Ara Manfredi shares thesis defense stress on TikTok after partner dispute

“Faltan menos de 2 horas y yo no sé nada de él. Tampoco yo no le escribí, así que me acompañan a prepararme para saber si llega o no llega para la presentación,” Paraguayan makeup artist Ara Manfredi recounted on TikTok regarding her thesis partner’s absence shortly before their graduation defense.

The Tech TL;DR:

• Ara Manfredi documented her thesis defense day on TikTok after a major disagreement with her academic partner left his attendance in doubt hours before the presentation.
• The graphic design degree spanned eight years due to pandemic-related delays and other academic hurdles before reaching the final evaluation phase.
• Despite the last-minute uncertainty and an argument the day prior, Manfredi successfully completed her thesis defense and graduated.

Thesis Presentation Uncertain Hours Before Evaluation

The viral TikTok video published by La Nación detailed the stressful conditions surrounding a university graphic design thesis defense in Paraguay. Manfredi recorded a get-ready-with-me style video while facing the prospect of presenting entirely alone. The pair had met the day before to rehearse, but an unspecified dispute brought an abrupt end to their preparation. “Se cerró ahí la conversación,” Manfredi explained, noting that they agreed to meet directly at the venue without any further rehearsal.

Eight-Year Academic Timeline Paved With Pandemic Delays

The route to graduation required managing extensive disruptions. Manfredi noted that the degree, structured as a five-year program, ultimately stretched across eight years. Pandemic restrictions and various personal circumstances continually postponed the final presentation milestone.

TikTok Users Share High-Stress Academic Defense Experiences

The TikTok publication prompted widespread engagement from users sharing their own high-stress academic defense experiences. One commenter described defending a thesis while suffering from severe tonsillitis, removing an IV line temporarily to attend the presentation before returning to the hospital. Another user admitted to extreme procrastination, completing a thesis within a single month after finishing coursework years prior. Manfredi ultimately confirmed that her partner arrived at the venue, allowing them to complete the presentation and secure her graphic design degree.

What Academic Degree Did Ara Manfredi Defend?

• What academic degree did Ara Manfredi defend?

  She successfully defended her thesis to earn her degree in Graphic Design.

• How long did it take to complete the program?

  The degree took eight years to finish, influenced by pandemic delays and other interruptions.