So, you have decided to pursue the area of research you are passionate in and write your thesis. Congratulations are in order; you have taken a monumental leap forward in your academic and professional career, all while studying something you are deeply interested in. With my experience in the Honors Thesis program coming to a close, I have identified a few tips and tricks that I would have offered to myself ahead of this course. The thesis-writing process was the most rewarding experience of my time as an undergraduate student at Indiana University. For others, the same process levied a constant degree of stress and frustration on their lives. The goal of these tips and tricks is to provide you the tools necessary to have an experience that resembles the former.
Your thesis advisor does not bite; meet with them!
A significant component to my success in this program was a strong relationship with my advisor, Professor Alex Hollingsworth. Following the conclusion of Professor Schnable’s V491 course, I collaborated with Professor Hollingsworth frequently over the course of the summer, engaging with him over Zoom or on the phone several times. These interactions, while they seemed minimal at the time, allowed me to better understand the methodology of my analysis, as well as provided insight into Professor Hollingsworth’s technical expertise on my area of interest. As you begin this course, I urge you to establish a regular meeting time with your advisor throughout the semester. Your advisor knows the demands of advising and has chosen to help you complete your thesis; think of this every time you debate whether to email that minor question to them!
Write to the beat of your own drum
I distinctly remember when Professor Baggetta first informed our class of the desired word count for the theses completed within the program, as it was the first instance of my academic career wherein my jaw went agape for over ten seconds. However, as I incrementally added to my thesis over the course of the semester, that value become less and less terrifying. Rather than view the process as writing a 8,000 to 12,000 word paper, consider it as writing several short essays over the course of the semester, as this is what the thesis writing process will more accurately resemble. Once you approach a natural writing rhythm, you will begin to feel more comfortable in your ability to write and contribute to your thesis.
Peers are friends, not competitors!
Unlike many of the classes you have likely experienced thus far in your academic career, engagement with your classmates in the Honors Thesis program is critical for your personal success in the class. They are the only individuals who can acutely understand your current experience. While it is unlikely they are pursuing the same area of research as yourself, they may maintain similarities in the methods used for data analysis or collection. It is from these similarities that collaboration emerge, be it during a class period, a late night library session, or an early morning coffee chat.
Final Remarks
More important than any of the tips I have offered above is this one simple piece of advice: take a breath. Within the next few months you will complete your data analysis (if you have not already) and write a strong thesis. Although you might experience some hurdles along the way, as most do during this process, you will experience the joy and relief associated with completing this extraordinary accomplishment. Now, take a quick breath, then push forward and write on!
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