Reflections on a Thesis Journey: Shannon and Asha
By Samuel Cavalheiro
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As graduation approaches, seniors at the Commonwealth Honors College will soon breathe a sigh of relief. The Honors Thesis, the culmination of four years of dedication and hard work, is nearing completion. Shannon Moore, a senior double majoring in English and journalism with a minor in education, and Asha Baron, a senior double majoring in communication and journalism, are both just days away from graduation and finishing their theses. Although their projects are very different, both Shannon and Asha share a deep appreciation for the growth they experienced throughout the process.
Shannon: Becoming a Butterfly
Shannon’s thesis, titled Becoming a Butterfly, is a compilation of poetry and personal reflections chronicling her evolution as a person at UMass. “It’s about my relationship with myself and how I’ve changed over time,” she explains.
It is divided into two parts, Chrysalis which represents the trauma and struggles, followed by Butterfly which celebrates the growth and healing she has undertaken. This was not an easy process, as Shannon recalls—it was difficult to distill her life experiences into this medium. But with the help of her thesis advisor, Connie Griffin, and the women in her thesis class, Shannon found the confidence and clarity needed to put pen to paper. “Even the pieces that didn’t make it into the final version helped me get to the ones that did,” she reflects.
Shannon emphasizes that the Honors College played a significant role throughout her college experience. Living in honors housing, forming close friendships, and working with Honors Advisor Cody Olson all helped shape her journey.
“I’m really grateful I did it. It was special to be recognized at the Honors ceremony and reflect on all the extra steps we took,” she says.
Asha: What’s the Deal with her Sitcom?
When students are asked to think about the thesis, a lengthy manuscript or research paper usually comes to mind. However, when asked the same question, Asha thought outside the box. An avid fan of Saturday Night Live, The Office, Parks and Recreation, and other sitcoms, she channeled her comedic instincts into screenwriting. Her thesis is a four-episode sitcom inspired by her real-life experiences as a historical tour guide.
Writing a full show turned out to be a much bigger challenge than Asha expected. Unlike short SNL-style sketches, sitcom writing required her to think deeply about character development, continuity, and structure. “I had to cut characters, merge storylines, and really focus on staying true to the world I was building,” she explains.
Asha’s thesis began as a class project, later becoming an independent study and eventually her Honors Thesis. She credits the Honors College for giving her the space and encouragement to see it through.
“I don’t think this project would exist without the Honors College. It gave me the structure and motivation to keep going,” she says.
Both Shannon and Asha demonstrate how the Honors Thesis can be much more than simply an academic endeavor. It can be a deeply transformative experience which can be used to reflect, create, and grow into a better person! We cannot wait to see what else Shannon and Asha have for the future!