For my Capstone, I created a project focused on exposing the truth about sex trafficking—what it really looks like and why so few people recognize it. I started with research using credible sources like Polaris, Thorn, and RAINN, and included real survivor stories that show how trafficking often hides in plain sight. My original plan was to partner with anti-trafficking organizations, but when that didn’t work out, I shifted and chose to present directly to students. I created a slide presentation, reflection paper, and resource materials to educate others on how trafficking works, what red flags to look for, and how to stay aware. I presented my project to multiple classes and opened conversations about prevention, safety, and support. This project taught me how to use my voice to inform others and how one conversation can make a difference. The goal wasn’t just to inform. It was to protect.

Our capstone started with many different ideas. At first, we thought about filming seniors talking about their high school experience or starting morning announcements. We wanted students to have a way to share their voices. But seniors took the best of us and left us limited to participation. We sent out surveys but didn’t get many answers. That’s when we knew we had to try something new. We chose to make a “Senior Sign Out” video, based on a TikTok trend. It was fun, easy to do, and more people were excited to join. It gave students a way to say goodbye and feel seen. Some teachers didn’t think the video was enough, so we worked on making it something that could become a tradition for future seniors, just like Decision Day or Senior Brunch. We learned how to keep going, even when plans don’t work out. We also learned how to be creative and a leader. It wasn’t easy to get people involved, but we found ways to make it happen. This project brought the senior class together and gave us something special to remember. One student said during filming, “This feels like a real goodbye.” That moment showed us how meaningful this was. I’m proud we created something future classes can keep going and make their own.

For my Senior Capstone project, I wanted to do something that mattered to me and could help my community. I started by asking, “How can we help kids have more places to go outside of home and school?” At first, I had a few ideas, like planning an Iftar event during Ramadan, starting MSA classes, or doing a clothes drive. But things didn’t work out—some plans got rejected, and others were just too hard to pull off. After talking with my advisor, I decided to volunteer at the Francisville Recreation Center. It was something I could do right away and something I cared about. I spent time with the kids there, playing games, helping out, and making them feel welcome. I realized that just being there for them made a big difference. I also learned that a lot of kids don’t go to places like rec centers because no one invites them or makes them feel excited to come. This project helped me see how important it is to have fun, safe places for kids to hang out. I also found out that I’m good at talking to kids and making them feel comfortable. Doing this project made me proud because I helped create the kind of space I wish I had when I was younger. Even though it didn’t start the way I planned, it turned into something really meaningful for me and the community.