Date of Publication

8-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Literature major in Creative Writing

Subject Categories

Creative Writing

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Literature, Department of

Thesis Advisor

Tanya Katrina Sevilla Simon

Defense Panel Chair

Clarissa V. Militante

Defense Panel Member

Joan Menco
Germilina M. Santos

Abstract (English)

“A Look in the Mirror” is a collection of essays highlighting my journey of getting comfortable in my own skin and any insecurities through humor. With a coming-of-age theme, the project tackles various aspects of the author’s life through the first realizations of such insecurities (e.g. physical appearance, intellect, social perception), desperate attempts to get rid of insecurities, handling social pressure, and accepting humor as a coping mechanism for the insecurities. The first essay showcases the persona as a child in the early stages of elementary (Grades 1 to 3), dealing with issues such as gossiping, acne, and peer pressure that the persona is unable or unfamiliar to deal with, which turns out to be a lifelong problem for most. The memoir journeys through this until the final essay, in which the persona has grown from a kindergarten boy to a university student and has embraced the insecurities through humor or self-deprecation as a way of navigating through pressure from self and outside forces. It is written in chronological order from the author’s first insecurity to coming to terms with what the author is given through self-inflicted humor. The project aims to raise discourse among its readers on the habit of self-deprecating humor, whether it is acceptable or not, as well as to tell stories that a majority of the readers have most likely gone through. This project works under the theory of Psychoanalysis and unravels a common question in psychology on the viability of self-depreciation. The tradition of this work follows coming-of-age memoirs and how they tell a story of growing up.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

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Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Essays

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Embargo Period

8-10-2025

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