Category Archives: student blogs

student blogs

Stepping into my Final Year

Fall always feels like a season of new beginnings, a chance to reset, refocus, and dive into what matters most. After a busy summer, I’m grateful to step into this semester with renewed energy and purpose. Each term brings its own challenges and opportunities, but this one feels especially meaningful as I enter my final year of graduate school. I’m ready to lean in fully—to learn, to create, and to grow alongside all of you.

This past summer, I had the chance to participate in the summer retreat, and it was an incredible experience. Those two weeks were filled with connection, reflection, and writing. The retreat gave me space to slow down, be intentional with my words, and share ideas with others who are just as passionate about writing and storytelling. I spent dedicated time working on my thesis, focusing on developing key chapters, refining my voice, and exploring new ways to bring my story to life. It was invaluable to have that uninterrupted time to make real progress, and it reminded me why I chose this path, inspiring me to carry that motivation into the fall semester.

Prior to registering for this course, I had no idea what electronic literature was, but I’m excited to explore how incorporating digital or interactive literature could add a new dimension to my work.

This semester, I look forward to pushing myself creatively, connecting with my peers, and discovering new ways to grow as a writer. I hope to make the most of every opportunity to learn, share, and be inspired.

I’m so excited to see how this semester unfolds and what I’ll learn along the way.

student blogs

Day 8: Farewell, All

Today’s final class was incredibly meaningful. I had the opportunity to share a small piece of the work I’ve been developing over the past two weeks during this writer’s retreat. I feel a deep sense of accomplishment for having written and completed the foundational draft of Part 1 of the memoir I’ve been working on. It’s been a long time coming, and while there’s still more to refine and expand upon, I now have a strong foundation from which the rest of the story can grow. Ideas are already beginning to overflow, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. Moving forward, I’d like to continue writing for at least an hour a day, just like we did during the retreat, so I can carve out dedicated time to focus and stay accountable.

It was a real pleasure to reconnect with familiar faces from the M.A. program and to meet many of you for the first time. These past two weeks have flown by, but they’ve been deeply enriching, and I’ve truly enjoyed being part of this experience with all of you.

Dr. Zamora, thank you for fostering such a welcoming and safe environment where learning and creativity thrives. Your guidance and care have made this experience truly special, and I am deeply grateful for all the work you’ve done to make this retreat meaningful. I’ll truly miss being in this space with all of you.

With gratitude, I leave you with this:

Don’t Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is strange with its twists and turns
As every one of us sometimes learns
And many a failure comes about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow—
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out—
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell just how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit—
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
John Greenleaf Whittier

student blogs

Day 7: Nearing the End

Today’s class was such a bittersweet moment. We held our first round of Author’s Chair, and I had the privilege of hearing a few of my peers share their stories. They were all raw, honest, and incredibly moving. It hit me that we’re nearing the end of this retreat, and tomorrow, we’ll be wrapping up this course. Time always moves too quickly when surrounded by creative energy and genuine connection.

Everyone did so wonderful today. Watching each person bring their words to life reminded me of how powerful storytelling is and not just in the writing itself, but in the act of sharing, of being witnessed. I truly hope to see all of you continue working on your writing projects beyond this space. The world needs your stories.

What struck me most today was how, by listening to others, new ideas began sparking in my mind suddenly, a phrase, a sentence, even just a tone would ignite something unexpected. It’s one of those magical things about writing: sometimes the best ideas don’t come from sitting alone in front of the page, but from sitting quietly and listening to each other, to the world, to what moves us.

One thing that brings me hope, especially in a world that often feels divided, is this very act of coming together. Whether it’s in a writing class, during a crisis, or while building something from scratch, people show up. Strangers help strangers. Communities rally. Solutions are born from shared struggle and deep care. It’s a reminder that even in hard times, connection and creativity are still possible and that maybe, just maybe, we’re capable of more good than we think.

As for my writing, I continue to work on Part 1 (life-before). It’s a working draft, and I’ve been making steady edits, particularly focusing on character development between my sister and I. This development is essential, as it lays the emotional foundation for the story that unfolds later. Understanding who we were “before” is key to appreciating the transformation and complexities that come in the chapters ahead.

This retreat has offered me the space to slow down and listen to my thoughts, to others, and the silences in between. I’ve realized how much I need that kind of reflective time, not just for writing but for my well-being. Being surrounded by others who are also immersed in creative work has inspired me to push past self-doubt and stay open to discovery. I’m leaving this space feeling both grounded and energized.

