The Me-this, Redeemed: A Reflection on My Thesis Project and How It Helped Me Heal

ABSTRACT

This is an essay reflecting on the importance of the author’s thesis in her healing process from cancer. It explores the process from deciding to do a project so closely linked to the author’s life (colloquially called a me-this) to the impact of the research, interviews, and findings. The author explores themes of mindfulness and presence as well as the power of cocreated relationships in this setting and therapeutic ones.

KEYWORDS:

• cancer
• reflection
• thesis
• survivor
• young adult

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Zpora R. Perry

Zpora R. Perry, LICSW, is a clinical social worker at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, Vermont. She works in the infectious disease clinic at the medical center, primarily serving people living with HIV. She graduated from Smith College School for Social Work in August 2009.