landfills is occurring throughout the United States and may not seem relevant in Nashville, but it is. Nashville houses the Southern Services landfill, a 77-acre landfill that is the final destination for most of the city’s trash. This landfill is located in Bordeaux, a historically black neighborhood located Northwest of downtown Nashville (Wadhwani). Residents of this area have been complaining about the significant issues they are facing, but their efforts have been

mostly unsuccessful. Southern Services decreases property value, increases health issues, and overall negatively impacts the lives of Bordeaux residents. Vincent Dixie, a Nashville Democrat living less than a mile-and-a-half from the landfill, states, “This area was built because the middle and upper-class professional black people had nowhere else to build homes The land and dirt were not good, but we made the best use of what we had And we made it a thriving community. This issue of the landfill continues to depress the values of our homes, in most cases our biggest asset, so we have to do something about this” (Wadhwani). Residents of this area struggle daily with the monster that is Southern Services, but fortunately, there are organizations trying to help with the problem of landfill overflow.

Turnip Green Creative Reuse has been taking donations, offering after-school art programs for children, and providing a space for artists to display and sell their work since 2010 In just 2021, 377,689 pounds of waste were diverted from the landfill and there were 3,472 education program participants (Turnip Green). They also have an open studio where anyone is able to come and create anything. Turnip Green allows customers to purchase materials at a name-your-own-price, which allows people with all economic backgrounds and situations to be a part of their community and have a creative outlook. After speaking with the employees, I learned that Turnip Green caters to struggling artists, people in the Nashville community, and homeless people They strive to provide a space for people in need while simultaneously helping the environment. However, they are not only limited to Nashville, and one employee told me they have people from all over the United States, and even other countries, come and visit. They take donations of everything from art supplies to wood scraps to office supplies to record players. Turnip Green is not only a place for people to come shop but a place for volunteers. According to their website, there were 4,397 volunteer service hours across all areas of the organization in 2021 (Turnip Green). Turnip Green’s connection with the Metro Nashville Public Schools is impactful and important to the Nashville community They host after-school programs where students learn about the importance of reusing, as well as crafts and science experiments (Turnip Green). Teaching children who may not have access to strong art programs in their schools is crucial because all children deserve to have a creative outlet and the ability to learn about reuse and their environment. Some of Turnip Green’s specific programs include teaching people how to sew, work with leather, and create paper out of recycled materials. In addition to the many other ways Turnip Green is serving the Nashville community, they also have a partnership with Southwest Airlines through their program “Repurpose with Purpose ” This program is a global sustainability initiative in which Southwest Airlines takes parts from retired airplanes and donates them to organizations that will work with artists to turn them into new products. Turnip Green’s partnership is called Turnip S.E.A.T. (sustainability, education, arts, and transformation) because they specifically receive old seat leather from Southwest. They sell this material in the shop, use it in art kits for Nashville Metro Public Schools students, and allow people to create their own pieces with it in the open studio Also, local artists have used the leather and made accessories such as bags and wallets, which can be bought in the Reuse Center (Turnip Green). Overall, Turnip Green Creative Reuse is accomplishing its goals in the Nashville area by diverting waste from landfills and providing education for children and adults in need. The practice of reuse and recycling is vital in order to maintain a clean and healthy life. Recycling benefits the environment, economy, and communities. Environmental benefits include the reduction of greenhouse gasses, and less use of natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals (“The U S Recycling System”) As stated earlier, recycling and keeping

waste from landfills saves animals’ habitats as well. The economy has benefited from recycling because it saves energy. This is due to the fact that recycled products usually take much less energy to be turned into reusable materials. The final benefit of recycling is through individual communities The growth of recycling industries provides jobs, which in turn allows for more people to have a stable income, benefiting the community as a whole The market size of the United States recycling facilities industry has grown by about 5.1% per year from 2018 to 2023 (“Recycling Facilities in the US”). Additional ways to reduce landfill waste are to compost, avoid-single use plastic, and reuse (“The U.S. Recycling System”). Reusing is the act of taking old and used items that could be thrown away and finding a new use for them. Examples of practical reuse include bringing reusable bags to the grocery store, using a reusable water bottle instead of plastic, donating old clothes to people in need, and giving other old materials to places like Turnip Green Creative Reuse. Turnip Green advocates reuse and inspires people to take something old and create something new. While volunteering at Turnip Green, I saw many items for sale that I would have thought to throw away. For example, plastic Easter eggs, used thank you and birthday cards, tissue paper, and bubble wrap, just to name a few. It is amazing how someone can look at an item and see trash, while others can create something completely new out of that item. This is exactly why reusing is important and why non-profits like Turnip Green are making such a positive impact, especially with their Turnip S E A T program where old leather airplane seats can be turned into accessories to buy and materials to be used by young students and adults. Reusing and recycling are two of the main ways to prevent landfill overflow and should be practiced by everyone every day.

Speculations about whether or not items actually get recycled when placed in recycling bins are ongoing and are still a current issue, especially with plastic. Six times more plastic is incinerated than is recycled and only eight percent of plastics were recycled in 2017. Plastic is hard to recycle because it is often contaminated by food or other products (Cho) All recycling is often placed in one bag at restaurants and stores, causing more of the plastic to be contaminated than if it were separated out. To fix this issue, more technology is required to sort recycled products (Cho). Another easy fix for people to start helping this problem is to donate plastic items that are not contaminated such as straws, bottle caps, and containers to places like Turnip Green. Turnip Green takes recycling very seriously and has particular methods for how they do so When I volunteered one day, I was in charge of deconstructing binders They had a surplus of binder donations around back-to-school time, so we had to get rid of some, but instead of just throwing them out we manually cut all the binders to separate the cardboard from the plastic parts. This way, the plastic can be recycled properly and will not end up in landfills or the ocean. Turnip Green’s strong efforts to recycle properly are just another example of how they are positively impacting the environment and trying to make changes starting in the Nashville area that will hopefully make a difference around the world.

