12/02/2025
⭐️ Honors Senior Thesis Research Spotlight ⭐️
Samantha Villa '26
Howell, New Jersey
Major: Criminal Justice
Paralegal Certificate
Thesis Title: Understanding Parental Perceptions of Truancy in Connecticut Youth: Identifying Risks and Prevention Strategies
Thesis Advisor: Cassandra Sedelmaier
➡️ What is your thesis about?
My thesis examines how adults in Connecticut think truancy should be addressed and whether their views on who is responsible, schools, parents, communities, or law enforcement, shape their preferences for punitive or supportive responses. Using survey data from the Tow Youth Justice Institute, I analyzed how these responsibility beliefs relate to different intervention approaches. What I found was that only individuals who believe the community should take the lead are significantly more likely to oppose punitive measures. Overall, most respondents supported non-punitive, rehabilitative strategies. Based on these results, my thesis argues that Connecticut’s truancy policies should move toward community-based, preventative interventions and away from court involvement and punitive sanctions that lack public support.
➡️ What motivated and/or inspired you to select this as your research topic?
I chose this topic because my academic and career goals are based in youth justice. As a criminal justice major with a concentration in juvenile justice and delinquency prevention, I’ve spent the past few years studying how systems respond to young people and where those responses fall short. I know that I want to build a career navigating youth justice issues, so I was drawn to a topic that actually affects local kids and families and has real policy consequences. Truancy is an intersecting issue that affects education, community support, and the legal system. It is also an area where a better response can genuinely change a young person’s life path. I also care deeply about my community and researching how Connecticut adults think about truancy felt like a way to understand what our own residents want for the youth around them. This project let me connect my academic focus with my long-term goal of advocating for young people in a way that is grounded, practical, and meaningful!
➡️ Do you have any advice for future Honors students thinking about writing an Honors Thesis?
I would tell future Honors students to treat their thesis like a real class on their schedule. Set a timeline early and actually stick to it because that’s what keeps the whole thing from piling up and feeling like too much. Staying on top of responsibilities a little at a time makes the process way less overwhelming. Additionally, choosing an advisor that you trust and can comfortably communicate with makes a huge difference because you need someone you’re not afraid to ask for help when you hit the inevitable stressful moments.
➡️ After graduating, what are your plans?
After graduation, I plan to attend law school, with the long-term goal of becoming a juvenile court judge. I’ve already been accepted to Quinnipiac and the University of Maryland, and I’m excited to hear back from a few more schools in the coming months! I can’t wait to see where this next step takes me and to use the opportunity to further my education so I can help give a voice to young people who need it most.
➡️ Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my advisor, Cassandra Sedelmaier, for her constant guidance and for being such an important mentor throughout my college experience.
I’m also grateful to Danielle Cooper and the Tow Youth Justice Institute for giving me access to their survey data, which made this research possible!
CONGRATULATIONS Samantha!👏
