Tag Archives: reading

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

Progress Snapshot

Last week’s class was engaging as we dove into the design and formatting aspects of our projects. Understanding how structure and presentation can shape a narrative has been fascinating and motivating as I continue building my thesis.

While the idea of digitizing my thesis and creating a website is exciting and appeals to a modern audience, I am more drawn to the nature of creating a physical print copy. There’s something about holding a book in your hands. It’s a tangible piece of work that encapsulates a story. Designing a physical version of this memoir feels like a way to honor my sister’s story and create a lasting keepsake for my family and anyone who reads it.

I spent some time in the library database this week, focusing on finding articles to develop my thesis further. Using the research techniques we’ve been learning, I uncovered some promising sources that I’m excited to incorporate into the narrative. These resources feel like the missing pieces I need to add depth and context to the memoir.

In addition to research, I am finishing up the book, Transforming Trauma, which has been an incredible resource. The insights I’m gaining from this book are helping me better frame the themes of trauma and resilience within my sister’s story.

On top of everything, I’ve also been working on my thesis presentation for class this week. Balancing research, reading, and writing has been a lot, but each task contributes to the overall progress. I’m building the foundation piece by piece and it’s rewarding to see the work slowly take shape. While it’s a process watching it take shape, it is deeply fulfilling.