Area Native Launches ‘Academic Betrayal’ Book

A former resident of Bemus Point is sharing his experiences with the higher education system with the world through a new book he wrote.

Loren Mayshark, author and freelance writer, recently released a new novel titled, "Academic Betrayal: The Bullying of a Graduate Student," which recounts his experiences as a student at Hunter College and his pursuit of a master's degree.

While at the time, Mayshark believed he could obtain the degree in two years, he found himself abandoning his studies after six years, two master's theses and thousands of dollars being spent. Deciding his experience might benefit others, he decided to put his writings into the form of a book.

"I was hoping to contribute to a broader conversation that we should be having in the U.S., which in my experience has been missing, about higher education and education in general," Mayshark said. "It was an extremely difficult situation for me and I hoped by writing this book I could raise awareness to help others in similar situations by sharing the negative experiences that I had."

He said those who reside in New York state and Chautauqua County should be able to relate in some way to his new book.

"I believe they will be interested because although the experiences I had were while pursuing a master's degree at Hunter College in New York City, Hunter is a member of the CUNY system and the CUNY system is part of the broader SUNY system," Mayshark said. "So, it should be compelling for anyone interested in the New York State education system."

Likewise, other readers interested in higher education, education reform or academic bullying could find valuable insight into what a college experience could be like for a student, he added.

"The book is different because there are many books from professors who have pointed out the ills of our current system of higher education, Excellent Sheep by William Deresiewicz, comes to mind," Mayshark said. "But there are very few that look at the system from a student's perspective. In the era of Betsy DeVos when our lives are increasingly being negatively altered by corporatization, it is vital for us to discuss the present state of our education system. We must understand where we are as a society and consider where our decisions will lead us before we undermine our future. That future begins with the proper development of young minds."

Currently, Mayshark lives in Sweden, but feels very connected to the local area. He said it will "always be home."

"Most of all, I miss the people, especially my family and friends," Mayshark said. "Interestingly, there are many parallels which can be drawn between many parts of the Swedish countryside and our neck of the woods, including the farms, nature, and climate. These parallels must have encouraged many Swedes to settle in our region."

Mayshark has cut back on freelancing work to focus on writing books, but previously focused on travel writing and martial arts. He is working on a few manuscripts and hopes to write some fiction in the future.

Overall, he said he hopes to get the word out about his book to help others.

"If one single student can be spared the anguish I sustained during my dealings with Hunter College, it will go a long way in helping me feel that some good has come from my gloomy experience," Mayshark said.

The book is available on Amazon.com, Imagine in Bemus Point, Off the Beaten Path and East Branch Books. For more information, visit lorenmayshark.com.