A Reflection on The Miseducation of Cameron Post and the Harms of Conversion Therapy

Hunter Guttenplan, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Psychology and minors in English Literature and Political Science

My capstone project was about the negative effects of conversion therapy and how it is portrayed in The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth, as well as research on how the portrayal of conversion therapy in the novel relates to conversion therapy in the United States.

I learned a lot about conversion therapy with the assistance of my former English Professor, Harry Thorne. I took his Coming of Age Narratives class, and we read a book called The Miseducation of Cameron Post. The novel immediately captivated me. Reading a young adult novel about mental health and psychotherapy was very enjoyable, especially as a Psychology major. The novel was so enjoyable that I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do for my capstone project. I could combine two of my academic interests, English and Psychology.

The results I found in the research were actually exactly as I expected. The representation of the oppression of people with queer identities in The Miseducation of Cameron Post was supported by real-world statistics. I learned a lot about Gender Dysphoria, therapeutic interventions in relation to conversion therapy, the fact that people in the LGBTQIA+ community are eight times more likely to report having attempted suicide, almost six times more likely to report high levels of depression, more than three times as likely to use illegal drugs, and are three times more likely to be at high risk of HIV and other STDs. I also learned about the public opinion in the United States regarding conversion therapy, and the influence of negative beliefs and clinical competence on Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual individuals.

One of the most interesting parts in my opinion was the high economic burden of conversion therapy. To be more precise, that economic burden is about nine billion dollars, which is outrageous.

If I were to continue developing this project, I would research the difference in conversion therapy throughout the years, as well as look at countries other than the United States. That way I can broaden my research on the issue since it doesn’t just apply to our country. I would also look at the difference in how conversion therapy was done throughout the decades. For example, I assume that conversion therapy was done differently in 1975 than it is now, especially due to the fact that homosexuality was not as socially acceptable back then as it is now.

It was a pleasure to work on this project under the guidance of Professor Thorne, and it was a rewarding experience doing this capstone project for the Verrazzano Honors Program.

 

An Unforgettable Experience in an Ensemble

Huma Ahmad, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Political Science and minor in Spanish

It seems like just yesterday when I participated in my final performance for A Doll’s House alongside my fellow actors. The atmosphere in the dressing room was charged with anticipation as we readied ourselves for the stage. It was during this preparation that a fellow actress proposed the idea of collaborating on an independent play with the current ensemble. Recognizing the merit of this suggestion, I embraced the concept wholeheartedly, and the journey from that moment has brought us to the present.

The subsequent day marked the culmination of our efforts in a directed student-based production titled Rossum’s Universal Robots. The array of emotions I experienced—ranging from joy to a tinge of melancholy—reflects the myriad challenges and lessons that have defined our collective journey over the months. The exhaustive hours, days, and months invested in rehearsals ultimately allowed me to immerse myself in the role of Helena Glory. This transition posed a personal challenge, as my prior commitment to embodying the character Nora from A Doll’s House raised concerns about seamlessly adopting a new persona. However, overcoming this apprehension enabled me to authentically connect with the essence of Helena Glory.

As I reflect on my acting journey spanning the last year and a half since my initial foray into the discipline, I am struck by the sense of completion. From my inaugural class with Professor Wickstrom to the mastery of acting fundamentals, I am profoundly grateful for the experiences and opportunities afforded to me by Staten Island College. The recent trilogy of performances was not merely a conclusion, but a celebration of profound emotions and significant accomplishments, instilling in me a desire to perpetuate such experiences in my future endeavors.

Looking ahead, I aspire to sustain my involvement in theatre beyond my tenure at CSI. I am hopeful that, post-graduation, avenues to participate in diverse theatrical productions will continue to unfold. The last three nights of my performance have solidified my commitment to the craft, and I eagerly anticipate the prospect of contributing to and participating in future theatrical ventures.

