Tufts Blogs

Writing blogs is easy. They’re lighthearted, I choose my own topics every semester, and most importantly, they’re short. A thesis operates by a completely different set of rules.

Displayed next to this tab are three others silently judging me. One holds the transcripts from my oral histories (interviews), another has my first chapter, and the last has the draft I’m currently working on; my final chapter (hopefully). As a senior, I’ve never written anything so long or so demanding. So, for one of my final blog posts, I wanted to share what I’ve learned for anyone considering writing a thesis as an upperclassman.

First, it’s worth knowing that every department at Tufts has different requirements. As a Race, Colonialism, and Diaspora Studies (RCD) major, I had the option to either write a thesis or complete a capstone, which is a shorter, semester-long paper. I chose the thesis because I’m planning to pursue a PhD in the future, and I figured I might as well get comfortable with this kind of writing now. I should note, though, that I’m still knee-deep in the process myself. My thesis isn’t finished yet, so take my advice for what it is, that being the perspective of someone still in the thick of it. That said, here’s what I’ve picked up along the way.

Set your own goals. A thesis is a year-long project, and if you’re anything like me, distant deadlines don’t feel real until they’re suddenly very close. I had to learn to break the work into smaller, manageable increments. My first chapter, where I relied heavily on historical and archival research, was a grind. Since I couldn’t incorporate my own voice as much, I set a goal of writing at least one page a day so that over time, a real draft would take shape. It sounds small, but it adds up. 

Choose your advisor carefully. Find someone whose research interests align with yours, someone you trust to guide you when you feel lost. A good advisor doesn’t just give feedback on your writing, they can point you toward articles, books, or resources you might never have found on your own. The closer their expertise is to your topic, the more valuable that guidance becomes. Don’t just pick whoever is available; this relationship matters!

Start early. I participated in Tufts Summer Scholars, a program for students who come in with a research project already in mind. It was a great way to start exploring the guiding questions for my first chapter, and having that research done before the semester even started gave me a real head start when it came time to write. Even if Summer Scholars isn’t the right fit for you, I’d recommend using whatever time you have before the semester begins to gather sources and reach out to anyone you might want to interview or connect with. I contacted all of my interviewees over the summer because schedules fill up fast, and it’s so much easier to coordinate before the chaos of the school year sets in.

Find your people. In my department, three of my close friends are also writing theses, and I don’t know what I’d do without them. There’s something reassuring about being around people who understand exactly what you’re going through. We talk through our work together, troubleshoot over text, and keep each other on track. Thesis writing can feel isolating, and knowing your friends are in the same boat makes it a lot less so. 

And finally, and maybe most importantly, choose a topic that means something to you. This one matters more than you’d think! Pick a question you’re genuinely curious about, something that excites you when you talk about it and motivates you to do your best work. I chose to write about my own community and to conduct oral histories with members of my Tribe because I knew I could learn from their voices, both academically and personally. Those interviews ended up being the most rewarding part of the whole process. Knowing that I want to share the final product with my family and my interviewees keeps me coming back to revise and refine, even on the days I’d rather do anything else. 

Above all, writing a thesis is an opportunity to tell a story that matters to you. It is a space to amplify the ideas and perspectives you feel deserve to be heard, and it should be approached with intention and care. The process is undeniably demanding, but it can also be one of the most meaningful things you do in your undergraduate years. You might be surprised by what you learn about yourself along the way! But for now, I have three tabs open that have been very patiently waiting for my return…