Kathryn Murray '11, a Health Studies major who graduated magna cum laude, discusses her Capstone project that investigated the public health concerns that cyberbullying poses for children and adolescents. The Capstone project, which involves extensive research and presentation, is the culmination of each student's academic experience.
Describe the subject of your Capstone project and why you chose to focus on this subject.
My Capstone project was titled “Understanding and Preventing Cyberbullying Behaviors: Addressing a Public Health Concern.” My purpose was to better understand the public health concern cyberbullying poses for children and adolescents and to propose an innovative program that would reduce the impact. I chose the subject because in recent years there has been a dramatic increase in teen suicide secondary to bullying that occurs through personal web pages, networking sites and online and text messaging. There is also significant lack in knowledge and awareness regarding this type of bullying among students, teachers and parents.
What research did you conduct for this project?
I analyzed the current literature to better understand the public health concern, how significant the problem is, and the kind of intervention and prevention plans that are being utilized. I also analyzed the laws and policies within the state of New Hampshire to see what changes need to be made. Following my analysis I created an intervention program focused on educating teachers, parents and youth about cyberbullying behaviors. It also highlighted changing laws and policies, both within schools and within the state, and the need for anti-bullying campaigns in schools and communities.
What did you learn through your Capstone project?
Throughout my Capstone experience I learned that the cooperation of many individuals is required to change policies and laws. Many of us want to make a difference, but it is not as simple as having a great idea and telling others what needs to be done. While I created a program that could potentially reduce the overall prevalence of cyberbullying, it is useless unless I have a team with the knowledge to work alongside me. I also learned how useful and important all of my major courses have been. I drew on information I had gained over my four years at Colby-Sawyer in various ways and my Capstone demonstrates the great body of knowledge I have acquired here.
What was most fun and rewarding for you in the process of creating your Capstone?
While my Capstone project was often an overwhelming and frustrating experience, what was most rewarding was finding I could succeed despite challenges. What was most fun about my experience was the opportunity to talk with one of the New Hampshire State Representatives regarding the state's anti-bullying laws, who sponsored the anti-bullying bill that was signed into law in 2010. It was very interesting to talk with this individual about real and current issues regarding cyberbullying.
What did you find most challenging and difficult about the project?
In the beginning of my project, I wanted to survey middle school students about their experiences with cyberbullying. I wrote up my surveying methods and met with the middle school teachers and staff about my project. Due to time concerns, I was unable to follow through with my original plan and had to change my research methods. The most challenging part of my project was having to disregard a lot of the work I had accomplished and start over. Even though I needed to do a lot of new research and work in order to complete my Capstone, I learned that all the time I had already spent on the project was not, in fact, a waste of time and effort. I discovered that challenges are part of the research process, and it is okay if things do not go as planned.
What do you hope will be the lasting value of your Capstone project?
I hope that my Capstone has helped increase awareness of cyberbullying among those who listened to my presentation. Perhaps I inspired someone to get more involved in public health issues. I would like to impact public health issues nationwide and know that I will use a lot of the information I gained while working on my Capstone project and throughout the courses I took at Colby-Sawyer in order to do so.
How would you summarize your Colby-Sawyer experience?
When I first visited Colby-Sawyer, I knew it was the place I wanted to spend the next four years. My experience here was nothing but positive and rewarding. In the classroom I found myself engaging with professors who truly cared about my academic progress. Outside the classroom and around campus, I was surrounded by hundreds of students whom I considered friends. There was never a time when I didn't feel “at home.” When I first arrived, I was not expecting to have such a large support group made up of students, professors and staff. I met so many individuals who just wanted to help me succeed. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Colby-Sawyer College.
~KDS
