According to the University of Oregon’s Robert D. Clark Honors College, “The thesis project is designed to be a culmination of skills developed during your time in the Honors College, of questions asked and answers sought. It is your opportunity to strut your stuff and contribute back to the pool of human knowledge that you have benefitted from during your time as a student.”
The day you enter the doors of the CHC as a first-year student, whispers of the elusive thesis follow you through the hallways and into classrooms until the day of your defense. Many hours are spent planning and preparing a topic, thesis prospectus, first, second, and third drafts, and a final draft. The process usually begins in a student’s third year and lasts until the month before graduation.
I began brainstorming topics for my thesis during my sophomore year, conducted research while studying in Paris during my junior year, and completed the document and defense at the end of my senior year. For me and the other graduates of the CHC Class of 2020, the thesis process was a bit different than it was in the past. While students typically defend their theses in person in front of their three person committee and a small group of close friends and family, that wasn’t possible in 2020 due to COVID-19. Instead, I defended my thesis on Zoom and was able to have over 20 audience members see me defend my largest, most time-consuming project of school.
Truthfully, writing the bulk of my final thesis during a global pandemic while living at home with my parents was one of the most difficult tasks I’ve ever undertaken. At times I felt unmotivated and uninspired to continue. Nonetheless, I completed and defended my thesis at the end of May, and my sense of pride upon finishing the document and passing my defense was overwhelming.
My thesis dove into the use of the Country of Origin Effect and cultural branding in advertising by comparing country-specific cultural features and content from New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week.