# data[].attributes.body
In the past few years, there has been a change. I started to go into some leadership roles, such as a coach, then I also impacted as the lowest on the food chain, being an intern.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Beige, Yellow and Orange Creative Mind Map Brainstorm Graph

# data[].attributes.body
Citations

hope emotions pics - Search Images

https://t3.ftcdn.net/jpg/02/65/79/44/360_F_265794447_2sauB9L7rGqjeVbnrZmVjypt1ZgLO0pH.jpg

https://divethru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/feeling-hopeful.jpg

https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/10/13/14/15/fantasy-2847724__480.jpg

https://www.goodtherapy.org/dbimages/ckupload_20190109170003_fear_A1.jpg

https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.XVEGSdCMthJh7vUJ13sA1QHaFe?w=228&h=180&c=7&r=0&o=7&dpr=1.5&pid=1.7&rm=3

https://i1.wp.com/progressiegerichtwerken.nl/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Depositphotos_50844337_s-2019.jpg?w=1000&ssl=1

https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.Yj0QJTeS_nv_YX82s3a3WQHaEf?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain&o=7&rm=3

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Brown and Beige Clean Collage Gift Guide Style Guide Mother's Sale Day  (1)

# data[].attributes.body
Row 1: Hope

1. Person smiling softly while looking upward — shows optimism about what’s ahead.

2. Hands reaching toward the sky — symbolizes wishing or aiming for something better.

3. Face turned to the sunlight — reflects positivity and belief in brighter days.

Row 2: Fear

1. Wide eyes and tense expression — shows being startled or worried about danger.

2. Person pulling back slightly — body language that signals feeling unsafe.

3. Hand covering mouth — a reaction that suggests shock and nervousness.

Row 3: Regret

1. Person with head in hands — a clear sign of shame or wishing things were different.

2. Eyes cast downward with a sad face — expresses dwelling on past mistakes.

3. Slumped shoulders and closed posture — shows disappointment and sorrow.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Claim: Students should get free bus passes
Ranking: a, d, b, c
Strongest reason: Public transportation reduces traffic.
I picked this reason because it shows a clear benefit to both students and the community.

2. Claim: Classes should start later in the morning
Ranking: a, c, b, d
Strongest reason: Teenagers naturally wake up later.  I picked this reason because it is backed by science and directly explains why later starts help students.

3. Claim: Everyone should learn how to cook
Ranking: b, a, d, c
Strongest reason: Cooking is healthier than eating out.  I picked this reason because health benefits are measurable and apply to everyone.

4. Claim: Reading fiction improves critical thinking
Ranking: a, d, c, b
Strongest reason: Fiction helps people imagine perspectives. I picked this reason because it connects directly to critical thinking and is supported by evidence.

5 . Claim: Voting should be mandatory
Ranking: a, d, c, b
Strongest reason: Democracy works better with more participation.  I picked this reason because it shows how mandatory voting strengthens democracy itself.

6 . Claim: Homework should be reduced
Ranking: c, a, d, b
Strongest reason: Students get stressed from too much work.
I picked this reason because stress is a serious, measurable issue that affects learning.

7. Claim: Social media does more harm than good
Ranking: b, d, a, c
Strongest reason: Social media spreads misinformation.  I picked this reason because misinformation has real-world consequences and is easy to prove.

8. Claim: Video games should be considered a sport
Ranking: a, b, d, c
Strongest reason: They require strategy and skill.
I picked this reason because it directly shows gaming has the same qualities as sports.

9. Claim: College students should take at least one art class
Ranking: d, b, a, c
Strongest reason: Art encourages problem-solving skills.  I picked this reason because problem-solving is useful in every career, not just art.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Black Simple Newspaper Birthday Poster (1)

# data[].attributes.headline
What makes this space distinct from others?

# data[].attributes.subject
What makes this space distinct from others?

# data[].attributes.body
What makes this neighborhood distinct is how peaceful and balanced it feels between suburban calm and city accessibility. The wide streets lined with tall trees create a canopy that filters the light, giving the whole area a calm, cozy vibe. The houses have different styles some brick with unique architecture and others more modern but they all fit together in a clean, organized way. It’s quiet enough to hear the wind and the crunch of leaves, which gives it a slower pace compared to busier city areas.

