A Weekend of Writing and Growth: My Experience at the UNR Dissertation Writing Retreat

As a graduate student in the fourth year of a five-year program, the idea of attending a dissertation writing retreat was both exciting and intimidating. The retreat, held at Lake Tahoe, was a three-day intensive event where we would spend the weekend living in dorms, attending lectures, meeting and discussing our work and, most importantly, writing. Beyond our work, we got to spend time in beautiful Lake Tahoe and use the environment to help in our writing. The timing of the retreat couldn’t have been better for me, as I was just beginning to get my feet wet with my dissertation proposal and had my first committee meeting the following week to go over my specific aims (EEEK!!). But the thought of spending an entire weekend focused on writing, especially when I wasn’t quite ready to dive into my dissertation, made me incredibly nervous.

Day 1: Setting Goals and Getting Started

The retreat began on a Friday, and as we arrived at the dorms, I could feel the tension in the air. Many of us were in different stages of our programs, and there was a mix of excitement and anxiety as we settled in. However, with lunch being our first session, I soon became comfortable with the other students and recognized a few. Our first session focused on goal setting and making outlines, which was a perfect way to kick off the weekend.

We were introduced to the concept of SMART goals—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. After a brief discussion on the importance of setting realistic goals, we were encouraged to share our goals with our table groups. This was a great way to create accountability and to have others encourage us as we worked through the weekend. We would do this exercise for the goal of the entire retreat, goal of the day as well as what we wanted to accomplish in each writing block.

My personal goals for the retreat were ambitious but necessary. I aimed to complete a rough draft of my dissertation proposal, which I planned to structure in the form of an F31 grant application. Additionally, I needed to finish my presentation for my first committee meeting, which was coming way too quickly – the Wednesday after the retreat. Although I had already developed a rough outline for both my paper and my PowerPoint, I added more details and references to make them even more helpful as I was intimidated to begin writing the actual paper.

With our goals in mind, we began writing. The first day was a mix of excitement and exhaustion. I made progress, but by the end of the day, I was mentally drained. Knowing that Saturday would be the longest and most challenging day, I decided to call it a night early and get some much-needed rest.

Day 2: Pushing Through and Finding Momentum

Saturday morning came quickly, and I could feel the weight of the day ahead. We were preparing for an 8 am breakfast and being at the retreat from 9-5 with dinner being at 5:30. Our first session focused on effective methods of data visualization, a topic that practical and inspirational. We learned the importance of keeping things simple, highlighting key points, and using colors that are easy to read. These tips were incredibly helpful as I thought about how to present my data in my dissertation and my upcoming presentation. Many students, including myself, went back to previous graphs that we had created and updated them to be better representations of our data.

After the session, it was back to writing. The day was long and intense, but I found myself getting into a groove. The structure of the retreat, with its mix of instructional sessions and dedicated writing time, allowed me to focus deeply on my work without the usual distractions. By the end of the day, I had not only completed a draft of my dissertation proposal but also finished my PowerPoint presentation. The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming, and I went to bed that night feeling a mix of exhaustion and pride. I was so mentally tired that even reading a book, watching a movie, or surfing the web was too much work.

Day 3: Final Push and Reflection

Sunday was the final day of the retreat, and although I was tired, I knew I had one last push in me. My goal for the day was to finalize my notes for my PowerPoint, as I had a practice presentation scheduled with my Principal Investigator (PI) the next day. The pressure was on, but the supportive environment of the retreat made it easier to stay focused and motivated.

Throughout the day, I worked on refining my notes and making sure that my presentation was as polished as possible. By the time we wrapped up, I had accomplished everything I set out to do. The feeling of completing such a significant amount of work in just three days was incredible, and I left the retreat with a renewed sense of confidence.

The Impact of the Retreat

Looking back on the weekend, I realized that the retreat was more than just an opportunity to get work done—it was a chance to connect with other graduate students who were facing the same challenges. It was comforting to hear from others in different programs and stages, all of whom were dealing with similar struggles. The shared experience of the retreat created a sense of camaraderie and gave me the motivation I needed as I prepared for my first committee meeting. It also helped having others talk about their dissertation proposal defense/candidacy exam and realize that many of them had survived it.

The retreat was draining, both mentally and physically, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I walked away with a completed proposal draft, a finished presentation, and a deeper understanding of the writing process. More importantly, I gained confidence in my ability to tackle the challenges that lie ahead in my dissertation journey.

Conclusion

Attending the dissertation writing retreat at Lake Tahoe was one of the most intense yet fulfilling experiences of my graduate career so far. It pushed me to set and achieve ambitious goals, helped me connect with other students, and provided me with the tools and confidence I needed to move forward with my dissertation. While the weekend was exhausting, it was also a reminder of why I embarked on this academic journey in the first place. As I continue to navigate the challenges of graduate school, I’ll carry the lessons from this retreat with me, knowing that with the right support and determination, I can overcome any obstacle.