If you’re reading this it’s too late…
Just kidding–but everyone likes Drake so why not start off that way. At the time you are reading this, assuming you are not some nostalgic alumna/alumnus digging back through files, you are in the process of writing your CARI thesis. First off, relax! Because you are in this program means you have already accomplished so much. You are an excellent student and have already had so much success. Be proud and love yourself, you deserve that.
But there is a task at hand. There is a thesis to be written. As someone who has seen the light at the end of the tunnel, here is what you can do to ensure a successful and beneficial thesis experience.
Work Ethic
While you probably already have a good one, work ethic is crucial to succeeding in this class. When you make a writing schedule and determine when you will be setting aside time to this paper, stick to it. There is no grade attached to meeting the deadlines you set for yourself, which for a college student means you are likely to feel indifferent to them. Fight that indifference! Think of this as preparation for the rest of your life. The real world does not have a Canvas deadline – the gratification and incentive system behind that ends here. Take yourself seriously and work hard – it will pay off.
Thesis Writing
It is an art. And like all arts, there are expectations for what makes it what it is. That may be confusing but hang with me. You may be inclined to think you already know what goes into an academic paper. Be cautious! As Professor Baggetta will describe – your paper should be bread. While it is important to write a paper that meets your vision, pay attention to what needs to go into an academic paper. There is a fine line between a long literature review and a research paper. To ensure you are on the right side of that line, listen to Baggetta.
You Will Be Here Soon
It goes by faster than you could possible imagine. From the first class with Baggetta to your thesis presentation, you will blink and it will be done. Cherish the experience you have and make the best product you can. This is not the most important thing you will create but it is a launching pad. Treat it with the greatest sincerity you can and put all the effort you can muster toward it. There will be no regrets about giving too much. In this class you are tasked with finding evidence based solutions to the world’s problems. Treat that as the challenge it is and conquer it. This paper may very well be published. Give yourself that credit and treat it as such.
As I finish this post it is the last thing I write for my Indiana University undergraduate career. You will be here soon. Put the work in now to make sure that when you type your last words you feel proud of what you have created. I know I do.
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