7272 research outputs found
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Hands of Hope
No full textHands of Hope is a donation initiative dedicated to giving back to those in need by providing essential toiletries and hygiene products. Inspired by an annual donation drive first launched by myself in high school, this project continues the mission of spreading kindness and dignity to underserved communities. Through collective generosity, I aim to make a meaningful impact—one item at a time
Constructing Connections: A Phenomenological Explanation of Loneliness in First-Year Undergraduates
No full textLoneliness is a pervasive phenomenon among college students globally, which has been previously explored in qualitative research. Friendsickness,” focused on the preoccupation with lost or changed pre-college friendships, is linked to heightened social concerns, discrepancies between expectations and experiences, and loneliness in college (Paul & Brier, 2001). Additionally, pre-college romantic and familial relationships can impact first-year college students\u27 social adjustment and loneliness levels (Calderon Leon et al., 2022; Paul et al., 1998). Guided by social constructivist theory, this phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of eight undergraduate students at a small liberal arts college in the Northeast United States. This study involved conducting semi-structured interviews to examine the participants’ experiences with loneliness, the impact on pre-college relationships, and successes and challenges in forming and maintaining relationships during their transition. Our results reveal that loneliness is a significant issue among first-year students, impacting their emotional and social adjustment and, occasionally, their psychological and physical well-being. Loneliness often stems from the inability to balance maintaining pre-existing relationships and forming new ones, compounded by isolation and roommate conflicts. However, many students succeed in finding connections through shared interests or co-rumination, as well as in strengthening family bonds. Through a social constructivist lens, these experiences reflect the tension between maintaining pre-existing values and relationships while adapting to new social and cultural expectations in higher education. Therefore, loneliness can result from identities and connections being heavily negotiated during the transition to college
The Case for an LSAT Class for Credit at Fisher
No full textAn argument for an LSAT class at Fisher for 3 credits
Volleyball Performance Ranking
No full textModel that mirrors the idea of quarterback rating from football in Division 3 Men’s Volleyball
Weathering of Black Doulas in Hospitals: Challenges and Opportunities
No full textBlack maternal health continues to face significant disparities in the United States, highlighting the crucial role of Black Doulas in promoting birth equity (Declercq & Zephyrin, 2020; K. Taylor et al., 2023). This qualitative, phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of 10 certified Black Doulas working in hospital settings nationwide. Guided by the weathering hypothesis (Geronimus, 1992, /2023), critical race feminist theory (Wing, 2020), Black feminist theory (Collins, 2000), Sojourner syndrome (Bailey, 2017), and the looking-glass self (Cooley, 1902), the study examined how systemic racism, occupational challenges, and advocacy fatigue intersect to shape their professional experiences.
Using semi-structured interviews, participants shared their roles in delivering culturally responsive care, overcoming institutional barriers, and maintaining their emotional well-being in challenging hospital environments. Three main themes emerged: (a) institutional barriers and racialized experiences, (b) emotional labor and occupational hazards, and (c) resilience and commitment to advocacy.
Findings revealed that Black Doulas face discrimination and marginalization within predominantly White institutions while experiencing vicarious trauma and burnout. Despite systemic stress, they remain grounded in a strong sense of advocacy and community responsibility.
This research highlights the vital contribution of Black Doulas to improving maternal health outcomes and calls for institutional recognition, fair compensation, and supportive policies. Recommendations include expanding research on occupational health and caregiving roles and adopting the Doula Wheel of Care©, a framework developed by the researcher to promote sustainability, well-being, and accountability for Doulas working within hospital systems
Exploring the Impact of Inclusion Initiatives on the Retention and Engagement of People of Color in Nonprofit Organizations: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study
No full textThe purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the impact of inclusion initiatives on the retention and engagement of people of color (POC) in nonprofit organizations. Grounded in Ray’s (2019) theory of racialized organizations, this study examined how organizational structures and practices influence inclusive workplace cultures for POC employees. Although diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies have gained traction, many nonprofit organizations struggle to move beyond performative efforts and address the systemic inequities that shape POC experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 full-time POC employees working in nonprofit organizations across New York State to capture their lived experiences with inclusion initiatives such as employee resource groups, mentorship, leadership representation, and DEI training. Six key themes emerged: (a) performative DEI practices, (b) barriers to advancement, (c) the psychological toll of exclusion, (d) structural shortcomings in implementing inclusion, (e) employee-led approaches to inclusion and (f) the lack of measurement and accountability. Findings suggest that authentic leadership commitment, transparent promotion pathways, and culturally grounded DEI strategies are essential for improving retention and engagement. The study also highlights the emotional labor POC often carry in organizations where inclusion is promised but inconsistently realized. Implications for leadership and policy include embedding accountability into DEI frameworks and elevating marginalized voices in shaping organizational change. This research offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders committed to creating inclusive and equitable work environments
Geocaching with Nature
No full textCourse assignment for 4990. We are presenting for our cardinal experience named Connecting People to Nature. We are going to present about geocaching and how it plays a role in connecting people with nature
Behind the Bars: Unraveling Sex-Based Sentencing Disparities in Incarceration
No full textMy presentation examines the patterns of incarceration sentences based on the sex of offenders. It will explore how these patterns are influenced by the sex of the offender, the portrayal of offenders in the media, and the relationship between different types of crimes and sex. Additionally, the presentation will consider how other demographic factors may impact the length of incarceration. To support this analysis, I will use real-world data from the Orange County, NC, Sheriff\u27s Office Jail Census, alongside scholarly journals, research studies, and meta-analyses, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics within our criminal justice system