Reflection

This capstone was one of the most demanding academic experiences I have had, but it also became one of the most meaningful. It pushed me to think more carefully about how historical arguments are built, how evidence has to be interpreted rather than simply collected, and how much uncertainty can shape both research and writing. Working on the Princes in the Tower taught me that history is not only about answering a question, but also about learning how to work with incomplete evidence and still create a meaningful argument.

The process also changed my confidence in a very real way. Over time, I became more certain in my ability to manage a long research project, refine a broad interest into a focused argument, and bring together different kinds of evidence into one study. What began as a challenging capstone eventually became the foundation for my history symposium presentation, which made the project feel even more significant. Seeing the research develop into something I could present publicly made me realize how much I had grown as a student, writer, and researcher. More than anything, this experience confirmed for me that the work I find most meaningful is work that involves research, interpretation, and careful analysis, and it strengthened my sense of where I want to go next.