Each year our senior students conclude their Trinity careers by completing the Senior Thesis Project. This nearly year-long project involves each student proposing a topic for study, extensive research of academic and peer-reviewed sources, a 20-plus page written response, and an oral presentation and defense. This year’s Senior Thesis Showcase featured the oral presentations of two of our outstanding senior students:
Fairy Tales and Child Development / Katelyn I.
Synopsis: Fairy tales like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack and the Beanstalk have been told to children all over the world throughout history, shaping their imaginations and influencing their worldviews. These stories have a positive impact on child development because they empower children, enforce moral values, present relatable role models, and instill in children the ability to process the world around them. This thesis seeks to highlight the benefits of fairy tales, while refuting any modern arguments that attempt to dismiss their morals as outdated, offensive, or irrelevant.
The Exercise Effect: Is Exercise the Key to Mental Wellness? / Alexandra B.
Synopsis: This thesis explores the effectiveness of antidepressants versus exercise in treating depression, comparing their benefits, limitations, and long-term impacts. While antidepressants provide a quicker biochemical solution, exercise offers holistic benefits, including mood enhancement and physical health improvements. Ultimately, this thesis suggests that exercise is the most effective approach, depending on individual needs and circumstances.
Listen to these outstanding presentations here.
