Capstone Essay

I am nothing but bones and steel today. I say this to myself often. On nights when pain breaks through my sleep, I reach down and run my fingers along each of my 7-inch scars, one on each hip. I breathe and retreat into myself. I know this place well. It’s what kept me safe upon waking from my first surgery when the epidural had failed. I felt every fractured bone, every retracted nerve, every screw. It helped me through two years of recovery and learning to walk again. Twice. I like to think of myself as a superhero, my weary body reinforced with titanium.

 

My journey to higher education has been quite unconventional. I embarked on my academic path in my late thirties, following two reconstructive hip surgeries due to congenital bilateral hip dysplasia. My experiences with disability have profoundly shaped my decision to pursue studies in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

 As an American and Ethnic Studies major, I have developed a keen interest in Gender Studies and Human Rights. Throughout my academic career, I have engaged in courses such as Human Rights and Climate Chaos, Human Rights and Resistance, Politics of Sex Education, and Economics of Gender. My time at the University of Washington has allowed me to hone my academic writing skills and conduct meaningful qualitative research, with my Memory Work Project serving as a notable example of my capabilities as a researcher and writer.

 After several years of dedicated work, I have identified areas where I can apply my knowledge and passion for equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion. I plan to apply to the Master of Teaching program at UW to train as a Special Education teacher. My lived experiences with disability, combined with my degree in American and Ethnic Studies, position me uniquely for this program.

 My coursework at the University of Washington, Bothell (UWB), has significantly enhanced my abilities as both a critical and creative thinker as well as a proficient writer. I have always believed that writing is one of the most powerful tools in effective communication. Throughout my time as a student at UWB, I have witnessed a significant evolution in my writing and communication skills. My writing process has become increasingly comprehensive, incorporating a deep consideration of the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of my audience.

Dr. Mayo is a rock star in the world of orthopedic surgery. When he enters a room, an entourage of medical students scurries behind him, like little mice carrying laptops. His hands are remarkable. Decisive but delicate, his fingers have a sharpness to them—the hands of a man who works with bone and steel.

 

In this piece, I reflect on my experiences with reconstructive hip surgery, the subsequent loss of my ability to dance, and the journey toward a renewed understanding of myself. The essay details the invasive surgery I underwent and the complications that arose from a failed epidural. I explore how I discovered a sense of safety within myself while enduring the pain of a fractured pelvis and how this challenging experience has reshaped my perspective on my body and identity. This work was submitted as part of a Memory Work Archive assignment in my Approaches to Cultural Research course. Its significance lies in its profound self-reflection, as it delves into themes of loss and physical suffering. Ultimately, this piece stands as a testament to my abilities as a writer and storyteller.

Memory work is significant in that it is the stories we want to tell, the parts of our lives we have deemed important. It captures more than an event or point in time. Memory work illuminates the cycle of erosion and formation in our lives.

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This passage highlights the essential role of memory work in comprehending both personal and collective narratives. In my statement, I emphasize the importance of engaging interviewees as primary sources to enrich the project. By showcasing my ability to integrate diverse perspectives and sources, this statement significantly enhances my portfolio, demonstrating my analytical skills and my capacity to create a cohesive and engaging project. This work emphasizes the memory work process and my contributions to a large-scale, creative endeavor aimed at exploring, preserving, and communicating meaningful stories.

According to a joint brief by the UNODC and UN Women, 89,000 women and girls were killed intentionally during the year 2022, with more than half of those homicides being committed by intimate partners or family members (UN Women & UNODC, 2022). Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a human rights violation that occurs worldwide at an alarming rate, with more than 133 women and girls being killed by a member of their family each day in 2022. Increased rates of VAWG occur during humanitarian, health, and environmental crises, including natural disasters caused by Climate Change.

 

My research paper, “Violence Against Women and Girls Following Natural Disasters,” demonstrates my skills as a critical thinker and researcher. In this work, I assert that incidents of gender-based violence tend to rise in the aftermath of natural disasters, revealing a significant gap in both research and response to this pressing issue. The paper emphasizes the urgent need for further investigation to address the increasing violence faced by women and girls, especially as climate change contributes to more frequent and severe natural disasters worldwide. Completed as a final research project for the Human Rights and Climate Chaos course in the Spring quarter of 2024, this paper is a pivotal addition to my portfolio. It showcases my capabilities as a researcher and academic writer, integrating legal, ethical, and environmental considerations related to gender violence—essential topics within my field of study.