4: Hey, Thesis Mate!

“Okay, class. Welcome to the thesis forum.” A psychology college professor and the current class’s thesis adviser, in his 50s, is standing in front of his class. He’s wearing a white semi-long-sleeved collared polo with blue stripes, black pants, and black shoes. “For your last 2 terms, which is about 6-7 months, you are now approaching your thesis days.”

Some of his students groaned. The 20 psychology students were sitting on their respective armchairs inside the classroom, which can accommodate 20-25 people.

“I know this can be the worst part of your college. But I guarantee you, it will all be worth it. So, do your best on this, okay?” Professor Monrey continued.

“Yes, Sir,” the students agreed in unison.

Some laughed for a moment and affirmed that this would be their worst part of their college life.

He tapped a key on his laptop, and the slide presentation appeared on the large TV screen positioned in front of the class.

“For the first part of your thesis this term, group yourselves into three.”

“Group thesis, Sir?” a male student asked, sitting in the back row.

“You heard it right. Yes, this will be a group thesis.”

All of the students smile. They were glad not to do it individually because in the other programs, they are required to do it alone.

“Is everyone okay with that? Just raise your hand if you prefer to do it individually,” the professor asked them.

Everyone looked at their surroundings. No one raised their hands.

“Alright. Group thesis, it is. Oh, yeah. There are 20 of you. The remaining two should do it in pairs. Anyone here willing to do it in pairs?”

They looked at one another again. No one was willing to do a thesis with just two of them. Considering that the thesis would be less difficult to do with three people, no one dared to be at a disadvantage.

“Okay, let’s settle it later. This week’s assignment is to send your top 3 thesis topics you have in mind.”

“Does it have to be at least 3, Sir?” a student asked.

“It’s up to you, but I highly suggest that you narrow your choices to 3, then you will choose what’s best among the three. You can consider reviewing your previous works to find subjects that truly piqued your attention. Take into account the topics you’re passionate about, your personal interests, or experiences that are relevant to the problem you want to solve. Discuss the topic with your team, mentors, colleagues, and even friends and family.”

The professor continued. “I must approve your chosen topic before proceeding to weeks 2-6: the research outline, framework, and methodology, review of related literature, product development, and research data preparation. Weeks 2 onwards can be overwhelming, but focus first on choosing your topic now because it will determine what problem you want to provide a solution for.”

“This is the format. Follow this.” The slide presentation showed examples of thesis topics and their required format for submission. “Thesis study title followed by the thesis study subtitle. Put your chosen nature of thesis/problem focus. Write a brief description of the specific thesis problem to be addressed. Add the significance of the proposed topic. And don’t forget to include the initial keywords and the full name of the thesis proponents.” He ended by explaining the student’s assignment for this week.

“Going back to our groupings. Seat together by groups of three.”

The students grouped themselves into three groups and sat beside each other for easy discussion.

There are 2 students left standing and are contemplating whether to group themselves into two.

“Ashmille and Jeron, are you okay with doing it in pairs?” the professor asked them.

Seeing that the remaining two students had no other option left, they exchanged uncertain glances before finally nodding in agreement. It wasn’t exactly the arrangement they had hoped for, but they both thought it was better than doing it alone.

“Good. Find your seat, and you can now start with your thesis topic. If you’re done before class dismisses, you can consult with me as early as now. If not, we’ll see each other again next week for approval.”

The whole class started to grow a little noisy as energy filled the room. Each group was deep in conversation, tossing around ideas that ranged from clever to bizarre. Some students were passionately debating their topics, while others were scribbling notes or typing on their laptops.

“So, hi.” Ashmille greeted Jeron. He’s wearing blue pants, white sneakers, a gray watch, and dark blue t-shirt, and a dark blue jacket. His hair is slightly long and curly with a trace of facial hair. His tall

“Actually, I listed five topics. But I’m not sure if any of this would be okay with you.” She started conversing with him. They were sitting beside each other.

She showed her notebook where she had written the five thesis topics she had. Jeron read her notes.

“Quite interesting. But I wouldn’t know how we are going to choose 1 from it.”

“Okay. How about we talk about our interests or topics that pique our attention? Like what Sir Monrey mentioned, what specific problem do you want to solve? Let’s list all of those and choose the top three that match us. How does that sound to you?”

“Sure,” he agreed. “Give me a few minutes.”

After 30 minutes, which took longer than expected, they discussed again.

“Perfect. We have three similar topics we want to research. Then we should stick to these topics, and let’s write the title and the other stuff that follows the title.”

Jeron nodded. “How about this?”

While the two of them are rephrasing their thesis titles for the three topics, Drino’s group began to create a noise.

“Enough of it, Terryl, hahaha,” Anthasia laughs. “We won’t be able to accomplish anything if you don’t stop. Darn, this is so hard.”

“Maybe we could make a topic out of this joke?” Terryl asked both of them, insisting that the joke he made could be their thesis topic.

“You’ll make yourself a joke out of it,” Drino chuckled. They all laughed.

“Well, it’s kinda perfect for psychology 101 class, no?” Terryl joked.

Ashmille glanced at her back, where Drino’s group was seated. Their noise bothered her.

“Terryl, Anthasia, Alejandrino. Lower your voices, please.” Professor Monrey called them out.

“Snap it, Terryl. You’ll get us in trouble,” Anthasia whispered.

“Tch, you laughed, though,” Terryl murmured.

“Pardon,” Jeron arranged some of his stuff while they were discussing. “I gotta go out to grab something. You can tell me the titles you made when I go back.”

He grabbed his phone and wallet, leaving his backpack in the classroom.

“Uh-Uhm… okay.” Ashmille stuttered. “See you in a bit.”

Jeron left the classroom. Ashmille continued what they were doing.

It took Jeron almost two hours before he went back.

“Where have you been? The class just ended. I couldn’t consult with Sir Monrey because you weren’t here. I needed your opinion.” Ashmille asked Jeron.

“Sorry, just had an emergency. Can we do it via chat? We’ll have our consultation next week.”

“Right. Just keep your phone connected, okay?” She ensures that he will reply to her constantly for their assignment.

“Sure, bye.” He grabbed his backpack. “Just chat with me if you need anything.” He left her in a hurry.

She sighed. What just happened?

“Finally, freedom is here. Where do we eat?” Terryl asked the two while wearing his sling bag.

“Same old shop,” Drino answered, smirking. “I’m craving their signature soup.”

“You guys left me there,” another girl approached them. “I don’t want to work with those jerks.”

“You’re calling your boyfriend a jerk?” Anthasia laughed.

Their group originally consisted of four members: Terryl, Drino, Anthasia, and Savi. Savi was the only one who wasn’t part of Drino’s thesis group, since it was limited to three members. She joined to accompany her boyfriend and his friend, forming their own trio.

“Who’s the jerk, milady?” Savi’s boyfriend placed his right arm on Savi’s shoulders.

“To make it up to you, the food today will be my treat,” Drino announced happily.

“Yehey!” Savi exclaimed.

“Drino! Drino! Drino!” Terryl shouted like a loyal voter cheering his presidential candidate.

All six of them, together with Savi's thesis group, walked out of the classroom to grab snacks after their thesis subject ended.

Ashmille shrugged their cheer with a light smile, thinking how lively they are. They might be the noisiest people in the class, but she admires them for their friendship. They might do well in their thesis for having a strong bond. She hopes that Jeron and she will also be a good team for their thesis.

She pulled up her shoulder bag and rested the straps on her right shoulder. She stepped out into the hallway and headed home, eager to finish her tasks before the weekend.