Volunteering with Turnip Green has opened my eyes to the detrimental effects of landfills on all aspects of our lives. Communities are forced to live in unhealthy conditions, animals are losing their habitats, and so much is going to waste that could be reused. While at Turnip Green, I was able to witness people who did not have the ability to buy brand-new craft, building, or office supplies find what they needed in a sustainable way. I was also shown how there are so many different ways to be creative and why providing a creative space to people of all ages should be more common and is extremely necessary. Recycling and reusing are crucial to keeping our planet clean and healthy, and that is why organizations like Turnip Green are so

important. From their name-your-own price, easily accessible shop, to their phenomenal partnerships with Southwest Airlines and Metro Nashville Public Schools, they are taking great strides to help the Nashville community divert waste from landfills. I hope more organizations like Turnip Green continue to be created, and that the horrible impacts of landfills eventually come to an end

Works Cited

Cho, Renee. “Recycling in the U.S. Is Broken. How Do We Fix It?” State of the Planet, Columbia Climate School, 18 Oct. 2022, Web. Jan 27 2023 news.climate.columbia.edu/2020/03/13/fix-recycling-america/.

“Important Things to Know about Landfill Gas.” New York State Department of Health, Web. Jan 27 2023

www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/air/landfill_gas.htm#::text=Short%2Dterm%20exposures%20

McDonald, Juliana. “How Much Trash Does the U.S. Really Produce?” How Much Waste Does the U.S. Produce? | Dumpsters.com, 2022, Web. Jan 27 2023

www.dumpsters.com/blog/us-trash-production#:~:text=Every%20year%2C%20U.S.%20landfills%20are,to ns%20of%20paper%20and%20paperboard.

“Recycling Facilities in the US - Market Size 2005–2029.” IBISWorld, 10 Feb. 2023, Web. Jan 27 2023

www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/recycling-facilities-united-states/#:~:text=past%205%2 0years%3F-,The%20market%20size%20of%20the%20Recycling%20Facilities%20industry%20in%20the,av erage%20between%202018%20and%202023.

“The U.S. Recycling System.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, Web. Jan 27, 2023 www.epa.gov/recyclingstrategy/us-recycling-system.

Turnip Green Creative Reuse, turnipgreencreativereuse.org/.

Vasarhelyi, Kayla. “The Hidden Damage of Landfills.” University of Colorado Boulder Environmental Center, 15 Apr. 2021, Web. Jan 27 2023

www.colorado.edu/ecenter/2021/04/15/hidden-damage-landfills#:~:text=Environmental%20Impact%20of %20Landfills&text=Along%20with%20methane%2C%20landfills%20also,create%20smog%20if%20left%20 uncontrolled.

Wadhwani, Anita. “Elected Officials Add Voices to Debate over Nashville Landfill in Black Neighborhood.” Tennessee Lookout, 23 June 2021, Web. Jan 27 2023

tennesseelookout.com/2021/03/24/elected-officials-add-voices-to-debate-over-nashville-landfill-in-black-n eighborhood/.

Reflection Essay: Claire Nord

What are the Consequences of Landfills and How is Turnip Green Creative Reuse Making an Impact?

Volunteering at Turnip Green Creative Reuse was an impactful experience and inspired me to care more about the environment I am living in and the people in my community. I was able to learn about the actions they are taking to promote a sustainable lifestyle in Nashville and how they support people in need through their partnerships with Southwest Airlines and Metro Nashville Public Schools. I originally had a hard time deciding where I wanted to complete my service project and wanted somewhere that combined my love for working with children and helping people and my passion for the environment. Once I discovered Turnip Green, I knew it was a perfect fit. While I did not volunteer with any children directly, I knew my efforts of organizing the store and helping with incoming donations were helping those in need. I did, however, get to see small acts Turnip Green does that help many different people. I have many stories that I could share about the amazing people I interacted with and saw while volunteering, but one stood out to me. One day when I was organizing tissue paper by color near the open studio, I saw a man walk in with a large backpack on. I overheard him ask one of the employees where he could find supplies to make a pillow. The woman he asked immediately stopped the work she was doing and offered to help him. She showed him the different fabrics in the area of the store called “Fabric Land” and allowed him to pick the one he wanted. Then, she grabbed stuffing and offered to sew it up for him. He was so excited when she offered to do this for him, and he jumped at the offer She worked for about twenty minutes in the open studio sewing the man’s pillow together carefully. The man walked around the Reuse Center and admired everything there while she was working. He walked by my table a couple of times while I was working on the tissue paper and smiled. Then, it was time for the big reveal, and the woman brought out a freshly sewn pillow. He stared at it for a few seconds admiringly and then thanked her repeatedly and said how that pillow was something he really needed. He left and the woman went back to what she was doing, but I was left in awe of this kind act and how Turnip Green is able to provide for people in need Most people do not have to think about needing a basic necessity like a pillow, but for this man, Turnip Green was able to help him with that necessity, while also being environmentally conscious. In conclusion, my work at Turnip Green Creative Reuse allowed me to see how much of an impact this non-profit organization is making in the Nashville community. Their accessibility to all types of people, helpful partnerships, kind and creative employees, and caring attitude toward the environment are just some of the endless reasons why Turnip Green is such an amazing organization and why I am immensely grateful for my time there.

Research Essay: Hailey Riven

The Tennessee Innocence Project

How does the state make it difficult to exonerate an individual even though it isn’t hard to wrongly convict someone?

It was a hot July day in 1985 when Anthony Ray Hinton’s life went from working in the yard to death row. He was mowing his mother’s grass when he was arrested and charged for two murders he did not commit. When Anthony explained to the arresting detective that he had the wrong man, the detective exclaimed that he did not care whether or not Anthony was guilty Hinton recalled the detective telling him that regardless of the charge, he would be convicted no matter because “[he’s] black, the victim was white, the prosecutor is white, the judge is white, and the jury will be white.” At the time of the crimes, Mr. Hinton was working at a locked warehouse fifteen miles away. But because of racial injustices, Mr. Hinton was not given anything close to a fair trial. His lawyer had hired a ballistics expert who was blind in one eye. A polygraph test given to Mr. Hinton did exonerate him; however, the judge refused to admit it in court. The prosecuting attorney even “had a documented history of racial bias and said he could tell Mr. Hinton was guilty and ‘evil’ solely from his appearance ” (Anthony Ray Hinton). The court chose to slack off because a Black man did not deserve the same equality as a White man After the trial, an all-White jury convicted Mr. Hinton, and he was sentenced to death by the electric chair. He survived on death row for nearly 30 years before being exonerated. At the time, state officials relied on what they considered to be the only substantial evidence: the crime bullets that could have matched those used during the three robberies came from a dusty old revolver found in the back of Mr Hinton's mother’s closet (Williams) After years of petitioning to have Anthony Ray Hinton’s mother’s revolver re-analyzed, three independent experts concluded in 2015 that the bullets could not have been fired from the revolver. With the assistance of the Equal Justice Initiative, Mr. Hinton was exonerated on Friday, April 3, 2015 at 9:30 am, embracing his family with his famous words, “The sun does shine ” The wrongfulness of our justice system cost him thirty years on death row.

