Not really. I suppose you could define an Edge array/type/enum, but since we're only talking about a handful of borders, it's not really worth it (oh, and your psuedo code would also include diagonal borders as well). Here's some of my production code.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.