Tag Archives: voice

student blogs

The Final Stretch

As we move into our final class of the semester, especially since the university is transitioning to a Friday schedule next week, it feels unreal to know that today will be my last graduate class. I’ve essentially been in school my entire life, starting in kindergarten and continuing straight through to this point without much interruption. It has been a constant rhythm in my life, shaping my habits and my goals. Taking a step back from that, even temporarily, feels both strange and significant, and it’s bittersweet to know that I’ve reached this point almost at the finish line and getting ready for what’s next in my life.

I’m currently in the process of writing and adding the final touches to Part III. Once Part III is complete, my plan is to move into a full revision and proofreading stage for Parts I and III. From there, I will begin shaping the overall design of this memoir, something I’ve already started exploring through the flipbook idea and by converting the work into a live PDF link. With today’s class centered on design and formatting, it makes me feel more confident and reassured about the timing and direction I’m heading in, especially as things are beginning to wrap up and come together.

Looking forward to seeing you all for our last class together!

Schedule: 

  • 4/21–4/27: Finish Part III. Design and format the book using Pressbook, Flipbook, Canva, WordPress.
  • 4/28–5/5: Last revisions and proofreads. Designing/formatting as needed. 
  • 5/6: Submit all work.
student blogs

The Final Stretch: Where Everything Comes Together

After my thesis presentation last week, I felt a strong sense of accomplishment and clarity. Being able to visually present my thesis through slides and talk through each part of the project allowed me to step back and really see how far I’ve come. There was something reassuring about watching all the pieces: Part I, Part II, and the developing Part III exist together in one space. It made the process feel real and cohesive, and it reminded me that even when progress feels slow, everything is, in fact, coming together.

Looking ahead, I still have some work to complete for Part III; however, the next phase will require careful revision and close attention to detail, especially as I begin revisiting mainly Part I, since Part II is the electronic literature piece. I’m starting to see how all three sections connect, not only structurally but thematically as well.

With a clearer vision for the project in mind, I created a master document and started shaping the memoir into a book format, carefully arranging each section and positioning key elements where they fit best. Building on the feedback and guidance I received, I also added essential components such as a foreword, table of contents, and a dedication page. I’m beginning to see the structure take form and the project come together, and I’m excited to soon begin designing its digital space as well.

Below is my outline for the next few weeks: 

  • 4/14–4/20: Finish writing Part III & Revise Parts I, II, & III as needed. 
  • 4/21–4/27: Design and format the book using Pressbook, Flipbook, Canva, WordPress
  • 4/28–5/4: Finalize all revisions and edits; submit all work
student blogs

Back in Motion

Sometimes progress comes with unexpected pauses. This past week, I faced a setback when I temporarily lost access to the work I’ve been developing all semester. It felt overwhelming at first. However, it became a reminder of how quickly things can change. It also highlighted how important it is to adapt. Thankfully, with the help of Kean’s IT team, they were able to recover my files. I’ve since transferred everything from Google Drive to Microsoft OneDrive to make sure my work is secure moving forward.

Although the situation forced me to slow down, it also gave me space to reflect and reset. Now that everything is back in place, I’m ready to move ahead with clarity and focus. The autoethnography is nearly finished, needing only a few final refinements. This week, I’m aiming to complete that portion and begin outlining and drafting Part 3. 

I’m beginning to envision Part 3. I see it as the space where everything comes together. This includes research, reflection, and lived experience. This section will draw heavily from my literature review to support a deeper analysis of trauma and healing. I want to ground my personal narrative in scholarly conversations that explore how trauma shapes identity, memory, and the body, and how healing can unfold. The literature review will serve as a framework, helping me contextualize not only my own experiences but also the themes that emerged throughout this project.

It will also include an analysis of the interview transcripts, examining patterns, shared experiences, and moments of resonance. I’m interested in highlighting where stories intersect, where they diverge, and what they reveal about the complexities of processing trauma. 

Another central focus will be the process of healing through writing itself. I plan to explore how storytelling became more than documentation, it became a method of release, understanding, and reclaiming agency. Writing created space to confront difficult memories, re-frame them, and ultimately transform them.

student blogs

Minor Setback

Hi all, 

I hope you’ve all been staying warm and safe during the recent blizzard! Honestly, the thought that there might be more snow later this week is a little overwhelming. I’m definitely ready for some warmer, snow-free days.

This past weekend, I was making serious progress on finalizing my autoethnography. Then today, I went to log into the Kean Google Drive and I realized I no longer have access to all of my files. It was surprising. Thankfully, I still have everything from Thesis 1. Realizing it might be temporarily out of reach was stressful, to say the least. I’ve submitted a ticket to Kean IT to see if they can help me get just one document that would help. Fingers crossed. 🤞

Even with that curveball, I’m trying to stay patient. If IT can’t fix it quickly, plan B is in motion—I’ll find a way to recover everything. I also wanted to give myself the last week of February to finish up the autoethnography. Then, I planned to dive into Part 3 of the memoir throughout March. In our last class, we talked about how having the whole month for this section is perfect. It gives me plenty of time to really dig into my thoughts and reflections so I don’t feel rushed. I agree with that outline. However, now with these news, it may push things back a bit. That’s what I’m most nervous about. Still, I’m hopeful that everything is going to be okay.

See you all in class.

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!