It is not hard to wrongly convict an individual Every scenario contains different circ presented, or at witnessed crime “The rworked vestigate, call prepare for o the innocent ses of nviction). The ent factors to victions are ness, perjury sation, false or orensic evidence, official misconduct, and false confession (The National Registry of Exonerations). According to Western Michigan University, “30% of DNA exoneration cases result in innocent defendants pleading guilty.” Oftentimes, pleading guilty, even if not guilty, can result in a lesser punishment and make it easier to reach a

sentence, so for someone on trial, this might end up being their best way to get a lesser sentence. The justice system also leaves a lot of room for human error which is a big component that leads innocent victims to a wrongful conviction: “criminal justice is a human endeavor and the possibility for negligence, misconduct and corruption exists” (Causes of Wrongful Conviction)

Since 1989, there have been 3,355 exonerations. Overall, wrongly convicted individuals have lost 28,770 years in prison for crimes they did not commit (The National Registry of Exonerations). State governments make it incredibly difficult to exonerate individuals: funding and extreme costs make exonerations incredibly taxing and hard work; a lack of Conviction Review Units limits the work that can be done to prove innocence; DNA testing and other resources are not often readily available, and racial prejudices continue to make proving a person ’ s innocence difficult.

Funding is a big component that makes exonerations difficult. “Shrinking funding and access to resources for public defenders and court-appointed attorneys is only making the problem worse (Causes of Wrongful Conviction). Wrongful convictions disproportionately affect individuals of low economic status. Approximately 80% of defendants cannot afford counsel when they are first charged with a crime, and fewer can hire representation post-conviction. Post-conviction cases (what the Tennessee Innocence Project takes on) are often assigned to the newest attorneys and pay a maximum of $2,000 per case, no matter how much time is involved, which offers little incentive to provide effective representation. There are also no available resources for appointed post-conviction attorneys no investigators, no expert witness funds, and no social work support. The post conviction attorney would be responsible for finding and obtaining all of these resources on their own which would lower their desire to take on a claim of innocence. Even pro bono lawyers need resources for research and scientific testing. As a result of these challenges, few victories for wrongfully convicted individuals have been achieved on behalf of innocent Tennesseans until the Tennessee Innocence Project (TIP) was formed (Hayley Levy). The TIP offers services at no charge to the client and takes on all costs of the case, working to get rid of the financial barrier that wrongly convicted individuals might worry about Some of the financials involved in an exoneration case include scientific testing and legal representation.

The lack of Conviction Review Units are yet another reason that States make it difficult to exonerate an individual. Conviction Review Units (CRU) are offices that work to prevent, recognize, and then solve wrongful convictions. There are 43 CRUs in the United States that have recorded exonerations (The National Registry of Exonerations). There is only one in Tennessee. In Davidson County, the TIP collaborates effectively and has access to multiple resources with its collaboration with the CRU to reach success; all four of the TIP’s exonerations were in collaboration with the Davidson County CRU The TIP-Davidson County CRU collaboration allows for an accessible, open, and transparent exchange of case files and records, ensures that all evidence was and is turned over to the defense, promotes routine agreement on testing (fingerprint, DNA, ballistics, etc.) that could exclude or identify alternate suspects, and supports a mutual, earnest goal of seeking truth and a willingness to correct a past wrong. Specific to Tennessee, this partnership is crucial to the administration of justice because 1) in Tennessee, a District Attorney’s office cannot vacate a conviction without the defendant initiating proceedings; 2) TIP is the only innocence organization in the state; and 3) both the Davidson County CRU and TIP have seen an increase in applications for review of cases (Hayley Levy) Hayley Levy, the Tennessee Innocence Project Director of Development, says that “We are proud of our exonerations to date, but data suggests at least 750 people remain wrongfully incarcerated in Tennessee state prisons, meaning there is significant work still to be done.”

Much of that work needs to be done in Memphis where the TIP currently has twenty-three cases that are either active or under review. Memphis recently elected a new District Attorney, Steve Mulroy, who helped create what Shelby County is calling the Shelby County Justice Review Unit (JRU). The JRU “is an independent unit operating within the DA’s Office, reporting directly to

DA Mulroy” (Justice Review Unit). The TIP actually helped advocate for its creation and hopes to create a similar partnership as it has with the Davidson County CRU. While the JRU is a step in the right direction and definitely serves a cause, there is the lack of a CRU elsewhere in the state of Tennessee CRUs are difficult to form because they are dependent on the District Attorneys in any county being willing to open one and then investigate former cases prosecuted by their own offices. Most people do not want to look internally at their own mistakes or the mistakes of others under their supervision. Jessica Van Dyke, lead counsel and executive director of the TIP says, “We believe a collaborative justice model could transform innocence work in Tennessee, so we are actively advocating for the establishment of CRUs across the state.” With more CRUs in Tennessee, more exonerations will be possible.

The TIP has many goals for generating more success and expanding into Memphis and Shelby county. They plan to advocate for the creation of another CRU, provide a thorough review of applicants convicted in Shelby County and referrals from Memphis attorneys, and offer increased litigation of Shelby County innocence cases by hiring additional counsel. The TIP currently has twelve cases from Memphis that have passed the TIP’s strict internal review process but do not yet have an attorney assigned. These are twelve individuals who have valid claims of innocence but do not have the financial resources or the legal knowledge to access post-conviction resources and are therefore reaching out for help As the funding base grows, the TIP will be able to serve more of these individuals.