# data[].attributes.headline
What are the implicit rules orms of this space? How do people navigate and understand them?

# data[].attributes.subject
What are the implicit rules orms of this space? How do people navigate and understand them?

# data[].attributes.body
The unspoken rule here seems to be respect and order. The sidewalks are clear, cars are parked neatly, and trash bins are aligned along the street for pickup. People walking or driving know to stay on their side of the road, and the crosswalks make it clear that safety and routine matter here. There’s an overall sense that people take care of their property and understand how to share the space peacefully.

# data[].attributes.headline
How does the history of this space contribute to its current atmosphere and purpose?

# data[].attributes.subject
How does the history of this space contribute to its current atmosphere and purpose?

# data[].attributes.body
From the older architecture and large trees, it’s clear this neighborhood has been around for decades. The mix of traditional Tudor-style homes and newer builds shows how it’s grown over time but still kept its character. The older homes with stone details and slanted roofs give it a historical charm, while the modern cars and renovated yards show how it’s adapted to the present day. The result is a place that feels lived-in but well-maintained, balancing old roots and modern life.

# data[].attributes.headline
In what ways does this space promote or discourage certain kinds of social interactions?

# data[].attributes.subject
In what ways does this space promote or discourage certain kinds of social interactions?

# data[].attributes.body
The wide sidewalks, quiet roads, and open yards make it easy for neighbors to talk or wave as they pass, encouraging a friendly and respectful community. However, the lack of stores or gathering areas like parks suggests that most social interaction probably happens casually during walks, while parking, or when people are tending to their lawns. It’s more personal and small-scale rather than crowded or public.

# data[].attributes.headline
Who has entry to this space, and who does not? Why might that be?

# data[].attributes.subject
Who has entry to this space, and who does not? Why might that be?

# data[].attributes.body
Everyone can walk through this space since it’s a public neighborhood street, but full access belongs to the residents who live here. They have entry to driveways, front yards, and homes, while visitors stay to the sidewalks and roads. There’s an invisible boundary between private and public space everyone can move through it, but only residents truly belong to it

# data[].attributes.body
Beyond physical access, who feels welcome here? Who might feel excluded?

This neighborhood feels welcoming to people who appreciate calm, order, and safety. The clean streets and quiet surroundings make it comfortable for families, dog walkers, and older residents. Someone looking for excitement or nightlife might feel out of place here, since it’s clearly a residential and peaceful area meant for daily living rather than entertainment.

Who seems to hold authority in this space? How is that authority demonstrated?

The sense of authority comes from the residents themselves. The tidy lawns, well-kept homes, and neat garbage placement show that people here take pride in their property and maintain order through care and respect. Local government likely enforces parking and sanitation rules, but the biggest authority comes from community standards—everyone seems to follow the same expectations.

What are the economic factors that determine entry into this space? Are there hidden costs/invisible issues?

Based on the style and upkeep of the homes, this neighborhood appears to be middle to upper-middle class. The hidden costs are likely property taxes, home maintenance, and vehicle expenses that come with suburban living. While walking is free, actually living here would require financial stability and long-term investment.

How do different social markers (such as age, gender, religion, ability, class etc.) exist or not exist in this space?

From what’s visible, the space doesn’t show strong indicators of one social group—it looks diverse and neutral. The homes are all different, and the variety of vehicles suggests that people of various ages and lifestyles live here. It’s a space that feels inclusive by design, though the cost of living might naturally limit who can afford to live here.

Are there any visible or invisible signs of social control or surveillance within this space?

There aren’t cameras visible, but the area gives a sense of quiet observation. Neighbors likely notice who belongs and who doesn’t, just by familiarity. The clean, orderly look implies mutual respect and perhaps an unspoken expectation to follow community standards.