See you all tomorrow for our last class!

student blogs

Day 6: Letting it Unfold

Day 6 of the retreat brought a quiet kind of momentum. The morning session moved fast, but left me with a real sense of progress. During our independent writing time, I was finally able to get down a rough draft of Part 1 of the memoir I’ve been slowly building toward. It’s still rough, but it feels good to see the story start to take shape. Dividing the project into parts has helped me stay grounded and intentional, letting each section unfold on its terms, without pressure.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about Peter Elbow’s approach to writing, especially his idea of freewriting. Permitting myself to write without judgment, without editing as I go, has changed everything. It’s how I was able to get this first section down. That freedom, to let the words come out messy, unfinished, or even unclear, has brought me closer to clarity.

We also discussed and were assigned the Author’s Chair today. I will be sharing my piece with you all on Thursday. I’m looking forward to it. The thought of reading my work aloud is a little intimidating, but it’s also exciting. It’s not just about being heard, it’s about getting thoughtful, constructive feedback from people who are in the same creative trenches. That kind of exchange feels like an important part of this process.

As I continue to find my voice in this memoir, I keep drawing inspiration from the artists who’ve shaped the way I see language: Maya Angelou, with her strength and soul; E.E. Cummings, with his fearless approach to form; and Elizabeth Acevedo, whose storytelling pulses with energy and emotion. And now, I’d add Peter Elbow to that list, for reminding me that writing doesn’t have to start polished to be powerful.

With each session, each page, each conversation, I’m reminded why I’m here. The work isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. I’m not just writing a memoir. I’m writing my way into something fuller, more honest, and more alive. 

student blogs

Day 5: Trusting the Process

Hi all!

I wish I hadn’t missed class today I’ve been recovering from a cold I caught over the weekend and needed more rest. But I’m feeling better and excited to be back with you all for our last few days together. In such a short time, I truly believe we’ve created something so special, rooted in honesty, connection, and creativity.

Although I tried to get some writing done today, it was tough to focus while not feeling my best. I still had a productive day in other ways. I took time to organize my thoughts, reflect on the overall direction of my thesis, and dove into a memoir I’ve been reading called, Dolores, by Catherine Paiz and Riley J. Ford.

Reading memoirs like this one inspires me and helps spark ideas for my writing. There’s something powerful about immersing yourself in someone else’s story, it reminds me of how layered and meaningful personal storytelling can be. Catherine Paiz’s story is especially compelling. She grew up far from the spotlight in the multicultural city of Montreal, where her dreams first began. Later, her path took her to Los Angeles, where she built what looked like a picture-perfect life: love, children, and a YouTube career that reached millions as part of The ACE Family. But behind that success, she faced heartbreak, betrayal, and the loss of her sense of self.

When it all began to unravel, Catherine chose to go inward. Transforming her pain into strength and reconnecting with the woman she was always meant to be. Her story is a powerful reminder that even a life that looks perfect on the outside can hold deep struggles, and that true courage is in choosing authenticity.

Reading Dolores has made me reflect on elements like how memoirs are structured, the voice and tone of the narrator, and how vulnerability is shared on each page. I started reading it a week before our retreat and I’m now about halfway through.

This ties back to the blog starter I should have opened with: What helps you think? Lo-fi music and a good book help me think. There’s something about that combination that grounds me and gets my creative energy flowing. Reading memoirs like Dolores inspires me and helps spark ideas for my writing. There’s just something about it that flips a switch in my brain. Unlike music with lyrics, it doesn’t compete for my attention it plays softly in the background, rhythmic and mellow, creating the perfect atmosphere to focus and get work done.

Through this retreat, I’ve decided to structure my memoir into three parts. To be honest, it hasn’t been easy. I’ve mostly written part two, which still needs revision. I’ve received a lot of helpful feedback on that section, but I’ve realized I need to build and add more to Part One, the before. This section will focus on my family, the relationship with my sisters, and the closeness we shared. I think it’s an important foundation for the rest of the story, and I’m excited (and a little nervous) to dig into that emotional space.

Thanks for reading, see you all in class!

student blogs

Day 4: One week down, One to go

The light, for me, is knowing that to reach it, I have to move through the darkness. Life isn’t always clear or easy sometimes it feels like walking through a long, winding tunnel with only a faint glow far ahead. There are moments when the shadows seem overwhelming, and the path feels uncertain or frightening. But the light isn’t about skipping those hard moments or avoiding the struggle. It’s about embracing the journey through them. Learning to trust that even when I can’t see the whole way forward, each step through the darkness brings me closer to that glow.