DNA testing and other forensic science resources are yet another major component that makes it hard to exonerate an individual, and with a lack of CRUs in the state of Tennessee, it is hard to overturn faulty forensics According to the Equal Justice Initiative, many forensic techniques are not even scientifically validated. Such “junk science” techniques are shoe print comparisons, firearm tool mark analysis, hair microscopy, and bite mark comparisons (LaPorte). However, the techniques that have provided great accuracy with exonerations include: hair, blood, saliva, semen, and skin (DNA Testing and the Death Penalty). With more laws being created to allow for DNA testing to be presented in an exoneration case, 375 individuals have now been exonerated by DNA testing (Exonerate the Innocent). In 1989, the first man was exonerated by DNA evidence (DNA's Revolutionary Role in Freeing the Innocent in the U.S.) Oftentimes, when reopening a case, involving DNA testing and evidence makes it more difficult for the courts. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, “for many inmates the most important obstacle to DNA testing is the fact that in many jurisdictions officials refuse to enable inmates to have evidence tested using modern DNA testing methods, arguing that this would reopen too many old cases ” (DNA Testing and the Death Penalty). If DNA can prove someone ’ s innocence, it will show the mistakes of the court on the initial ruling. Wrongful convictions also isproportionately affect people color. Much like with Anthony ay Hinton’s case, race played a ajor component in etermining whether or not he as guilty. During the 1980s, the eep south was entangled with cial implicit biases that fluenced the minds of White itizens. The South had perienced the influx of effects om the Civil Rights Movement, t White and Black people were ill not equal When it came to crime, this inequality helped

misconstrue the conviction of the crime, simply because it was easier to blame a Black man than a White man. And while White notorious criminals roamed around the South uncaught, Black people were constantly convicted purely because of their skin color. Today, race still plays a role in America’s justice system

Every day, innocent individuals sit in prison because a court locked them up for a crime they did not commit. But, with the hardwork and determination from non-profits like the Tennessee Innocence Project, hopefully all of the wrongly convicted individuals will one day be exonerated. In the meantime, our justice system needs to find ways to make sure innocent individuals do not end up in jail

WORKS CITED

“Anthony Ray Hinton.” Equal Justice Initiative, Equal Justice Initiative, 15 Nov. 2022, Web 15 Jan. 2023 eji.org/cases/anthony-ray-hinton/.

“Anthony Ray Hinton: Reject Hatred, Demand Change.” Neumann in the News, Neumann University, 16 March 2016, Web 23 Jan. 2023

https://learn.neumann.edu/news/anthony-ray-hinton-reject-hatred-demand-change

“Causes of Wrongful Conviction.” Western Michigan University, Department of Sociology, 9 Sept. 2016, Web 15 Jan. 2023

wmich.edu/sociology/causes-wrongful-conviction#:~:text=Mistaken%20witness%20id,convictions%20over turned%20through%20DNA%20testing.

Conviction Integrity Units, National Registry of Exonerations. University of Michigan, Web 16 Jan. 2023.

www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/Conviction-Integrity-Units.aspx.

“DNA's Revolutionary Role in Freeing the Innocent in the U.S.” Innocence Project, Innocence Project, 1 May 2019, Web 16 Jan. 2023.

innocenceproject.org/dna-revolutionary-role-freedom/.

“DNA Testing and the Death Penalty.” American Civil Liberties Union, American Civil Liberties Union, Web 20 Jan. 2023 www.aclu.org/other/dna-testing-and-death-penalty.

“Exonerate the Innocent.” Innocence Project, Innocence Project, 20 Aug. 2020, Web 20. Jan. 2023 innocenceproject.org/exonerate/.

“Exonerations by Race/Ethnicity and Crime .” The National Registry of Exonerations, University of Michigan, 1 Jan. 2023, Web 20 Jan. 2023

www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/ExonerationsRaceByCrime.aspx.

“Justice Review Unit.” Justice Review Unit, Web 18 Jan. 2023 www.shelbyjru.com/.

LaPorte, Gerald M., et al. “Wrongful Convictions and DNA Exonerations: Understanding the Role of Forensic Science.” National Institute of Justice, National Institute of Justice, 7 Sept. 2017, Web 20 Jan. 2023 nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/wrongful-convictions-and-dna-exonerations-understanding-role-forensic-science

Levy, Hayley. Personal Interview. 15 June 2022.

“% Exonerations by Contribution Factor.” The National Registry of Exonerations, University of Michigan, 1 Jan. 2023, Web 15 Feb. 2023.

www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/ExonerationsContribFactorsByCrime.aspx.

Williams, Tamara. Death Row Exoneree Anthony Ray Hinton Tells His Compelling Story to over 300 at the Law School, School of Law, The University of New Mexico, 23 Nov. 2016, Web 25 Jan. 2023 lawschool.unm.edu/news/2016/11/death-row-exoneree-anthony-ray-hinton-tells-his-compelling-story-to-o ver-300-at-the-law-school.html.

Reflection Essay: Hailey Riven

How does the state make it difficult to exonerate an individual even though it isn’t hard to wrongly convict someone?

I became passionate about civic engagement last summer after interning with the Tennessee Innocence Project (TIP) where I was exposed to flaws in our criminal justice system. My involvement in the non-profit helped me gain a better understanding and a new perspective towards the unfairness of our system.

After interning with the TIP for over 85 hours, I had the opportunity to spend time with many individuals who focus their lives on eradicating the barrier that race continues to play in the justice system, as well as attempting to provide the necessary resources to exonerate the wrongly convicted. Hayley Levy, TIP’s Director of Development said that they “[do] this work because [they] believe that being imprisoned for a crime you did not commit is one of the greatest injustices a person can suffer.” Dehumanizing individuals, especially targeting their race, has corrupted our justice system, not only on the state level but the federal level as well.

My involvement in the non-profit helped me gain a better understanding of the unfairness of our justice system. I attended lunch-ins with other non-profits where the whole purpose was to discuss and break down the unfair legalities of the system. There are so many groups, just like the TIP, that strive to work for a better humanity. It made me happy and proud to be a part of a community where so many people cared about making sure every human had a fair chance at life with equal opportunities, whether that’s legally, racially, or economically. While working with litigators to decide on which cases of innocence the non-profit would take, I still couldn’t grasp the astronomical number of cases where race seemed to be the only “substantial evidence.” In speaking with exonerees, I learned about the biased and cruel discriminations that innocent individuals may face because of a corrupt justice system where courts seem to be lazy when dealing with evidence.

I was able to meet Joyce Watkins over the summer. The TIP exonerated Joyce in 2022. Joyce was the nicest woman in the world. I remember she loved baking goods and knitting gifts for the office to continue to express her gratitude for those that helped her prove her innocence. What impressed me most about Joyce was that even though she spent 27 years in prison for a crime she didn’t commit, she continues to be the most hardworking and spirited woman. She didn’t let the injustices stop her from living her life now. She is very happy and personable and thankful for the opportunity to continue to live her life as she once did.