How does the maintenance of this space reflect the values of the people or groups that exist here or have entry to it?

The lawns are trimmed, streets swept, and sidewalks in good shape, which shows that residents care about appearance, safety, and pride in their neighborhood. The neatness reflects values of responsibility, stability, and respect for shared surroundings.

What do you know about this space? Where does that information come from? What might you not know, and how might you find out more?

I know this space is a quiet residential neighborhood, likely somewhere suburban but still close to the city based on the density of houses and cars. That comes from what I can see—the road signs, street layout, and homes. What I might not know are the community rules, neighborhood history, or how residents interact day to day, which I could learn by talking to locals or researching city records.

How do your personal experiences and background influence your entry to and interpretation of this space?

Because I’ve grown up in neighborhoods like this, I immediately feel a sense of familiarity and comfort. I notice the calm details—the sound of wind in the trees, the quiet hum of cars, the way sunlight filters through branches. My background makes me appreciate how organized and peaceful it feels, and I recognize how much effort it takes to keep a place looking this clean and safe.

What assumptions might you have about this space and the people who are seen here?

I assume the people here value community, privacy, and safety. I imagine most residents know their neighbors and take pride in their homes. From the care in the properties, I’d guess people are hardworking and family-oriented.

How can you use different research methods (such as observation, interviews, online/library research etc.) to uncover histories and information about this space?

Observation already tells a lot—how people maintain their homes and how traffic moves. Interviews with residents could reveal how long they’ve lived here and what the neighborhood used to be like. Online or library research could show when it was built and how it’s changed over the years.

How do the local businesses or local groups influence the information that is distributed about this space?

Since there aren’t visible businesses in the photos, most information likely comes from community networks, city newsletters, or social media groups. Homeowners’ associations or neighborhood watch groups might also shape the narrative of safety and cleanliness.

Finally, reflect on how “walking research” can enhance your understanding or awareness of the spaces, lives, and bodies we inhabit.

Walking through my neighborhood helped me notice how space affects emotion and behavior. The sound of rustling leaves, the sight of sunlight bouncing off brick houses, and the calm air created a sense of stillness and belonging. “Walking research” made me realize that understanding a place isn’t just about facts—it’s about rhythm, texture, and how it makes you feel. Each street corner and front yard revealed how people shape their environment, and how that environment, in turn, shapes them.

# data[].attributes.body
I interviewed my friend and fellow student, Henry Coke, who is an active and outgoing part of our campus community. Before recording, I asked for his permission to use the photo and audio for this project. The interview lasted about five minutes and focused on his college experience, daily routine, and how he’s grown over time.

“I’ve always been the kind of person who tries to stay calm and not let things get to me,” Henry said when I asked what keeps him grounded during stressful times. “College can be overwhelming, but I’ve learned that staying consistent and showing up every day matters more than being perfect.”

Henry talked about how sports and friendships have helped shape who he is. “I’ve met people here who push me to do better, not just in school but in life,” he said. His laid-back personality and focus on balance make him someone people naturally look up to. Whether it’s studying, hanging out with friends, or just taking a walk to clear his head, Henry approaches everything with quiet confidence and gratitude. His story reminds us that progress doesn’t always come from big moments it’s built day by day through persistence and positivity.

This interview made me realize how much discipline and consistency matter in college and in life. Henry’s story shows that growth comes from doing the small things well and not giving up when things get hard.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Cream Colorful Healthy Eating Tips Educational Poster

# data[].attributes.body
Ryan Miele

11/30/25

FYW

Research artifact

The subject of concussions and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, generally known as CTE, has become one of the most critical and controversial topics surrounding the National Football League and the sport of football as a whole. Football was viewed as entertainment for many years, and head injuries were considered a normal aspect of the sport. Concussions were regarded as “getting your bell rung,” and athletes were expected to go back on the field as soon as possible. What started as a discourse among a few doctors and former players has now become a full-scale public health concern backed by scientific studies, player polls, and genuine medical results. The knowledge of football's long-term neurological dangers has drastically changed as new evidence has emerged. This research paper explores what the science shows about CTE, what former players believe about their own risks, how the NFL responded to the concussion crisis, and the ethical issues tied to the fact that thousands of players were exposed to long-term neurological harm without fully understanding the stakes.