Light is a symbol of hope, growth, and possibility. It reminds me that discomfort and doubt aren’t signs to stop, but are part of the process of becoming. The courage to keep moving, even when the way isn’t clear, is where the true strength lies. That quiet, steady light at the end of the tunnel, whether it’s a goal, a sense of peace, or a deeper understanding is what makes the journey worthwhile.

Knowing this gives me the strength to face hard times, to keep going when the future feels unclear, and to trust that the light is there waiting for me on the other side of the darkness.

It’s wild to think that we’ve already reached the halfway point of the writer’s retreat. In some ways, it feels like we just got here and yet so much has happened in just one week. I’m excited to be heading into the second week, the last week, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous too. Growth always comes with a bit of discomfort, and I’m starting to feel that in the best way. 

Thursday’s writing session felt particularly impactful, especially because I hit a good flow state while writing. After lunch, we had an hour dedicated to working on our writing projects. That uninterrupted time was a gift, I was able to sink deeper into the drafts of my memoir and make some needed revisions.

The afternoon session also brought our first Author’s Chair session, where a few of my peers shared pieces of their current work. Cali, Jason, and Jennifer set the tone beautifully. Each of them brought something unique and heartfelt to the table, and their vulnerability made me even more excited (and yes, a bit anxious) to eventually share my work.

I’m looking forward to hearing more from my peers and sharing a piece of my writing soon. Feedback can be nerve-wracking, but I know it’s exactly what I need to keep building this memoir with purpose and clarity. 

This retreat has already revealed so much to me. It’s shown me how important community is to the creative journey, how feedback can be a gift when given with care, and how sometimes, the story you’re writing ends up teaching you more about yourself.

Week one is officially behind us, and I’m ready to see where week two takes us. See you all next week!

student blogs

Day 3: One step at a time

Blog starter question: if you could represent yourself with any object, what would it be, and why? 

This was a tough question, it’s not easy to pick one thing that fully represents who I am. But if I had to choose, I’d say a sunflower. It’s grounded with strong roots, always reaching toward the light. It shows quiet resilience and a steady determination to grow, even when things aren’t perfect. A sunflower doesn’t need to be the brightest or loudest; it follows the sun by turning its head throughout the day, always moving toward light and positivity. That steady movement and growth feel like the best way to describe me.

Due to the extreme heat, the university has moved all classes online for the remainder of the week, so we’re continuing with remote learning. I didn’t make as much visible progress today as I had hoped—fewer words on the page and fewer boxes checked off. But even so, it didn’t feel like a loss—not at all.

A highlight of the day came during our breakout group session. We paired up to practice client-consult scenarios and share some much-needed peer support. Hearing how my peers approached their projects gave me new insights into my own. One thing on my mind is how to structure my memoir best. Traditional chapters haven’t felt quite right, at least for my memoir, even after reading and exploring different memoirs and their unique formats. Recently, I’ve been leaning toward organizing the book into broader sections — like Part 1, and Part 2 — rather than conventional chapters. While I didn’t produce many pages today, I left with new sparks of insight that feel just as important. Sometimes progress isn’t about quantity, but the quiet moments that deepen the work. 

A big thank you to Ricki and Jason for the meaningful discussions we had earlier about our projects, exploring both strengths and weaknesses and reflecting on everything it takes to be a writer.

Heat or no heat, the journey continues. See you all (virtually) for Day 4! (:

student blogs

Day 2: Making Progress

There’s something powerful about stepping away from the everyday, to create space for focus, creativity, and healing intentionally. That’s exactly what this retreat is: a much-needed pause to reconnect with my writing and recenter myself. I’m especially grateful that, despite the intense heatwave, we’re still able to meet remotely for class, it helps ease the transition into our focused space and keeping the sense of connection alive.

At the center of my focus is the memoir I’ve been working on. I still have a long way to go in terms of clarity, figuring out exactly what I want this book to say and how I want it to be structured. And yet, the more I write, the more ideas seem to flow in, uninvited but welcome. It’s like the story is revealing itself to me piece by piece.

