Date of Award
5-15-2025
Document Type
Thesis
First Advisor
Tonya Stremlau
Second Advisor
Oscar Ocuto
Abstract
This Capstone project focused on writing a book for young adults about the different traumas people experience, including generational trauma, domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health struggles. These difficult topics were often discussed, yet the goal was to encourage open conversations that helped individuals recognize trauma and learn about available resources. My mother, Theresa Preciado, experienced all these challenges, and sharing her story aimed to inspire others to speak up. Her journey reflected the struggles of many, offering relatability, education, and understanding. Readers were made aware that the book included emotionally heavy content. At its core, this project sought to break cycles of silence and shame, offering a pathway to healing—not only for me and my family but for readers who might have recognized pieces of their own story in the narrative I wrote. I hoped to spark meaningful discussions around Indigenous experiences, prevention, treatment, and the long-term effects of intergenerational trauma. Through a compelling and authentic account of my mother’s journey, this book aimed to inspire greater awareness and encourage lasting social change.
Recommended Citation
Ortega, Cynthia, "Conversations and Educating People about Traumatic Experiences" (2025). Undergraduate University Honors Capstones. 136.
https://ida.gallaudet.edu/honors_capstones/136
Comments
This capstone resulted in a creative product. As a result, due to the request of the author, the creative product has been removed from this capstone.