Joseph Dolcemaschio, Verrazzano Class of 2021, completed major in History
Wow! What a journey it has been completing my Capstone project during a global medical pandemic. Writing my Capstone in a subject that was different from my major was a very rewarding and simultaneously a challenging experience. I majored in History and I knew I wanted to incorporate a historical element to my thesis even if the components of my Capstone did not involve history entirely. After thinking about topics, I decided I wanted to research the Fresh Kills Landfill, located in the western part of Staten Island, New York. In other words, I wanted my Capstone project to touch on a topic that was close to home.
Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, my thesis was thrown a curveball. I would be lying if I said I was not a little worried about how I was going to complete the assignment before my graduation. What I originally intended to do had to be modified. However, after coping and asking for help, I did not let the global medical pandemic stop me from pursuing something I worked months on end to accomplish with the assistance of my thesis advisor.
One of my favorite parts about writing my Capstone was conducting my research. I conducted surveys from Surveymonkey.com and polled individuals from various backgrounds, educational standings, age groups, socioeconomic statuses, and careers. Being able to connect the journal articles I read with the research I collected was very interesting and enlightening on a topic I had little to no knowledge about at one point.
Since I am an aspiring NYC Department of Education (DOE) School Counselor, this Capstone project has catapulted me in the right direction in regard to working in the education sector. Researching and understanding how the environment has an impact on people's mental state is important to me. Even though completing a lengthy Capstone paper and writing another thesis for my History 401: Seminar in Advanced Historical Study was challenging, it was worth being challenged. Being able to work with and learn from my faculty advisor, Professor William Ellery Samuels is something that I know will last a lifetime.
Overall, completing this Capstone in a world that has been momentarily flipped upside down shows how I am capable of doing anything as long as I stay on my purpose. I can overcome any obstacles that affect me in my life or at the university level. I hope to continue to build on my research skills and problem-solving skills and incorporate all that I have learned when I become a full-time School Counselor.
As my undergraduate college experience comes to an end, writing my Capstone and learning about environmental blights is something I will not soon forget. Never forget the people that helped you along the way as well. Both in times of darkness and light, the relationships you have with people matter a lot. Please remember that. The Verrazzano School experience at the College of Staten Island was phenomenal.
