Before I get started on this blog post, I have to be honest about something…the retreat was just not long enough! I was sad when it was over yesterday because we had formed this group of writers and scholars. Not only that, but everyone was so nice! Coming to the retreat every day, knowing that I will not only produce work, but I will be in this positive atmosphere with hard workers and creative people. Anyway, enough with the mushy stuff.

There were three important “takeaways” from this retreat that really made me look at writing and my work in a different light.

1. Changing your scenery: When I was in college, I would do my homework in the library, but I would stay there for hours. In graduate school, I would do my work in my room and never leave. I had the mentality that if I just sit in one spot and knock out all of my work, I will be more productive. But at the retreat, when we moved to a different place during the afternoon session, I was amazed by how refreshed I felt and how my writing was different from the morning session. I found my mind to be a little clearer, and I did not feel as staggered. Even something as simple as sitting outside in the fresh air and writing. I used to do that more in college, but somewhere down the line, I stopped going outside. Even writing this, I decided to sit outside and enjoy the sun. (Besides me almost getting stung by a bee). This is a writing tip that I will practice from now on and tell others to do the same thing.

2. Finding my “academic” voice: I have learned what an authentic academic voice in writing sounds like. I always thought that that voice consisted of making people confused when you talk and throwing in big words all the time. Having an academic voice really means looking at things from a different perspective of research, discovery, and passion. My vocabulary became better, which was something I always struggled with. I’ve learned how to phrase and rephrase my ideas.

3. Stepping away: Taking a step back from my work when needed is something that I learned during this retreat. I never realized that taking a break will allow me to have a fresh mind. By breaks, I don’t mean eating something or watching Netflix, but I mean sitting in a corner and listening to music or coloring something. Then, coming back to my writing. Before, I would take “breaks” and then go downstairs to the kitchen and get some coffee or a snack (or a whole meal) and would be stressed out about my work. Now, the retreat taught me a new technique. During my thesis class, Dr. Zamora would tell me to not work on it for a few days and then come back to it, which I did. The only problem was I did work instead of my thesis. So I technically never gave my mind a real break.

Since this was the first time I presented my thesis writing, I was nervous because as a writer, I am protective of my work (as we all are). Author’s Chair was probably my favorite moments during the retreat. In courses during the semester, students rarely have the chance to have that moment where it’s all about them and their work. Not just receiving feedback but sharing it to a group of other writers, creators, and scholars. There was no one in the class who “had to take this as an elective” but wanted to be there. Although the retreat is over, I want to continue to keep up the “retreat” mentality and schedule as best as I can.

Thank you, fellow writers, for such a great experience! Thank you, Dr. Zamora, for guiding us! And thank you, Kelli, for lending a helping hand!

Have a great summer, everyone! Keep writing!