Susan Anne Mason

My university years at the University of Chicago were a pivotal time for me. I was not just a student, I was an active participant in the vibrant literary culture on campus. I was a part of writers’ circles where we shared our works, provided feedback, and held friendly competitions. These gatherings were more than just a pastime; they were an incubator for ideas and a space for honing my craft. During my time at Chicago, I wrote an essay titled “The Power of the Written Word: A Deep Dive into Literary Influence”. This piece, reflecting on how literature shapes society, won the annual university essay competition.

Later, I chose a more personal topic for my thesis, “The Influence of Travels on Literary Expression”, inspired by my own journeys. Defending my thesis was not just an academic exercise, it was an opportunity to share my personal narrative interwoven with my passion for literature. My desire to learn led me beyond the confines of the United States. I moved to France for two years as part of my studies. Living in a quaint French town, immersing myself in the culture, the language, and the uniquely French way of life, I grew not just as a student, but as an individual. Today, I teach French remotely, sharing my love for the language with students across the globe. I also continue to create, writing short stories such as “The Parisian Sunset” and “The Melody of Montmartre”. These stories, while fictional, carry traces of my experiences and reflections. I’ve published numerous articles in newspapers, narrating stories from my life. One such piece, “The Serenade of the Seine”, recounts an unforgettable encounter with a street musician in Paris. His soulful melodies, reflecting the spirit of the city, became the soundtrack to my French sojourn. As a professor of Comparative Literature at Chicago University, I had the opportunity to guide young minds.

My classes went beyond curriculum; I strived to inculcate in my students a love for learning, a keenness for critical thinking, and a confidence in public speaking. I remember fondly the yearly speech and writing competition I organized, aimed at fostering these skills. My teaching career has been filled with memorable moments. There was the joy of seeing a quiet, hesitant freshman grow into a confident senior delivering a captivating valedictory speech, and the pride in witnessing my students win essay competitions, inspired by our classroom discussions. However, the most defining moment came when I chose to step back from my university role after giving birth to my daughter. It was a bittersweet decision, but one that opened a new chapter in my life, allowing me to balance my passion for teaching with the joy of motherhood.

I continue to nurture my love for education by helping students remotely and writing books that make learning accessible to all. As an experienced academic and author, I’ve developed a strong expertise in dissertation writing over the years. Recognizing the challenges many students face in this critical academic endeavor, I’ve dedicated myself to providing remote dissertation advising. For several years now, I’ve been guiding students through the intricacies of crafting a compelling and scholarly thesis. My goal is to empower them with the skills and confidence to articulate their ideas effectively and contribute to their respective fields of study.