Advisor(s)

Kerry Madden-Lunsford

Committee Member(s)

Cynthia Ryan
James Braziel

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

6-18-2026

Degree Name

Master of Arts in English (MAE)

School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Arts & Humanities

Abstract

Darkstar: A Memoir in Essays is an essay collection that follows the last four years of my life. These essays vary in length, format, and material. The themes these essays tackle range from heavy subjects like deteriorating mental health from bipolar disorder and grief over the loss of pets and family members, to lighter subjects such as gender expression and identity, and the love surrounding me from friends, family, and relationships. While each essay can stand alone, they are more fleshed out and connected in the context and structure of this thesis. This body of work explores the various ways my life has changed over the last four years, and it has taught me to be kind and patient with myself and my writing. My hope is that this thesis captures all that light and energy I’ve emitted over the last few years and leaves one with a bit more brightness and warmth in the darker days of life.

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