This paper explores the historical and contemporary evolution of Bedford-Stuyvesant, tracing its roots from Indigenous land through colonization, the Great Migration, and its emergence as a center of Black culture and activism. It examines the neighborhood’s resilience in the face of systemic racism, economic hardship, and ongoing gentrification, highlighting both cultural richness and the tensions of displacement. Ultimately, it reflects on Bed-Stuy as a space shaped by history, community, and transformation, balancing preservation of identity with the pressures of urban change.

This senior thesis examines plastic waste management in small island communities, focusing on Waitabu village in Fiji, where limited infrastructure leads to harmful disposal practices like burning and burying plastic. Using a participatory, community-based approach, it explores how art, upcycling, and ecobrick-making can serve as accessible, low-tech solutions to reduce waste and engage local populations. The findings show that these methods are both practical and effective, increasing environmental awareness while providing sustainable ways to repurpose plastic and limit its impact on ecosystems and human health.

This paper explores the concept of Pura Vida in Costa Rica, arguing that the country’s strong connection to nature plays a central role in shaping the well-being and happiness of its people. It examines how biodiversity, environmental conservation, and ecotourism contribute to both mental health and a broader cultural emphasis on living in harmony with the natural world. Ultimately, it concludes that access to and appreciation of nature fosters a sense of balance and contentment, reinforcing the Pura Vida way of life.

This paper examines Argentina’s Green Wave movement, tracing its decades-long fight to legalize abortion and its roots in earlier feminist and human rights activism. It highlights how the movement challenged deeply ingrained misogyny tied to Catholic and patriarchal structures, while mobilizing large-scale, youth-led protest both nationally and across Latin America. Ultimately, it argues that the Green Wave not only secured a historic legal victory in Argentina but also sparked a broader, transnational movement advancing women’s rights and collective political power.

This paper explores the emotional tension between awareness and happiness, arguing that increased awareness of environmental and social injustices can lead to feelings of grief, guilt, and helplessness. Drawing on experiences in Costa Rica, it examines issues like ecological grief, exploitation in the pineapple industry, and Indigenous land struggles, while also highlighting individuals who resist and create change. Ultimately, it concludes that awareness does not eliminate happiness, but instead reshapes it—requiring a shift toward connection, compassion, and a more conscious understanding of the world.