All posts by Jenise Perez

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
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On track with Part III

After our last class, I gained the clarity I needed on the literature review, specifically on how many peer-reviewed articles to include in part III and whether all of them were necessary. That understanding really helped relieve some of the pressure I had been feeling.

With that in mind, I made some meaningful progress on Part III. Although it’s still a work in progress, I have a strong sense of direction and can see how everything is beginning to come together. It’s reassuring to feel aligned and on track with my outline and confident in the direction I’m heading.

Over the next few weeks, my focus will be on continuing to build and refine Part III while being more intentional about how I integrate the literature. I want the sources/quotes to flow naturally within my writing and enhance my ideas, rather than disrupt my voice. Overall, I’m feeling motivated and excited to keep developing this section.

My outline for the upcoming weeks remain the same:

  • 3/31–4/6: Continue developing Part III and prepare for presentation series
  • 4/7–4/13: Finalize Part III 
  • 4/14–4/20: 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

Literature Review & Part III

After our workshop session with Craig, I found myself returning to my literature review with a more critical and reflective lens. Revisiting the articles I initially gathered was a meaningful exercise. Some still resonate deeply and align with the direction of my project, while others no longer feel as relevant as my ideas have evolved. That realization, in itself, feels like progress. The timing of the workshop was especially helpful, as it arrived right when I’m transitioning into Part III of my project.

This next section will be more research-driven, with a stronger emphasis on integrating my literature review. Going back to my sources now feels not only necessary, but purposeful. I’m beginning to identify which texts genuinely support my argument and contribute to the story I’m telling, and which ones may need to be replaced with stronger, more aligned scholarship.

At this stage of my writing journey, I’ve finished the autoethnography portion of the memoir, with just a few minor edits left and a full revision of that section underway. Entering Part III marks a significant evolution in both the structure and focus of my writing. I’m eager to continue developing this section and see how it takes shape.

Below is a draft outline for the remainder of the semester:

  • 3/24–3/30: Continue developing Part III
  • 3/31–4/6: Continue developing Part III and prepare for presentation series
  • 4/7–4/13: Finalize Part III
  • 4/14–4/20: Revise Parts I, II, & III as needed
  • 4/21–4/27: Design and format the book using Pressbook, Flipbook, or Canva
  • 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

Finding Direction



This past week I’ve been focused on shaping the autoethnography, and it’s finally starting to come together. After our class discussion last week, the project stopped feeling scattered and started to feel more intentional and cohesive. I’m seeing clearer connections between my personal experiences and the bigger themes. This makes the whole thing feel more meaningful. As I go through the pieces I’m writing, I’ve started noticing patterns. These patterns are helping me figure out how to organize and analyze each section. It’s exciting to see the pieces start to fit together and to realize that the story I’m telling isn’t just about me, it’s connected to broader cultural and social ideas, too.

I’ve been steadily writing and revising, moving back and forth between expanding new sections and refining existing ones. The process hasn’t been linear; at times I’m energized and adding new pieces, and at others I’m carefully revising language, deepening analysis, and strengthening transitions. Even though the document sometimes feels like organized chaos, each revision brings more clarity and cohesion. Seeing the overall trajectory more clearly has helped me identify what needs further development and where certain reflections fit best. I’m aiming to complete a solid rough draft by next week. If not, it will be done by the end of the month at the latest. This timeline is keeping me focused and intentional.

student blogs

A Deep Dive

After getting back from my most recent family trip and attending last week’s class, my one-on-one conference with Dr. Zamora came at the perfect time. It was incredibly insightful and felt like a grounding moment I didn’t even realize I needed. The conversation allowed me to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with my writing in a more intentional way.

During our meeting, I realized just how deeply I’m going all in with my autoethnography full force, in ways I hadn’t fully imagined or explored yet. As I shared with Dr. Zamora, I still can’t believe it took me this long to write and truly recognize certain aspects of my story. But that’s the writing process for you. Some days feel productive and affirming, while others feel overwhelming and uncertain. The good and bad days are all part of learning how to sit with your work and trust where it’s taking you.