I helped TIP organize an event in Memphis where Anthony Ray Hinton, an exoneree, came to speak about his experience. Being able to help promote the incredible and impactful mission of the TIP made me feel that I was making a difference. Reaching out to donors and assisting in applying for grants was another way that I felt I was making a positive impact for the wrongfully convicted community. I hope to continue to take part in the TIP’s work and continue to strive for a more fair and equal justice system. After my internship with the Tennessee Innocence Project, I strive to promote change for the wrongly convicted as well as help incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people. Not only am I still involved with nonprofits like the TIP, but I also continue to look for ways to enact racial change.

Research Essay: Katherine Sales

(Friends of Warner Parks)

How do the Emerald Ash Borer and invasive plants affect parks on a local and national scale?

With climate change and the expansionist mindset of the world, public parks are some of the most important parts of society Public parks encourage connecting with the outdoors; whether it be a hike, a walk, or a friendly game of football; public parks give all people a space to be one with nature. The organization I chose to spend my service hours with was Friends of Warner Parks. Friends of Warner Parks provides services such as clean-up and restoration, community outreach events, and environmental education.

The first Warner Park opened in 1910 thanks to Luke Lea. Luke Lea bought the land at the end of Belle Meade Boulevard and donated it to the City of Nashville for a public park comprised of 543 acres. Flash forward to 1987 and the nonprofit group Friends of Warner Parks was established and in 2000 the Nature Center-HQ of Friends of Warner Parks was built. Today Friends of Warner Parks looks over 3100 acres of land. While the parks may be a place of comfort, many environmental problems afflict the parks today. Two of the problems I noticed and got to learn about in my experience were the effects of Emerald Ash Borer and Invasive Plant species on the parks(Friends of Warner Parks).

The Emerald Ash Beetle or Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a wood-boring beetle from northeast Asia. The adult beetles are mostly harmless but the larvae feed on ash trees causing them to die by disrupting their ability to take in nutrients and water(Emerald Ash Borer). Their eating pattern is described by Tim Phelps, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry Public Information Officer, [as] “ a serpentine style eating or feeding pattern that these larvae do inside the trunk of the tree. That in and of itself weakens the tree. But, ultimately, these larvae completely encircle the stem of the tree or a branch”(Davis). The Emerald Ash Borer was introduced to the United States in 2001 and since then, has killed forty million ash trees.

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was first introduced to America in 2001 and has caused problems in the Northwest and Northeast states. Nature specialists first noticed the decline of Ash trees in Detroit in 2001. They believed at first the trees had a disease, but by 2003, five to seven million trees were dead or dying in Michigan. Since there was really no information about what was happening, they were not able to stop the infestation so the EAB spread to other states. Now the EAB can be found in 31 different states. The EAB is one of the most destructive “non-native forest pests”(Houping). In infested areas, the EAB can kill up to 99% of ash trees in that area within a few years. The graph of “Ash Tree update 2017” shows the mortality rate of ash trees in the national parks. From 2016-2017, the number of living ash trees decreased as the number of dead ash trees increased. As of 2017, 67% of the original amount of ash trees in National Parks had died due to the Emerald Ash Borer. The National Parks article warns that if something is not done quickly then even more death can occur(Ash Tree Update 2017).

The infestation of EAB is an environmental crisis and also an economic problem. There are roughly eight billion ash trees valued at about 282 billion dollars. If all of these ash trees are

destroyed, 282 billion dollars will be lost. Not only is the loss of ash trees a problem, but also the cost to treat the invasive species. “The projected economic cost of the area where the invasive species was found was roughly 12 5 billion dollars to mitigate spread and another 10 7 billion dollars for removal and treatment” along with “The estimated impact of EAB for the 30-yr time horizon ranged from $265 million to $1.2 billion depending on the combination of spread, treatment, and discount rates”(Ash Tree Update 2017). The cost to treat the ash trees would be a financial burden on most states.

Ash trees provide resources for animals, and the destruction of these ash trees would be detrimental to the animals’ ecosystems. Ash seeds are consumed by smaller animals such as ducks, birds, and insects, and “21 species of moth rely on the ash tree”(Ash Tree Update) Not only that but 43 species of arthropods, invertebrates with an exoskeleton, use ash trees for feeding. The opening from the lack of ash trees will increase invasive species.“This, in turn, will lead to habitat alteration and species displacement in the ecosystems, which most likely will result in landscape homogenization from the loss of species diversity”(Ash Tree Update 2017). This means that due to the environmental changes, some species will either die off or have to migrate because they no longer have the ash trees to survive off of. Looking locally at Nashville the EAB was first discovered in 2014 Tim Phelps says, “The white flag has been thrown up, the Emerald Ash Borer is here to stay. And, there are things that homeowners need to know about how to protect a tree, as well as landowners”(Ash Tree Update 2017).

The Emerald Ash Borer affects the nation and has specifically affected Warner Parks. Ash Trees compose 15% of the Warner Parks Canopy, and Warner Parks will have to take down 3600 Ash trees in the next five years. These removals pose a threat to park goers and the whole of Nashville Metro expects the borer will ultimately kill all of Nashville’s thousands of ash trees by the year 2026 The city says the insect arrived in Nashville in 2014 and is already responsible for killing tens of millions of trees across North America(Gonzalez). Phase 1 of ash tree removal will begin with taking out 128 ash trees along trails. Warner Parks has been lucky enough to have started replanting and hopes to replenish the loss of the ash trees. Warner Parks have planted 4000 native trees with blue tubes around them for protection and to promote the growth of new trees(Friends of Warner Parks).

