Nicole
Medearis
Writing Portfolio
Welcome To My Mind
A collection of memories, interests, and creative expressions
My Work
Not a Mad Man, Just a Lonely One
My poem, "My friend, My Only Friend" serves as a creative response to the lesser-known story of Jervis Tetch, the Mad Hatter, within the world of Gotham. The original piece I created is a persuasive op-ed written for my ASEM: The Dark Knight Exposed. The piece highlights the perspective that Dr.Jervis is just a man failed by society and driven to madness from his loneliness. After revising the piece in WRIT 3500, I turned it into a poem. In the poem we can understand Tetch's inner turmoil and yearning for connection, portrayed as he navigates through his Wonderland-inspired reality. The poem echoes the themes of isolation and societal misunderstanding present in the original narrative while adding a layer of emotional depth through its poetic form. Together, these two pieces offer a multifaceted perspective on Batman’s Mad Hatter, inviting readers to empathize with the human behind the "madman" and reconsider the boundaries of moral judgment.
i Still Do
My spoken word poem, "i Still Do," delves into the stark reality of intimate partner violence and manipulation. I originally wrote this poem in the tenth grade; however, it has been revised and rewritten several times in my university writing classes. Through vivid imagery and storytelling, I seek to expose the internal turmoil of a survivor ensnared in a cycle of abuse, grappling with their conflicting emotions of love and pain. The poem challenges societal misconceptions about abusive relationships, highlighting the subtle yet devastating effects of manipulation and gaslighting. By sharing this story, I hope to shed light on a pervasive issue often cloaked in silence and stigma and to prompt reflection and empathy, and most importantly, advocate for action to break the cycle of abuse.
The Dark Shadow Rises: Batman's Noir Narrative
This piece was created as part of an assignment for my ASEM: The Dark Knight Exposed course. It serves to dissect the influence of film noir on the Batman universe, exploring thematic parallels and visual aesthetics. Through meticulous research and critical analysis, the piece showcases my ability to integrate scholarly sources and offer nuanced insights into the complexities of storytelling. I'm proud of how it contextualizes the evolution of Batman's narrative within the broader cultural landscape, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between popular culture and literary analysis. Moving forward, this assignment has enhanced my research and analytical skills and allowed me to delve deeper into the relationship between literary analysis, narrative structure, and thematic exploration in media analysis.
DU’s Guardian of Memory
This article, completed for my Reporting and Storytelling course, delves into the pivotal role of Kate Crowe as DU's archivist and curator. It outlines her efforts in archival preservation and their integration into student learning. Through this assignment, I not only explored the importance of archival preservation and its educational value but also honed my writing skills in the journalism genre. It reflects my growing appreciation for the intersection of history, education, and storytelling.
Belonging In Jade
This creative nonfiction piece was written in my Theories of Writing Course. "Belonging in Jade" is a piece where I explore how jade bangles connect me to my Chinese heritage and family traditions. In Chinese culture, jade is more than just a stone; it represents virtues like compassion, courage, justice, wisdom, and modesty. For me, wearing a jade bangle is not just about fashion, but about feeling connected to my roots. "Belonging in Jade" is about how cultural symbols like jade can strengthen our sense of identity and connect us to our heritage, even in a modern, diverse world.
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Sit,
Breathe,
and Write
