Collect (your data); Connect (with others); Invest (in the process)

If you’re reading this, congratulations! You’re either writing a thesis (wow!) or so curious about what my writing experience was like that you now have the pleasure of reading my advice.

There is so much to share, as my V499 classmates can attest to from our many debriefs of the writing process, but I have three main pieces of wisdom I’d like to impart, and then a short list of quick tips.

1. Collect your data EARLY.

Start collecting your data as early as possible. Even if it’s week 9 of the semester you’re taking V491 and you think it’s too early, I promise that it’s not. I didn’t start my data collection until the semester I was actually writing my thesis and that is my only regret for the whole thesis process. If you have a decent idea of your topic and what kind of data you might need, don’t be afraid to talk with your V491 professor or your advisor about your data collection process early, meaning during V491. Even during the advisor “shopping” process, don’t be afraid to walk in with questions about data. The right advisor can offer so much insight. One last thing, if you’re thinking about doing interviews, they are a GREAT way to connect with people in the spaces related to your interests. Conducting interviews is how I found my summer internship.

2. Connect with other thesis writers!

Some of my favorite moments in this writing process were with my fellow thesis writers. I looked forward to V499 every time we had class, and I became invested in the work of not just my peers, but my friends. That was really special, and it helped me feel excited about my own process. College can be overwhelming, especially with such a significant process, and this thesis experience helped me feel like I was a part of something really special in my undergraduate career. On the day of the O’Neill Expo, I felt proud of my journey to get there, but I think I felt prouder watching my friends present their year long labor of love seamlessly, without showing any sign of the worries they’d expressed throughout the semester and just days before.

3. Invest in this process and yourself.

As they saying goes, with anything as significant as a thesis, you get out of it what you put into it. That can apply to your relationship with your advisor, the productivity of your meetings, your V491 and V499 courses (see above ), and your personal learning and development. I looked forward to meeting with my advisor for two main reasons. First, I always made significant progress in the days immediately following our meetings because I got my most pressing questions answered. My advisor was able to guide me through the stressful parts and offer tips when I felt overwhelmed. Second, there was a good chance we would talk about Ted Lasso or New York City museums. Your relationship with your advisor can be the defining part of this process, and it’s important to let them see your personality as a person, not just as a student.

I could go on and on…and on and on. Instead, I’ll leave you with this short list.

1. Try to find another reason to do the Honors program than just graduating with Honors. Whether it’s to challenge yourself, have a thesis for your undergrad (this was me), or some other reason, find something to keep you motivated.
2. When Professor Brass (or your other V499 instructor) tells you that you’ll have a full draft by spring break (or mid-semester in the Fall), it’s not too early. You can do it. Trust her, trust you. She won’t lead you astray, and you are your best thing.
3. When you’re practicing for your presentation, take note of where your 10- and 14-minute points are. The last thing you want is to see that “5 Minutes” sign during your presentation and not know whether or not you need to speed up to get to your closing.
4. Have an agenda system for meetings with your advisor. You can make documents and share them (like my friend Grace) or you can text them to yourself the night before (like me), but be prepared for those meetings. You’ll get the most out of them that way.
5. When in doubt, Schwabish. This will make sense later but trust him. It truly will change your life.

Bonus: Smile! You wrote a thesis. That is something to celebrate. I hope you feel as proud of yourself as I’m sure a host of people do (including me!). You earned it.

Good luck! Lean in. This journey might just be one of the best things to happen in your college career.

Becca Samuel is a junior honors student from Evansville, Indiana. She is studying Nonprofit Management and Leadership at the Indiana University Bloomington O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. On campus, she works at the O’Neill Career Hub as a Peer Educator, the Teter Quadrangle Center Desk, and as a Teaching Assistant for V261 Using IT in Public Affairs. She is looking forward to graduating in December and starting a career working in fundraising at a small nonprofit.