A big part of my time over the summer was spent pulling various invasive species around the park. An invasive species is defined in National Geographic as “ an organism that is not indigenous, or native, to a particular area.”Invasive species are a threat economically and environmentally. Invasive species are able to adapt to their new environment quickly, reproduce, and then take over entire ecosystems. Oftentimes, invasive species are spread around the world due to anthropogenic causes. Invasive species can attach themselves to things being shipped around the world. Also with climate change, some invasive plants are capitalizing on the change in weather to allow them to move into new climates Many big problems come with this introduction of invasive species into environments. When invasive species are introduced into environments, they are often able to breed and reproduce quickly due to the lack of a natural predator. They can also prey on native species, outcompete them for food and other resources, cause or carry disease, and prevent native species from reproducing or killing a native species’ youth(National Wildlife Federation. Economic problems also follow invasive plant species. Conservation authorities are estimated to spend 50.8 million on invasive species per year in Ontario alone Invasive species cause management costs, research, and monitoring problems,

reduced crop yield, job losses, damage to infrastructure, and negative impacts to international trades and tariffs(Invasive Species Center)

There are nine particularly prevalent Tennessee invasive species: Tree-of-Heaven, Royal Paulownia, Mimosa, Privet, Amur and Japanese Honeysuckle, Kudzu, Chinese Lespedeza, and Japanese Grass(Kincannon). The main way that the invasive plant species affect the Nashville area is by pushing out native plant species. This, therefore, alters ecosystems and has been prominent in many of the trails in the Warner Parks area. These invasive plants devastate landscapes, and many universities conduct research to find solutions.

North Dakota State University’s students did research on the Emerald Ash Borer problem and came up with three solutions. Two solutions, diversification, and isolation, are the most effective. One of the solutions to the destruction of ash trees through the Emerald Ash Beetle is by diversifying the plants and trees in that ecosystem. In most areas where ash trees reside, overplanting occurs. Overplanting is very dangerous to ecosystems. American elm trees were originally planted largely in the great plains, and Dutch elm disease wiped out a majority of the elm trees. The Dutch Elm trees were replaced with green ash trees because these trees grew large and fast(North Dakota State University) The same problem occurred when the Emerald Ash Beetles were introduced into the American environment. This over planting of trees caused the biodiversity of systems to go down and in turn, allowed the areas to be more susceptible to attacks such as these. Biodiversity yields benefits as well as a solution. One good example of this is farmers who use this practice of biodiversity in day-to-day life. Oftentimes, farmers use something called monoculture, which is the growth of one crop. This leads to the same problem as the ash trees: one pest or disease is able to come in and wipe out a majority of the crop Many farmers have switched over to polycultures because of this. Polyculture is the growth of multiple crops, and it makes pests spread more slowly. This is seen through sunflowers being planted with tomato crops. Stanley Rice, a professor of biological sciences at Oklahoma State University writes, “Sunflowers impede movements of sphinx moths through tomato fields, causing them to lay fewer eggs, which hatch into voracious tomato hornworms”(Stanley). Due to the planting of sunflowers within the tomato crops, the moths are not able to destroy the tomato plants as much If fewer ash trees were planted, trees such as “cottonwood or boxelder” will have the same kind of effect as planting sunflowers in with tomatoes and will slow the spread of the EAB(North Dakota State University). Not only will they decrease the spread of ash beetles, but they will also ensure that if the ash tree population in one area is destroyed then the ecosystem will be diverse enough to recover. The second solution to the Emerald Ash beetle crisis is isolation. One of the ways that the Emerald Ash beetle is able to spread across countries and states is through the transportation of wood. A couple of states have put restrictions on what can be done with firewood at campsites or the sale of firewood in general, for example, “The Indiana Department of Natural Resources recommends burning all firewood to avoid spreading the insect”(Suellen) Quarantine is an easy and cheap way to stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. Research into the treatment of invasive plant species has differed. The department of energy and environment categorizes the three broad categories that cover treatment for invasive plants: mechanical, chemical, and biological. Mechanical treatment is actually pulling invasive species from the ground This could be pulling, digging, suffocating, cutting, and mowing Chemical treatment is the use of herbicides to prohibit and control growth Biological treatment is using natural predators to try to eradicate invasive species(Department of Energy and Environment). Although the research for eradicating invasive plants is fairly straightforward, there is a clear

crossover between what has been done for invasive plants and what should be done about the Emerald Ash Borer

Friends of Warner Parks is doing significant work to help save the Nashville community from the devastation of both the Emerald Ash Borer and various invasive plants. The first thing Friends of Warner Parks is doing is educating the wider Nashville community. When walking in the park various signs will be on display with a warning about what the Emerald Ash Borer is. These signs also include what to do if an Emerald Ash Borer is seen and where to go to find more information. Friends of Warner Parks also encourages and offers many volunteer and educational opportunities These opportunities range from “pick and pull days” where volunteers actually get to go out and pull invasive species, to exhibits in the Nature Center on the current climate of the Warner Parks. Finally, Friends of Warner Parks is taking action. Friends of Warner Parks is going in and destroying 4000 Ash trees. Removing these Ash Trees stops the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer to other regions across Tennessee and the United States. Friends of Warner Parks is also planting new trees that will hopefully grow and replace the prominent Ash tree population. These new trees can be seen throughout the parks in blue tubes These blue tubes help with monitoring the growth of the new trees but also create a sort of greenhouse that will facilitate growth.

Works Cited:

“Ash Tree Update 2017 (U.S. National Park Service).” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Web.Jan 30 2023 https://www.nps.gov/articles/ash-tree-update.htm.

“EAB Network - Home.” EAB Network - Home, Web. Jan 27 2023 https://www.emeraldashborer.info/

Friends. “Metro Parks to Remove Eab Infested Ash Trees This Fall.” Friends of Warner Parks, 6 Oct. 2022, Web. Jan 10 2023 https://warnerparks.org/eab-infested-ash-trees/.

Gonzalez, Tony. “'It's Time.' Nashville Begins Chopping down Trees Damaged by Emerald Ash Borer.” WPLN News, 3 Oct. 2022, Web. Jan 10 2023

https://wpln.org/post/its-time-nashville-begins-chopping-down-trees-damaged-by-emerald-ash-b orer/.

Invasive Plant Control Methods, Web. Jan 27 2023

https://doee.dc.gov/page/invasive-plant-control-methods#:~:text=Herbicides%20are%20among% 20the%20most,BGone%E2%84%A2%20and%20Garlon%E2%84%A2.

“Invasive Species Economic Impacts.” Invasive Species Centre, 12 Oct. 2022, Web. Jan 27 2023

https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/invasive-species/what-is-at-risk/invasive-species-economicimpacts/.