The turning point in the discourse around CTE came from Boston University’s CTE Center. In the past ten years, BU has emerged as the primary research center studying the post-mortem brains of retired football players. Their conclusions were startling. Out of 376 former NFL players’ brains tested, 345 exhibited symptoms of CTE. This means that more than 90 percent of studied players had the condition. These figures altered the national dialogue by demonstrating that CTE was not a rare disease or something that only unfortunate athletes had to deal with. Instead, it showed that repeated head trauma was causing long-term damage in a large percentage of players. Studies like these forced the NFL to face the reality that many of the sport’s legends and well-known athletes were suffering from a disease directly linked to the game.

Additionally, there was a strong correlation between this data and what previous players had been stating for years. Even without a formal diagnosis, many former athletes felt as though something was wrong with them. According to research from Harvard Medical School, one in three former NFL players think they have CTE. These athletes see patterns in their behavior and cognitive challenges that fit what they have learned about the condition. Commonly reported symptoms include memory loss, anger, melancholy, anxiety, confusion, and trouble focusing. Many retired athletes face emotional instability or feeling that they are not the same person they used to be. The same pattern was seen in surveys conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center, NBC News, and Mass General Brigham: a significant portion of former players believe they are suffering from the long-term effects of football, even if they cannot acquire a medical diagnosis until after they pass away.

Understanding why this happens needs looking at the medical science surrounding CTE. The National Institutes of Health states that CTE does not come from a single injury but from repeated injuries over time. The brain is a fragile organ, and when it repeatedly hits the interior of the skull during contact, even tiny blows contribute to harm. Over time, these repetitive blows cause tau protein to build up in the brain. Tau protein is normally found in neurons, but when it becomes damaged or misfolded due to trauma, it begins spreading in a toxic way. The symptoms that players encounter later in life are caused by this protein's gradual destruction of brain cells. The NIH underlines that football is exceptionally harmful since players can take hundreds, if not thousands, of blows in a season without being diagnosed with a concussion. Because of the accumulation of these sub-concussive blows, players who were never reported as having a concussion are nonetheless at high risk.

This biological explanation makes it clear why CTE is so common in positions like offensive and defensive line. On every play, linemen engage in head-to-head contact, and while the hits may not appear dramatic on TV, they add up over years. A single NFL career can include tens of thousands of these small collisions. The same pattern appears in linebackers, running backs, and tight ends, who take frequent hits while blocking or being tackled. This is why medical researchers often describe CTE as a disease caused by the structure of the sport itself. Football cannot be played without contact, and contact cannot happen without the brain experiencing force.

An important ethical concern arises when looking at the NFL's history of brain injuries: what did the league know and when did they know it? The Division of Medical Ethics at NYU claims that the NFL downplayed the dangers of head trauma for years. Instead of independent neuroscientists, the league assembled committees made up of physicians with ties to team ownership. These committees were in charge of reporting on concussions, but rather than recognizing the long-term risks, they disregarded early warnings and frequently asserted that there was no link between long-term brain damage and football. This produced confusion among players and the public since it gave the idea that the danger was modest or nonexistent.

During this time, the NFL had access to medical data from team doctors, but the league often interpreted or presented it in ways that suited its interests. NYU’s research parallels the NFL’s strategy to how the tobacco industry disputed the link between smoking and lung cancer. The question of informed consent becomes essential here. Football players in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s lacked the knowledge necessary to comprehend the long-term neurological hazards associated with the sport. The league's official attitude made it difficult for some players to know the truth, even when they believed that repeated impacts would be dangerous.

