29 wanted to do something meaningful to help the shelter community feel seen, supported, and appreciated. WHAT LEGACY OR IMPACT DO YOU HOPE THIS PROJECT LEAVES BEHIND? I hope my project leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion. One thing I loved most about my Capstone was the emotional connection it created. It encouraged people to truly see the conditions many shelter dogs are living in and to feel empathy for them. My hope is that this project inspires others to consider adopting from shelters rather than purchasing from breeders, while also encouraging more people to volunteer and support local shelters. HOW DOES YOUR CAPSTONE REFLECT THE PERSON AQUINAS HAS HELPED YOU BECOME? Aquinas has helped me use one of my greatest passions to give back and serve the community around me. Through the values of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge, Aquinas has taught me not only how to be a good student, but also how to be a compassionate and responsible citizen. Over the past seven years, these lessons have shaped me into someone who is eager to help others and make a positive impact wherever I am. Creativity | Aiyanah Reed CAPSTONE TOPIC: My Capstone project is a children’s book about my little cousin, Elijah, who has autism. The book follows his daily routine and highlights some of his stimming behaviors, emotions, and experiences in a positive and understanding way, helping readers better understand life through his perspective. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS TOPIC? I chose to create this story to shine a light on who Elijah is and to show that autism may affect children differently, but it does not make them any less deserving of love, respect, and understanding. Elijah has had a profound impact on my life and has shaped the way I view compassion, patience, and empathy. I have noticed that many people do not fully understand autism or the behaviors associated with it, and that misunderstanding can sometimes lead to judgment or bias. I wanted to create something meaningful that could help educate others through the lens of my cousin’s experiences. Because I also enjoy creativity and learning about new topics, creating this children’s book felt like the perfect way to combine my passions with my love for Elijah in an educational and impactful way. WHAT LEGACY OR IMPACT DO YOU HOPE THIS PROJECT LEAVES BEHIND? I hope this project leaves behind greater awareness, empathy, and acceptance for children with autism and other developmental differences. I want readers to understand that there is unity in our differences and that everyone deserves to feel respected, included, and represented. I also chose to have my book added to the alumni section of Aquinas’ Mary P. Hastings & Ann K. Wegman Library. I hope it can serve as an example for future Capstone projects. Most importantly, I hope people walk away with a greater sense of kindness and understanding toward others, while remembering the importance of love and compassion. HOW DOES YOUR CAPSTONE REFLECT THE PERSON AQUINAS HAS HELPED YOU BECOME? Aquinas has taught me the importance of understanding others’ differences, strengthening my faith, and using my voice to make a positive impact. Though each Capstone tells a different story, together they reflect the heart of Aquinas: students growing in faith, purpose, and confidence as they prepare to make their mark on the world. Long after graduation, their connection to Aquinas, and to one another, continues. Leadership | Alexander Roberts CAPSTONE TOPIC: Infantry Equipment Used by the U.S. Military During World War II WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS TOPIC? I chose this topic because I have always been fascinated by the development of military equipment during times when our country needed it most. The weapons, gear, and innovations of World War II have inspired me to learn more about this important period in history for over a decade. In fact, the knowledge I used for this project came from more than 10 years of personal research, study, and observation of military history and practices. WHAT LEGACY OR IMPACT DO YOU HOPE THIS PROJECT LEAVES BEHIND? I hope this project encourages others to listen to their grandparents and learn from older generations who have experienced events that many of us can only read about in history books. Their stories and perspectives are invaluable. I also hope it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II and the importance of remembering history so that future generations can learn from it. By understanding the consequences of conflict, we can better appreciate the value of peace and work toward preventing the kinds of widespread violence that affected the world during that time. HOW DOES YOUR CAPSTONE REFLECT THE PERSON AQUINAS HAS HELPED YOU BECOME? My Capstone reflects the person Aquinas has helped me become by giving me the confidence to stand up for what I believe in and pursue my interests with conviction. Presenting my Capstone allowed me to share a passion that has been a significant part of my life for many years. It gave me the opportunity to express who I am in a way I had not been able to before, and I believe I am a stronger and more confident person because of the experience. Community & Connection | Madison Rogers CAPSTONE TOPIC: Sports Marketing for Aquinas Hockey. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS TOPIC? I chose this topic because of my passion for sports, both as a fan and as an athlete. I hope to pursue a career in sports management, and this project gave me the opportunity to use my experience and knowledge to create something meaningful for the Aquinas community. WHAT LEGACY OR IMPACT DO YOU HOPE THIS PROJECT LEAVES BEHIND? I hope my project encourages greater support for our athletic programs and inspires students to show up for and support their classmates. Our athletes work incredibly hard to represent Aquinas, and I hope this project helps strengthen school spirit and community involvement. HOW DOES YOUR CAPSTONE REFLECT THE PERSON AQUINAS HAS HELPED YOU BECOME? My Capstone reflects the person Aquinas has helped me become by pushing me outside of my comfort zone and giving me opportunities to grow. Through this experience, I have become more confident, involved, and motivated to pursue my passions while contributing to the Aquinas community.
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