Alumni reflections on Capstone after being two or three years removed from the experience.
"I wouldn’t make any changes to the capstone program. It’s an amazing experience and is extremely needed to push students out of their comfort zones and find themselves. I found out who I was throughout this entire experience, I love the capstone program! " Class of 2018
"Some feedback would be to start thinking about what your passionate about but don’t wait to late. Start thinking about what you want to do over the summer and start preparing your thoughts and ideas." Class of 2018
"It was life changing and every student should do it." Class of 2018
During my senior year, I loved the idea of capstone and giving back to the community. I loved the idea of being able to pick anything you wanted. You're given an opportunity to help the people who once helped you. “For my reflection on Capstone is that I wish I could have done more. Now going day by day in the adult world I see so many projects that would be perfect for Capstone and many things that would be great to tackle in the community. Don’t get me wrong though I loved my Capstone project and was very happy with how it came out, and that I felt like I reached so many people with it. I miss SMSA dearly and hope to be visiting soon. I can’t wait to catch up with you and everyone else.” Kaila Steinberg ‘14
“Just use me as an example of what not to do. My mom still hasn’t let it go that I didn’t walk at graduation. It wasn’t a hard project I was just too lazy to get it done on time and didn’t feel like the lessons I was supposed to learn were things I needed to learn, because I helped people out all the time and still do. I know if you’ve got another student like me this year they’re going to do the same thing I did and not realize until it’s too late, but hell if you can use my example to kick someone into gear then do it.” Cody Maid '14
“About the capstone, it was such an amazing experience being able to build something that was ours. Senior year was amazing, in my experience it was the year I got myself together and began focusing on my life and what's important. I hope this helps with the new seniors, I am still in contact with a few and will definitely reach out to them and make sure they are on the right track. I'm not sure if you remember my Capstone website but it's smsapoliceexplorers.weebly.com you can have them take a look if you want or if you want me to stop by I wouldn't mind either.
Jari Gonzalez ‘14
Capstone was one of the best things a HS can provide for seniors. It gives them an opportunity to experience something they've been interested in doing before they make that college decision. I was volunteering at a nursing home for Alzheimer's patients and honestly that got me to where I am today. I am currently at CCSU studying social work. I'm a little rocky on if I want to stick with the elderly population or go into school social work for kids or DCF. Nevertheless, whatever I do, my decision was based on the HS experience I had with Capstone. I took that opportunity to foresee what I have had interest in. This year at CCSU I will be completing another 70 hours of volunteer. And it will be at a nursing home, I would've loved to do something else but my work hours just don't comply with the jobs hours. Anyways something to stress on the new seniors is definitely to take this serious and do what they love, not to just do something easy. This is their time to find their passion, and if the experience wasn't what they were looking for, it's a sign that wasn't for them. Emina Agic ‘14
“MISS YOU MS. BOUT! Capstone helped me very much when getting involved with programs at Central and I also use it as part of my resume for applications! Capstone was an amazing experience! Would love to help and be apart of some students Capstone this year!” Gage Woods ‘15
I would love to help any way I can. I go to Goodwin College all year, since they have a trimester. I'm only 20 credits away from my Associate Degree in public health and only one step away from my Phlebotomy certificate. Honestly, when you look back at Capstone it was well worth all of the stress. We were all able to help people in very different ways. It was a great experience that helped me with plenty of my classes in college. Now I'm able to present anywhere without hesitation and I give thanks to the Capstone project. I can honestly say that Capstone helped with the A I got in Communications. I don't really know what else to say but if you have any more questions I'll answer them. Brianna Pintavalle ‘15
During my senior year, I loved the idea of capstone and giving back to the community. I loved the idea of being able to pick anything you wanted. You're given an opportunity to help the people who once helped you.
Mariah Pulver '16
Looking back now, I realize how much confidence I built up while I worked on my capstone project. It really forced me to get out of my comfort zone and make contact with people I have never met, how to communicate with others professionally and even just how to finally take that one step I might be nervous to take. That experience provided me with the building blocks that I needed to improve my communication skills.