The NFL subsequently made reforms, especially following public pressure and extensive media inquiry. Major documentaries, news reports, and lawsuits from former players prompted the league to modify its policies. According to Boston University, the NFL updated its concussion protocols, mandated independent neurologists on the sidelines, and redesigned helmets to better protect players as a result of CTE study. The league has devised a concussion protocol that compels players to be pulled from games if they show signs of a concussion. However, these changes only solve part of the problem.

Even with stronger helmets and new restrictions, the structure of football still exposes players to deadly hits. Although they can prevent skull fractures, helmets cannot stop the brain from moving inside the skull during impacts. Rules that punish helmet-to-helmet hits help reduce some of the biggest impacts, but they do not stop the smaller, repetitive hits that lead to CTE. This is why many experts argue that football cannot fully eliminate the risk of long-term brain damage. The sport is predicated on speed, strength, and force, and those elements inevitably create risk.

There is also a psychological side to the conversation concerning CTE. Many former athletes talk of living in constant worry of worsening their conditions. They worry about becoming a burden to their families, losing their identity, or losing their memories. Players feel stuck and struggle with confusion about what is going on inside their brains because CTE can only be confirmed after death. Many retired athletes suffer from melancholy, anxiety, or mental instability even after they retire, according to studies from Mass General Brigham and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Some players report retreating from their families or feeling fury they cannot control. These emotional struggles affect not just the players but also their spouses, children, and friends. Families often have to live with unpredictable behavior and mental decline without a clear diagnosis or treatment.

The financial aspect of player health is another aspect of this problem that merits greater consideration. Many retired NFL players suffer with medical costs, long-term care demands, or treatment for both physical and psychological harm due to their careers. Even while the league is a multibillion-dollar corporation, not every former player receives the support they need, especially those who did not play long enough to qualify for long-term benefits. This creates a disconnect between the economic might of the NFL and the reality faced by its former athletes. Many players joined the league in their early twenties, dedicated their entire adult lives to the sport, and then, in their thirties or forties, suffered grave health repercussions without a clear safety net. When someone’s body and brain are basically sacrificed for a multibillion-dollar entertainment product, it raises questions about what the league owes them after retirement.

# data[].attributes.body
The scientific research also affects the future of football in ways that parents, coaches, and youth leagues must consider. As more studies come out, many parents are apprehensive to let their kids play tackle football at young ages. For younger age groups, some youth leagues have already switched to flag football, restricted contact sessions, or altered the regulations. This shift highlights how research on CTE is influencing decisions at every level of the sport, not just the professional one. It raises a crucial question of whether football will look the same in 20 or 30 years. If fewer teenage athletes opt to play because of health concerns, the pipeline to college and the NFL could decrease. At the same time, researchers and league officials need to think about how to make the sport safer without losing the competitive and physical nature that defines it.

All of this data makes it abundantly evident that CTE is permanently altering football. The sport can no longer dismiss the data or treat concussions as minor problems. For the NFL to maintain its future, it needs to continue adjusting, supporting former players, and investing in improved safety technology. Fans, players, and teams all share responsibility in understanding the hazard and pushing the sport toward safer procedures. The goal is that further study, better education, and more transparency will lead to a future where players can still adore the game without jeopardizing their long-term health.

The overall picture that emerges from all of this research is that CTE is not simply a football problem but a public health one, especially while the sport continues ito be mmensely popular in America. Similar blows are experienced by collegiate athletes, high school athletes, and youth athletes, and the long-term effects might not show up for decades. This raises questions about whether younger athletes comprehend the risks involved. It also raises questions regarding the responsibilities of parents, coaches, schools, and sports organizations in protecting athletes. These moral dilemmas are important because they influence people's level of knowledge when they decide to participate in the activity.

When looking at the total findings, certain patterns obviously appear. First, both scientific studies and the symptoms experienced by former players indicate a high correlation between football and CTE. Second, the risk comes from repeated blows, not just concussions, which means even players without a trauma history can develop long-term neurological disorders. Third, the NFL has made reforms, but the structure of the sport remains harmful. Fourth, the league's previous handling of the matter involved serious ethical transgressions, which led to players' ignorance. Lastly, the psychological and emotional toll that former athletes bear demonstrates that CTE is a human problem as much as a medical one.

