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.