When menstrual stigma is exacerbated by schools and parents, girls are left with anxiety, fear, and shame; a lack of understanding about a regular biological function. This study supports that action is being taken to change this status quo, and in the meantime, girls can turn to Instagram influencers for an accessible and supportive community and a practical educational introduction to their menstrual cycles.

This project taught me the value in talking things out with peers, teachers, and mentors. Prior to this class, I never really thought much about how learning happens in social environments. Most of the classes I have taken throughout highschool were structured around content. In other words, the teacher gave a lecture, the sutdents took notes, and then were tested. AP Research, however, is a completely different stucture. In this class, I learned the most, and saw the most progress in my project, when I had meaningful discussions with those around me. As a naturally quiet person, this didn't come easy. But each of these conversations I had felt good and productive. Now I realize that the traditional ways of learning that I was familiar with throughout high school are not the only ways I can grow as a student and person. Having productive and meaningful conversations with peers, teachers, mentors, etc. make learning fun and easy. Knowing this, I feel more confident that in future academic and professional pursuits I will use the social learning structure of AP Research to better navigate difficult concepts, challenges, or brainstorming sessions.