In summary, the study unequivocally shows that CTE is a significant issue in football and that the danger is inherent in the game. Medical data from Boston University, Harvard Medical School, the National Institutes of Health, and other institutions support the concept that frequent head trauma causes long-term brain damage in many players. Former athletes’ experiences mirror what experts describe, and the mix of proof and human anecdotes makes it tough to dismiss. While the NFL has made improvements, these adjustments cannot restore the decades of damage endured by thousands of athletes. In the future, the sport will have to address both its physical hazards and its moral obligation to safeguard athletes and give them accurate information. The world's perception of football has changed as a result of CTE research, and as more studies uncover the full scope of the issue, the discussion will only intensify. The long-term health of players, their families, and future generations of athletes depends on honesty, transparency, and sustained commitment to recognizing the real cost of the game.

# data[].attributes.body
Work Cited

Boston University. “How Research on CTE Changed the NFL.” BU Today, 7 Feb. 2024, www.bu.edu/articles/2024/research-on-cte-changed-the-nfl/.

Concussion Legacy Foundation. “Researchers Diagnose CTE in 345 of 376 NFL Players Studied.” Concussion Foundation, concussionfoundation.org/news/blog/researchers-diagnose-CTE-345-of-376-NFL-players-studied.

Harvard Medical School. “Study of Former NFL Players Finds 1 in 3 Believes They Have CTE.” Harvard Medical School, 28 May 2019, hms.harvard.edu/news/study-former-nfl-players-finds-1-3-believes-they-have-cte.

Mass General Brigham. “Study Finds 1 in 3 Former NFL Players Believe They Have CTE.” Mass General Brigham, www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/study-finds-1-in-3-former-nfl-players-believe-they-have-cte.

National Institutes of Health. Zemek, Robert, et al. “CTE and Concussion: Long Term Neurological Health in Athletes.” NIH, 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11316672/.

NBC News. “Former NFL Players Think They Have CTE, Survey Shows.” NBC News, www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/former-nfl-players-think-have-cte-survey-rcna172292.

NYU Langone Health. “The NFL Brain Injury.” High School Bioethics Project, med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/population-health/divisions-sections-centers/medical-ethics/education/high-school-bioethics-project/learning-scenarios/the-nfl-brain-injury.

Seifert, Kevin. “How Fears of CTE in Football Exceeded Scientific Certainty.” ESPN, 19 Feb. 2024, www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39417850/how-fears-cte-football-exceeded-scientific-certainty.

USA Today. “CTE Diagnosis in NFL Players: What a New Study Reveals About the Brain Disease.” USA Today, www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/07/29/cte-diagnosis-brain-disease/85418659007/.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “New Study Reveals Common Belief of CTE Link to Mental Health Among Former Professional NFL Players.” VUMC Reporter, 23 Sept. 2024, news.vumc.org/2024/09/23/new-study-reveals-common-belief-of-cte-link-to-mental-health-among-former-professional-nfl-players/.

The MQ. “NFL Declares Hundred-Year Study on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.” The MQ, 2025, themq.org/2025/02/articles/news/nfl-declares-hundred-year-study-on-chronic-traumatic-encephalopathy/.

# data[].attributes.body
This map represents my experience this semester as a transfer student adjusting to new expectations both in writing and in balancing my schedule. I started at the Transfer Gate, which shows the feeling of stepping into a new environment and figuring out how this course worked. Orientation Path represents the early stage of getting comfortable with assignments and building confidence. The Library of Drafts shows how much revising and learning I did, improving my writing through practice and feedback. Brainstorm pond represents where my ideas became clearer and more organized. I added the Lacrosse Practice Fields because managing this class while balancing practices, lifts, and scheduling forced me to grow as a writer and a student. My “You Are Here” marker sits in the final hall, where I feel more confident, more skilled, and more consistent with my writing. The Future Projects Gate shows where I plan to go next with these skills.