“Invasive Species.” National Wildlife Federation, Web. Jan 10 2023

https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Threats-to-Wildlife/Invasive-Species

Liu, Houping. "Under Siege: Ash Management in the Wake of the Emerald Ash Borer." Journal of Integrated Pest Management, vol. 9, Annual 2018, pp. 1d+. Gale Academic OneFile, Web. Jan 27 2023

link.gale.com/apps/doc/A687753915/AONE?u=tel_a_es&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=987a1d07.

Accessed 31 Jan. 2023.

May, Suellen. “Invasive Terrestrial Animals: Emerald Ash Borer.” Invasive Terrestrial Animals, Chelsea House, 2006. Science Online, Web. 12 December 2022

online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=103456&itemid=WE40&articleId=371541. Accessed 31 Jan. 2023.

Nolan, Davis. “Emerald Ash Borers Destroying Tn Ash Trees.” WKRN News 2, WKRN News 2, 22 Apr. 2022, Web. 27 January 2023

https://www.wkrn.com/special-reports/emerald-ash-borers-destroying-tn-ash-trees/.

“Preparing Trees for Winter.” NDSU Agriculture and Extension, 28 Sept. 2022, Web. 12 December 2022

https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/extension-topics/gardening-and-horticulture/treesand-shrubs/preparing-trees-winter.

Rice, Stanley A. “Importance of Biodiversity to Agriculture.” Encyclopedia of Biodiversity, Revised Edition, Facts On File, 2020. Science Online, Web. J10 January 2023

online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=103456&itemid=WE40&articleId=285346. Accessed 31 Jan. 2023.

“Tennessee Invasive Species.” City of Knoxville, Tennessee, Web. 12 December 2022

https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/public_service/urban_forestr y/tennessee_invasive_species#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20it%20focuses%20on,%2C%20sapli ngs%2C%20and%20seedlings.

Reflection Essay: Katherine Sales

Friends of Warner Parks

During my time with Friends of Warner Parks, I was able to develop a deeper understanding of the nature around us and everything it does for us. Before I volunteered with Friends of Warner Parks, I was unaware of all the challenges that surround our parks today. One of the things that surprised me the most was the number of hours and care workers put into simple things in the parks. One of these experiences was watering the new trees at the Alae. Due to the Emerald Ash Borer, new trees are being planted to replace the trees that have to come down. Lots of care must be taken with these new trees. Over the summer I would go on watering runs once a week to help take care of these trees. Each tree needs to have a deer guard to make sure that the animals are not eating the budding branches. Along with ensuring the deer did not eat the budding branches, dead and tangled branches had to be pruned to ensure that the tree would continue to grow healthily. Not only do these trees have to have deer guards, but each tree requires five minutes of water. Trips like these could take up to two hours per area and had to be done once to twice a week. Not only did I become aware of the maintenance of the parks’ new trees, but also the maintenance required by human destruction. One experience I had during the summer was cleaning graffiti out of a local cave system. Trying to clean the graffiti was extremely difficult and time-consuming. It shocked me that people would actively try to harm parts of our parks system, but situations like this are not abnormal. I went on multiple trash cleanups to pick up garbage bags full of trash people had left scattered around the parks. Working with Friends of Warner Parks opened my eyes to the importance of nature around us. I learned that we must take care of our parks because they provide a variety of recreational services. The Warner Parks has been open since 1927 and provides a multitude of services for the Nashville community. One of the other pleasures I had was working at the Warner Parks’ Nature Center. The Nature Center hosts community outreach events to educate the public on nature. One of these events I got to help with was the Hummingbird Day event. To help with this event, I helped put out tables and stitch hummingbird stuffed animals. Hummingbird day was a way for Warner Parks to reach out to the community to explain the importance of Hummingbirds in the food chain and the enrichment of flowers. It is clear that Friends of Warner Parks is not just an important part of our community because of their contribution to the conservation of the parks around us, but also the educational opportunities and outreach they provide to the wider Nashville community.

Reflection Essay: Whitney Sanders (Spreading Deaf Awareness)

When given the opportunity to become a service scholar, I knew exactly where I would volunteer. Bridges, a non-profit organization that focuses on establishing access and inclusion for the deaf and hard of hearing community, has been a part of my life for many years. Their work provides services including, interpreting and classes for anyone who wants to learn ASL. Bridges strives to help individuals reach their fullest potential in life, helping them pass any barriers that they might face as deaf individuals I have been a part of Bridges for the past 5 years and going into doing volunteer work with them, I looked forward to being able to learn more about ASL and encourage others to do the same. Although I am not fluent in ASL, I know enough to be able to comfortably communicate with a deaf person. Every time I am given the opportunity to sign, I learn more about the language and get more confident in my skills. During my time as a volunteer, I helped as a camp counselor for the sign language camp they offer for kids who want to learn sign language. As someone who has been a participant in the camp, it was very interesting to be on the other side of the camp Throughout the week the kids learned ASL and about the deaf community while playing games and going on field trips. One of my favorite parts of the camp was all of the different people I was able to meet. I became very close with one of the counselors who was around my age and deaf. From her, I learned more ASL and had so much fun talking to her every day. During one of the vocabulary lessons we did with the kids, I was able to be the interpreter for the other deaf counselor so the kids could understand what she was saying. Being an interpreter is an experience that I will never forget, and I hope that I will have more opportunities in the future

My goal going into volunteering at Bridges was to help spread awareness of the deaf community and my knowledge of the language. Many people are not familiar with the beauty of sign language and frequently have many questions about how deaf people go about their daily lives. Some people might believe that deaf people are disabled and dumb so they do not make the effort to try and communicate with them. When in reality, deaf people live their lives similarly to hearing people just without sound. Many people do not realize that there is an entire deaf community that shares everyday experiences, traditions, and values They have a common way of interacting with each other that they cannot do with someone who is hearing and does not know anything about their language. Throughout my time at Bridges, I learned that the deaf community is a fun environment to be around, and I was able to spread awareness to younger kids by teaching them more about ASL and the deaf community. I look forward to learning more ASL in the future and encouraging more people to become immersed in this beautiful language

Reflection Essay: Helen Thompson Access to Health Care

Every day I spend at Siloam Health, a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare for the uninsured, underserved, and culturally marginalized in our community, leaves an impact on my perspective on life. My view on access to healthcare expanded exponentially, and now I better understand the needs of our community. Healthcare is broken, fragile, and increasingly unaffordable Patients walk in with medical concerns and fear of another rejection. However, they're welcomed with open arms and walk out relieved of their fears. Siloam Health believes in addressing patients’ entire well-being, including physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.

