This study utilized a Convergent Mixed Methods design to identify different expressions of resilience in response to a health/familial problem. The research aimed to determine which specific expressions of resilience were significantly associated with higher levels of resilience. The findings revealed two significant effects related to social support and persistence as expressions of resilience. The High Resilience group exhibited a higher proportion of individuals mentioning persistence and social support in their coping strategies. The study concluded that social support seeking is a major coping strategy among individuals with high resilience and suggested that healthcare providers, particularly nurses, should recommend and provide resources for clients to seek social support. Furthermore, the role of persistence highlights the importance of encouraging clients to set achievable goals, develop a plan, and monitor their progress to remain motivated in resolving their difficult health-related problem.

The guiding research question was: How and with which criteria does the public in the Balkan countries of Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina determine which fortune telling methods are or aren’t acceptable in the Catholic community setting? Detailed individual interviews with individuals from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina were used to try developing an answer to the question. The interview question topics ranged from fortune telling to more religious and culturally focused. With 8 female interviewees being willing to answer question, significant insight into the communities revealed the divisions of catholic vs. secular, older vs. younger, and coast vs. inland. Their insight led to the conclusion that Catholic communities in Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina determine the acceptability of a fortune telling method based on their familiarity with it from knowledge passed down through elders and their cultural history.

Colonial mentality is defined as the perception of ethnic and cultural inferiority as a form of internalized racial oppression as a direct consequence of colonialism. It promotes the notion that being lighter equates to more economic value and an increase in privilege. This psychological phenomenon is prevalent in the Filipinx community, both on the mainland and in the diaspora. Many Filipinx are encouraged to use skin-lightening products or undergo other procedures that aim to erase their ethnic features. Some experience constant microaggressions from family members about being “too dark”. And the lack of representation of darker-skinned individuals in the entertainment industry further perpetuates the notion that being lighter leads to more success. This honors thesis aims to show that Filipinx on the mainland and diaspora share similar mental and social repercussions of growing up in such an environment, frustrations regarding their identity, and a desire to reclaim their roots. These factors bond the community together. Finally, it also aims to present the extent of feeling represented in media and being accepted for the color of your skin has on one’s self-esteem and mental health. The zine accompanying this honors thesis will feature poems, interview excerpts, art, and other creative pieces done by me or the participants that describe our experiences with colonial mentality, colorism, and Westernization. It will also feature a spotlight interview with one participant.

Colonial mentality is defined as the perception of ethnic and cultural inferiority as a form of internalized racial oppression as a direct consequence of colonialism. It promotes the notion that being lighter equates to more economic value and an increase in privilege. This psychological phenomenon is prevalent in the Filipinx community, both on the mainland and in the diaspora. Many Filipinx are encouraged to use skin-lightening products or undergo other procedures that aim to erase their ethnic features. Some experience constant microaggressions from family members about being “too dark”. And the lack of representation of darker-skinned individuals in the entertainment industry further perpetuates the notion that being lighter leads to more success. This honors thesis aims to show that Filipinx on the mainland and diaspora share similar mental and social repercussions of growing up in such an environment, frustrations regarding their identity, and a desire to reclaim their roots. These factors bond the community together. Finally, it also aims to present the extent of feeling represented in media and being accepted for the color of your skin has on one’s self-esteem and mental health. The zine accompanying this honors thesis will feature poems, interview excerpts, art, and other creative pieces done by me or the participants that describe our experiences with colonial mentality, colorism, and Westernization. It will also feature a spotlight interview with one participant.

Bacteriophages are the most numerous type of organisms in the world. These viruses have the ability to destroy bacteria that they specifically match. Phage therapy shows great promise to become a solution to bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance. To ensure that younger generations are aware of this field of research, we created a website to educate them. The website contains lessons and a game that will encourage confidence, curiosity, and understanding of bacteriophages.