Tag Archives: Thesis

student blogs

That’s a Wrap Take Care, All!

Our last class of the semester was both exciting and a little bittersweet. The potluck-style gathering gave us a chance to unwind and celebrate, while presenting our projects one final time made me reflect on how much we’ve all grown. As I shared my work, I felt like I should be further along, but I reminded myself that progress isn’t about perfection and that the project would eventually come together. I really valued everyone’s feedback, it sparked new ideas and gave me motivation to keep going, even with the work that still remains. I had originally started my project in WordPress, but it became challenging to manage, so I switched to a custom website at the last minute. It feels more secure and easier to work with, and I’m excited to see the project fully take shape.

This course has been an incredibly meaningful experience. It opened my eyes to how different electronic literature is from traditional storytelling. Working with it encouraged me to think beyond words on a page, taking into account design, interactivity, and user experience as part of the narrative. The process challenged me to be creative, problem-solve, and step outside of my comfort zone, particularly while developing and refining my final project. I’m grateful for the feedback, support, and ideas shared throughout the semester as they shaped my work in ways I didn’t anticipate.

As this journey comes to an end, I’m excited to continue building on what I’ve learned and see where these skills take me next. I can’t wait to finally finish my project and see it all come together. 

Wishing everyone the best of luck with their final projects and future endeavors, and wishing you all a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!

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.

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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. 

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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!

student blogs

Thesis-in-Progress Presentation

This week I had the opportunity to present to my peers my thesis-in-progress, marking an important milestone in my academic journey. As a graduate student working on a memoir that centers around my sister’s near-catastrophic car accident, the process of developing and refining my thesis has been a deeply personal and challenging endeavor. But this week, it all came together in a way that feels like a significant confirmation of the path I’ve been on.

During the presentation, I shared the research I’ve gathered so far, including the personal stories, medical research, and psychological aspects surrounding the trauma of the accident. I also outlined the methods I’ve been using to shape my writing process, such as freewriting, reflective journaling, and integrating both my sister’s and my own perspectives into the narrative. It was incredibly rewarding to explain how these elements are coming together to form a cohesive story.

What stood out most was the feedback I received from both my peers and Dr. Zamora after the presentation. Their thoughts on what I’ve written so far, and the suggestions for improvement, were invaluable. It wasn’t just about hearing that I was on the right track; the feedback felt like a confirmation that I’m not alone in this process. It gave me the encouragement I needed to keep pushing forward, knowing that the work I’m doing has depth and that I am making real progress.

It’s easy to get caught up in the challenges, balancing school, work, and life in general but moments like these help put everything into perspective. The affirmation from others, especially from those who have a deep understanding of writing and storytelling, was exactly the push I needed. Moving forward, I’m excited to continue refining the memoir, taking into account the feedback I received, and diving deeper into the research and giving some more context of Denise’s character. Each step feels like a little victory, and this week was definitely one of those moments where the effort and hard work felt validated.

In the end, the presentation wasn’t just about showing what I’ve done so far; it was a reminder of the larger purpose of this project: to honor my sister’s story, and in doing so, create something meaningful that might resonate with others.

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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.

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Unpacking the Past: Part 1 Interview

​​In this blog I’d like to share my reflections on my interview with my sister. As you may remember from my last post, this interview was a key step in gathering the material I need for this memoir. I’m considering this part 1 of the interview process since I kept it brief and limited our conversation to just an hour to avoid overwhelming either one of us. To be honest, it wasn’t easy. Reliving some of the memories of her accident and the aftermath was incredibly tough, not just for her, but for me as well. It was important to me to approach this gradually, as the subject matter is heavy and emotional.

But despite the heaviness of the conversation, I believe we made it through with a sense of strength and purpose. It was emotional at times, and there were moments when it felt like we might not be able to continue, but we pushed through. There were tears, of course, but there was also a sense of healing in talking openly about what happened.

After reviewing the notes from the interview, I’m feeling optimistic. I believe I have something to work with. The details my sister shared with me will be valuable as I continue to piece together her story and the impact of the accident on both of our lives. It’s going to take time and careful thought but I feel like I’m on the right track.

I’m also reminded that writing about such personal experiences isn’t just about telling a story, it’s about honoring the journey, the pain, and the growth that comes from it. It’s about sharing something that can resonate with others, helping them feel seen and understood, too.

Thank you for reading and following me on this journey. I’m excited to continue working on this memoir and to see where it leads. Stay tuned for more updates.

student blogs

Embracing the Process

This week, I made some progress by continuing to write and piece together different sections of the story. One thing that’s been on my mind is where to incorporate my sister’s experience of the accident into the story. I was thinking of maybe making it a possible introduction to the memoir? I’m hopeful that it’ll fit in seamlessly, but I trust that it will come together in time. I also had the idea of including a letter to my sister at the end of the memoir. I haven’t written it yet, but it seems like an interesting way to conclude. I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts on this!

After last week’s class discussion on thesis organization, I realized I could refine my process a bit more. I had everything saved in a Google Doc within a single folder, but I decided to take it further. I spent some time reorganizing and creating sub-folders within the main folder that houses my entire thesis project. Now, each section has its own dedicated space, from notes, research, the thesis itself, chapter titles, pictures, etc…making it easier to manage and track my progress. It’s a simple adjustment, but it’s already made my workflow much more efficient.

I also use my phone for reminders, setting alerts for tasks like writing/editing, research, or revisiting a section. Having these reminders pop up keeps me accountable and ensures I don’t overlook anything important. Between my digital organization and the phone reminders, I’ve found a system that really helps me stay on top of things and make steady progress.

For my literature review, I’ve found two more research articles through Kean’s database that I think will be helpful for my thesis. I’m excited about our next class and upcoming research presentation at the Library next week. It’ll be a great, much-needed, refresher for me on how to navigate resources more efficiently and find what I need faster.

In addition to the articles I’m gathering for my literature review, which focus on the trauma aspect of a cervical injury, I also want to explore themes of healing and self-discovery. I’ve done some research through the database, but I haven’t come across anything particularly useful for that part of my thesis. So, I started looking into books on trauma and self-healing, and I found Transforming Trauma by Dr. James Gordon. In his decades of firsthand experience, Gordon emphasizes that trauma is something we’ll all encounter at some point, but he also believes we all have the capacity to heal ourselves. He talks about how, despite the devastation trauma can cause, it can also open us up to deeper understanding, greater purpose, and even more love. I think this perspective will be really valuable for the healing component of my thesis.