For my Capstone project, I focused on volunteering at the local public library to help visitors with technology. Initially, I aimed to create a website that gathered important resources, but I realized this was too big of a task given my time limits. Instead, I dedicated my efforts to assisting patrons with printing, using the photocopy machine, and navigating apps like Google Slides. This experience not only allowed me to give back to my community but also deepened my passion for technology and helping others. Through this process, I discovered that my interests lie in both technology and community service, reinforcing my desire to pursue a career in Cybersecurity. The positive feedback from library visitors motivated me to continue my work, and I learned that making technology accessible can significantly impact people’s lives.

How do students and teachers feel seen in the school? I am doing this project because it is my last year, and it is important that teachers and students feel seen. This will benefit the students by giving clear examples of the value and making them feel seen.

My main Ideas are: How do students and teachers feel seen in the school? And what were the students’ favorite parts of school? I wanted to do this project because students must think they are seen. This will benefit the students by giving clear examples of their value. It will also make the students feel seen.

Here is my process. The first thing I did was find a reference photo that showed everyone in their different ways. I chose a photo from the senior boat trip because it expresses that people were happy and enjoying each other’s company. After picking my reference photo, I started putting in the light and dark shadows to show that I knew where to place the colors. For this painting, I decided to make everything blue and white because blue and white are our school colors, and they represent everyone. The second step in my process was the flat colors. As I said before, I only used blue and white. The most challenging thing was trying to create different shade ranges of blue and white. During this time, I was placing the flat colors. Flat colors are the primary colors that are used, so there is no detail or shading. My project has changed by focusing on one point in my senior year, which showed everyone’s personality, unlike painting multiple different paintings. Through this process, I learned that everyone feels seen in school differently, but when we come together, we create wonderful things.

As a senior in high school, my service learning project has been one of the most impactful and eye-opening experiences of my educational journey. For my Capstone, I chose to focus on environmental sustainability, particularly on understanding the importance of protecting our environment and community in Philadelphia. This included hands-on service learning with Audubon Mid-Atlantic, focusing on invasive species and the crucial role young people play in preserving the world around them. Looking back, I am most proud of how I was able to turn my passion for environmental care into a project that made a real difference and educated others along the way. One of the most powerful lessons I learned during this project was just how connected we are to the environment. Every decision we make, from how we dispose of trash to what we plant in our gardens, affects the health of our communities. Through working with Audubon Mid-Atlantic, I was able to participate in habitat restoration activities and learn about the challenges facing bird populations and native plants in Philadelphia. One major focus of our service was addressing invasive species, like picking up the honeysuckle with the lopper tool, which threatens native trees that birds and pollinators depend on. Before this project, I didn’t realize how dangerous a single non-native species could be. After helping to remove invasive plants and learning about how they disrupt entire ecosystems, I saw how quickly environmental damage can spread and why proactive care is so important.