For my Capstone project, I wrote and developed a novel that I called Beneath the Lies, a mystery-romance story that explores friendship, family relationships, grief, trust, and personal growth. Throughout the process, I researched novel structure, character development, plot design, and publishing while also reading books in similar genres to better understand how authors create suspense and emotional connections with readers. I planned the story, created detailed character profiles, outlined major events, and wrote multiple chapters while revising my work based on feedback from friends and my Mentor. The final product includes the novel concept, plot, characters, mood board, and future plans for continuing the story. Through this project, I learned that writing a book requires much more than creativity; it also involves organization, research, persistence, and continuous revision. I strengthened my skills in writing, critical thinking, time management, and communication while gaining a deeper understanding of the publishing process. Most importantly, this experience showed me how a single idea can develop into a meaningful and complex story through dedication and consistent effort.

Student Bicycle Repair Access Initiative

My Capstone project, the Student Bicycle Repair Access Initiative, focused on improving access to bicycle repair knowledge and tools for students and community members. My original plan was to install public bike repair stands alongside a website that could help users diagnose issues with their bicycles. Due to permitting delays and time limitations, the project evolved into creating a detailed bicycle problem diagnosis sheet and organizing tools that could eventually support a student-accessible repair station. Throughout the project, I spent many hours at my bike shop’s Manayunk location learning bicycle maintenance and repair techniques so I could better understand how to identify common mechanical issues and explain solutions clearly to beginner riders. I also worked on organizing and preparing tools to be transferred for future student use. Through this process, I learned not only technical repair skills, but also how real world projects normally require adaptation, problem solving, and changes in direction while still maintaining the original focus. My final product is a diagnosis guide and collection of repair resources designed to help people troubleshoot and better understand problems with their bicycles in an approachable and accessible way.

Student Bicycle Repair Access Initiative

My Capstone project, the Student Bicycle Repair Access Initiative, focused on improving access to bicycle repair knowledge and tools for students and community members. My original plan was to install public bike repair stands alongside a website that could help users diagnose issues with their bicycles. Due to permitting delays and time limitations, the project evolved into creating a detailed bicycle problem diagnosis sheet and organizing tools that could eventually support a student-accessible repair station. Throughout the project, I spent many hours at my bike shop’s Manayunk location learning bicycle maintenance and repair techniques so I could better understand how to identify common mechanical issues and explain solutions clearly to beginner riders. I also worked on organizing and preparing tools to be transferred for future student use. Through this process, I learned not only technical repair skills, but also how real world projects normally require adaptation, problem solving, and changes in direction while still maintaining the original focus. My final product is a diagnosis guide and collection of repair resources designed to help people troubleshoot and better understand problems with their bicycles in an approachable and accessible way.