"I'm doing pretty well. I have over 60 or 70 pages written," says Hemsey, who will be trying to finish a full draft this coming week, including writing at least 40 pages this weekend.

Hemsey says the most difficult part of thesis writing is the motivation factor.

"I tend to be a person who works best under pressure," Hemsey says.

But he reports that writing a thesis dissipates all the pressure over time, causing procrastination to set in.

"You get to a point where just can't put off anything anymore," he says.

Hemsey readily admits that thesis-writing has been hampering his social life.

"I don't go out much anymore, which is not usual for me," Hemsey says. "It all depends on what's due and what I need to get done. Right now, going out wouldn't be so fun, because I'd be feeling so guilty."

Although he appears pleased with his thesis experience so far, some regret does creep into Hemsey's voice.

"Most of my friends aren't doing one, and I kind of wish I wasn't right now," he says. "I'm already into medical school. I don't really need this, except I have to graduate.