The Importance of Transcultural Nursing on Child and Adolescent Health Outcomes

Emily Torres, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Nursing

I learned so much about myself from developing and completing my capstone project. I began my project during the summer and feel very accomplished now that everything is complete. Many things can go wrong, which is one of the first valuable lessons I learned. It is important to remember that the work can take longer than anticipated, but it will be worth it in the end. Preparing for this is critical by setting realistic goals and accounting for failures. It is crucial to remember to maintain composure and consider the wider view because this lesson applies to everything in life.

I feel like I have evolved in many ways from this experience, by improving my ability to ask for help. This has been a significant aspect of my growth as learning to and understanding how to ask for help can help me become a better nurse. Effective communication and collaboration are extremely important aspects of being a nurse and by enhancing my willingness to know when to ask for help I am strengthening my teamwork skills overall. In the healthcare field, no one is alone and I feel that I am more prepared to work in a team setting.

There were many challenges I faced in producing my capstone, and throughout those challenges, they helped me realize why I always felt so pulled to pediatric nursing. The obstacles I faced made me even more determined to change nursing for the better. This project wasn’t just about completing a requirement to receive the title of graduating with honors. This project was about gaining skills and knowledge, along with experience that can make real changes to myself, and benefit my journey as a nurse.

I am filled with insight from completing my capstone, and I feel a stronger sense of purpose to want to work with children and adolescents. My capstone was transformative, and deepened my understanding of nursing.

Perspective Shifts: Understanding Both Sides of Growth with Psychology

 Food Taang Zheng Gimenez, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Psychology and minor in Spanish

Throughout the challenging journey of completing my capstone, I held onto the expectation of a seamless and timely conclusion, balancing the myriad responsibilities associated with graduation, my job, and other commitments. Navigating this intricate web of tasks not only taught me time management but also instilled in me the importance of resilience. Juggling these responsibilities compelled me to master the art of not just meeting deadlines but doing so with a keen sense of quality and precision. In terms of personal growth, I learned effective time management and discovered the invaluable skill of recognizing when to pause and recharge during moments of saturation. As I worked on this project alongside my mentor, the depth of my academic exploration expanded.

The journey was not just about completing a capstone; it was a transformative process where I acquired my ability to sift through vast amounts of information, distinguishing between what was essential and what was not. The effort that I set not only improved the solidity of my papers but also elevated my approach to academic research, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of the materials vital for my education and my capstone. This journey showed me that challenges are not just hurdles but opportunities for growth and refinement.

My capstone revolves around the topic of bullying. Initially, I attempted to focus on the victims, but considering the abundance of research in that area, I decided to take a different approach and shifted my focus to explore the perspective of the bully.

To be honest, I harbored negative feelings towards bullies, influenced by my proximity to individuals who were victims of those situations. However, as I researched for this capstone, my perspective underwent a complete transformation. I now see this as a significant personal growth journey. The title of my Capstone is, “Bullying, Factors and Rehabilitation: The Perspective from the Bully and the Factors that Can Contribute to Bullying”.

With my major of Psychology, I aspire to become a School Counselor, and this capstone has immensely broadened my understanding, emphasizing the importance of considering both sides of the bullying dynamic. It has become a valuable addition to my knowledge base, providing insights that will undoubtedly shape my future role in guiding and supporting individuals.

Collaborating with Professor Valkiria Duran-Narucki, I not only gained the skills to analyze data, construct more precise arguments, and critically examine academic articles, but also discovered the transformative impact of mentorship. Professor Narucki's guidance extended beyond the technicalities of my capstone, providing insights into the broader landscape of academic and professional growth. The mentor-student dynamic was not just about receiving instructions; it became a dialogue that enriched my perspectives and fostered intellectual curiosity.

This experience underscored the crucial role that mentorship plays in shaping not only academic endeavors but also personal and professional development. It reaffirmed the belief that having a mentor like her is an investment in one's journey, offering not just guidance but a supportive partnership that propels you toward your goals.