When I am scheduled for the first Saturday morning shift, I walk past a line of patients eager for the clinic to open. Although they smile at me gently, I can see the truth in their eyes. I know they have been turned away from the help that they need countless times They tirelessly tried every possible way to avoid coming this morning, out of fear of another rejection or that they will be offered a solution that they can not afford. Paying for the care they need may also mean sacrificing money for food, rent, and other necessities of life. I see a pregnant woman with tired eyes, a young Hispanic boy with a bloody bandage on his hand, a family of four sharing a contagious virus, a homeless lady with a limp, and many more painstaking faces. Although they all have different stories, they come to the clinic for the same reason. They are all in pain and are losing hope for their healing They patiently and fearfully wait in line to see if they will finally be accepted and receive the help they desperately need.

Past the doors of the waiting room, I am greeted by a wonderful team of doctors, nurses, interpreters, and other volunteers. Each team member is devoted to serving patients with compassion. The interpreter’s skill of translating languages between the patients and physicians is imperative to the success of Siloam because they serve patients from over 100 countries. Siloam understands that refugees have fled horrors and may be in a vulnerable state, so they make the environment feel as warm and safe as possible My assignments include restocking the rooms, organizing equipment, sanitizing the examination tables, and other small tasks. Although my qualifications prevent me from being involved in care firsthand, I am able to witness the beauty of patients being welcomed with acceptance and love. My eyes have been opened to the need for resources in the community, but also the generous hearts of people striving to make a difference in the lives of others. Siloam Health is an example that everyone is worthy of respect and care.

Siloam Health has taught me to be grateful for my health but also how to perceive the expensive and complicated system of healthcare in America. My experience as a volunteer has inspired a calling in me to join the field of global health and help find permanent solutions to providing the care that every person deserves.

NON-PUBLISHED SERVICE SCHOLARS AND RESEARCH TOPICS

The following students chose not to publish their work but are recognized for their work as Service Scholars:

SOFIA AL-KURDI

DREAM STREETS

Advisor: Leila Dodson

MACI ANDERSON

BELL GARDEN Advisor: Teresa Todd

ALIYAH BATTEN

HEAD START

Advisor: Zachary Schneider

ERIN CROSBY

ENSWORTH DANCE MARATHON

Advisor: Teresa Todd

DYLAN CURTIS

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Advisor: Tom Jackoboice

ALLISON FIELDING

THISTLE FARMS

Advisor: Leila Dodson

CAM GORDON

WATER WALKERS

Advisor: Elias Salazar

CASSIDY HAJE

WATER WALKERS

Advisor: Courtney Bahr

HUNTER HANEY

CHEATHAM COUNTY

ANIMAL SHELTER Advisor: Cecilia Wang

ELLA HOWARD

MY FIRST BOOKS Advisor: Leila Dodson

OWEN IRVING

NASHVILLE CHESS CENTER

Advisor: Elias Salazar

HENRY JACOBS

FRIENDS OF WARNER PARKS Advisor: Zachary Schneider

EB JAMES

CHEATHAM COUNTY

ANIMAL SHELTER

Advisor: Markeisha Rucker

MICHELLE JOHNSON

ANIMAL RESCUE CORPS

Advisor: Elias Salazar

JACKSON REHM

ACHILLES INTERNATIONAL

Advisor: Cecilia Wang

LUCAS REHM

CHEATHAM COUNTY

ANIMAL SHELTER

Advisor: Leila Dodson

ELLIE RIOS

DISMAS HOUSE - NASHVILLE

RIVERBEND MAXIMUM

SECURITY FACILITY Advisor: JC Johnson

PHILLIP ROLLINS

CHEATHAM COUNTY

ANIMAL SHELTER Advisor: Gary Pope

OLIVIA SOLIMINE

NASHVILLE DOLPHINS

Advisor: Courtney Bahr

NICOLETTE TOLITANO

MY FIRST BOOKS Advisor: Cecelia Wang

KENDELL UNGAR

WILLIAMSON COUNTY

ANIMAL CENTER

Advisor: Lexus Norwood

REED WHITMAN

CHEATHAM COUNTY

ANIMAL SHELTER

Advisor: Gary Pope

MIA WILHELM

ENSWORTH DANCE MARATHON

Advisor: Zachary Schneider

SOPHIE WILLIAMSON

GLOBAL WORKS TRAVEL

Advisor: Markeisha Rucker

EDITOR’S NOTE

Students submitted these essays before spring break March 2023. While the pandemic has improved with vaccines and treatments, inflation, distribution irregularities, weather events, unprecedented growth in Nashville, and various other issues combined make the need for service to others even more compelling and complex in our lives and community. Individuals and non-profit institutions face challenges that will continue to evolve in the future. The work of the Ensworth Service Scholars illustrates resourcefulness, determination, creativity, and commitment in the effort to turn challenges into opportunities. The student designed projects fulfill the promise of the Ensworth Mission that encourages students to use their talents to the fullest, be contributors to society, and exercise their intellectual vitality. I am proud to work in a school that continues to focus on our Mission that includes service to the community. Each essay has inspired me, again, this year. I expect that will be a shared experience for all who read the published selections. Enjoy the reading, and thank you, Service Scholars, for your time, energy and effort. Each of you has made a difference.

In Search of Truth

MISSION STATEMENT

Ensworth is a kindergarten through twelfth grade, coeducational independent school. The School promotes academic excellence and inspires students to be intellectually curious, to use their talents to the fullest, to be people of integrity, and to be contributors to society.

VISION STATEMENT

We envision a school community dedicated to following the highest principles with the greatest love, as characterized by moral integrity, intellectual vitality, discipline, compassion, humor, and joy.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

In order to realize the goals of our Mission and Vision, Ensworth must actively strive to be a diverse and inclusive community of learners that engages collectively In Search of Truth. The presence of different perspectives and life experiences plays a vital role in the development of our students, enhancing classroom and extracurricular experiences in meaningful ways. As a school, we are committed to cultivating an environment in which all members of the Ensworth community experience a true sense of belonging and are empowered to be active participants in the life of the school. These efforts are essential if we are to foster the growth of all students in line with their potential, and to equip them for lives of purpose that extend far beyond their time at Ensworth.