Writing this memoir hasn’t been easy, especially when I kept going back and forth about whether or not I wanted to write under a pseudonym. That uncertainty made the writing process feel heavier at times. But as I’ve spent more time with this thesis, I’ve realized what matters most is why I’m writing it in the first place, to create a time capsule for my family and myself, and to eventually share with others, preserving our stories and lived experiences. This thesis means a lot to me, so I’m choosing to move forward with patience, care, and a lot more compassion for myself along the way. 

Over the next two weeks, I’ll be focusing on writing the autoethnography, using the outline I’ve built as a foundation to stay organized and set myself up for success. I plan to approach this as generative writing, continuously building the story and exploring my truest self while staying focused and committed to the work itself.

student blogs

Taking Shape

Hi all! I hope everyone’s been staying safe and warm with the snow. Just a few days before the storm hit, my family and I flew down to Florida. The timing was perfect for a family trip to celebrate my niece’s 10th birthday. We visited the theme parks: Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Universal’s Epic Universe (see photos below!). The weather has been surprisingly nice. It’s mostly been cooler, which has been a nice change. Overall, it’s been a fun mix of family time, theme parks, and a much-needed break from winter. 

Reflecting on our class last week, I wanted to share how valuable the individual one-on-one meetings were. It really helped clarify not only where to start, but more importantly, where to pick back up. I still have some loose ends in my piece, and as I discussed with Dr. Zamora, I’ve been writing this thesis in fragments. I’m continuing to work on how to bring everything together in a way that feels smooth and cohesive. Another area I’m revisiting is the research component and making sure it’s meaningfully integrated into the narrative. I left the meeting with a lot of clarity around what I need to start working on right away. I believe focusing on these things will really help me start building and assist in putting together the final piece. Please see the to-do timeline/outline I put together below.

Be well, all. See you next week in class. 

  • Compile and review all materials 
    • Gather all existing work related to the project, including the Digital Literature Project, introduction, drafted scenes and fragments, and notes or in-class writings. Review these materials to identify gaps, overlaps, and areas needing revision or expansion.
  • Family Consultation and Ethical Considerations
    • Speak with family and friends to address pseudonyms and anonymization. Work through challenges related to representing shared experiences respectfully and integrating research in a way that supports, rather than overwhelm, the personal narrative.
  • Structure: A three-part memoir
    • Part I: Autoethnography
      • Introduce early memories with my sister and form our relationship and family dynamics.
    • Part II: The Accident
      • Recount the event and its immediate emotional and physical impact from my perspective as a sister and witness.
      • Incorporate analysis of interview transcripts as a method. 
    • Part III: Healing and Trauma
      • Explore the aftermath, focusing on healing, coping, and the long-term impact of trauma on our family as a collective experience.

student blogs

The Road Ahead…

Hi everyone! It’s hard to believe this is my final semester and my last class in the M.A. program. In my last blog post for Part 1 of the thesis course, I shared that I had originally planned to take this class in spring 2025 and graduate then. However, life had other plans—and that’s okay. I took a semester off and returned in summer 2025 for the writers’ retreat, which turned out to be a wonderful, gentle way to ease back into the rhythm of writing. It’s also been great to reconnect with familiar faces from the retreat and last semester’s classes; having that continuity of support really makes a difference.

I feel a renewed sense of purpose, eagerness, and hope as I work toward tying up the remaining pieces of my thesis. The writing process can still be anxiety-inducing, but I’m learning to move forward with patience and trust in myself.

The last piece I submitted was my thesis proposal for the memoir I’m writing in dedication to my sister and her tragic accident. There’s still so much to write, shape, and map out. Over the next few months, I plan to dedicate focused time to drafting the remaining sections while regularly stepping back to refine the overall structure. My goal is not just to add content, but to shape the narrative so each part connects meaningfully and contributes to the story I want to tell. It’s a big task, but having a roadway makes it feel manageable, and I’m ready to tackle it step by step.

There’s still a lot to accomplish, but with clear deadlines and intentional time management, I’m confident I can make steady progress. I’m excited for the challenges ahead and eager to see how this memoir develops over the coming months.

So happy to be here with you all!