Writing, I’ve realized, isn’t just about telling a story. It’s also about healing. This retreat is my opportunity to slow down and sit with myself: to reflect, to process, and to create. I hope to tune out the world for these two weeks and immerse myself in the work: How do I bring shape to the emotions and memories that live in my head? What will the final format look like? Etc. 

After just two days, I can already feel something shifting. There’s a sense of momentum building just like Dr. Zamora mentioned. It’s not just about writing more, but about becoming more connected to the work itself. I feel more grounded, more open, and more ready to face the complex material. 

Part of this journey also involves research. I plan to spend time reading memoirs that resonate. Learning from how others have crafted their stories. I also want to explore the topic of trauma more deeply, and how my own experiences connect to broader narratives. Understanding these themes better will help me write with more intention and honesty.

This retreat is more than just a writing getaway. It’s a space for self-exploration, healing, and creative commitment. And now that I’m finding my rhythm, I’m excited to see what unfolds in the days ahead!

See you all on Zoom!

student blogs

Day 1 Recap


Today marked a wonderful beginning to the summer retreat, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be here finally. This moment has been a long time coming. I’ve tried to take this course twice, but life kept getting in the way, forcing me to withdraw. But this time feels different. This time, I’m ready. I’m excited not only to be here, but to fully commit, to connect, to grow, and to share in this meaningful journey with all of you.

At this point in my life, writing has become more than just a form of expression, it’s a calling. It’s no longer just a way to express myself. It’s how I make sense of the world, how I honor where I come from, and how I begin to heal. I write to tell the story of my family, to capture the voices and moments that have shaped me. There’s something sacred about putting memories into words, like I’m preserving something too important to be forgotten.

I believe each of us is here for a purpose, and part of mine is to share my story with honesty and courage. My journey isn’t perfect, but it’s real, and sometimes, that’s exactly what people need to hear. They need to know that even in the darkest moments, there is a way to move forward; that someone else too has faced fear, pain, and uncertainty, and emerged stronger and more hopeful on the other side. Sharing this truth is my way of lighting the path for others, reminding us all that we are never truly alone and that healing and growth are always possible.

I’m looking forward to taking this time to advance my thesis. I’m currently writing a memoir that explores a transformative chapter in my life, a time that tested me, reshaped me, and ultimately revealed a strength I didn’t know I had. It was one of the most difficult periods I’ve ever faced. That experience didn’t just challenge me, it became the foundation of who I am today. I truly believe that life’s hardships aren’t meant to break us, but to shape us into who we’re meant to become.

During this retreat, I’ll focus not only on refining the story but also on developing additional narratives and conducting deeper research to enrich the memoir. I hope that this work will not only reflect my journey but also speak to others who may find strength in the stories we carry and share.

student blogs

End of the Semester Reflections and Looking Ahead

I can hardly believe it, we’ve reached the end of the semester! Time truly does fly. As I pause to look back, I’m amazed at how much I’ve accomplished in just four months. It hasn’t been an easy ride, but I’ve pushed through, and now I’m ready to enjoy some well-deserved rest before diving into the next phase of my academic journey.

This semester has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. I feel grateful to have shared it with such a great group of classmates, and I’m looking forward to seeing many of you again in the spring term.

Next semester, I’ll be moving on to Part 2 of my MA Thesis, and I already have a few goals in mind for refining and expanding my work. In my end-of-semester self-reflection, I outlined a detailed plan for the winter break to ensure I stay on track:

  • Revisiting Current Chapters: I’ll refine their structure and content, integrating feedback from classmates/professors.
  • Targeted Research: Over the break, I’ll conduct additional research to fill in the gaps identified this semester.
  • Outlining New Chapters: I plan to map out the remaining chapters to ensure a clear direction for the Spring 2025 semester.
  • Incorporating Personal Narratives: I aim to revisit my sister’s medical records and our family’s documentation/materials of her recovery. These detailed accounts will enrich the narrative and deepen the emotional impact of my thesis.

To bring this thesis to life, my focus will be on blending personal and academic elements seamlessly. It’s crucial to maintain a strong emotional voice while tying together the threads of my sister’s journey, my research, and the broader implications of her story.

The Spring 2025 semester will be pivotal. My goal is to create a thesis that not only meets academic standards but also resonates deeply on a human level. It’s a daunting challenge, but one I’m definitely passionate about. As winter break approaches, I hope it brings everyone a balance of rest and productivity. Let’s make the most of this time to recharge and return renewed for the spring semester.

Happy Holidays!