New Peer Writing Tutors (2018-2019)

In August 2018, seventeen writing tutors joined the CLC Writing Center staff as part of our 2018-2019 Peer Writing Tutor program. They have been working in the writing center since August and are currently enrolled in English 260 (Intro to Writing Center Theory & Practice)–a course that helps them develop their skills as tutors and introduces them to writing center scholarship.

Jennifer Avalos

Teacher(s) who recommended you: Dr. Rubina Khan
Major or Career Focus: I have changed my focus to nursing.
How long have you been at CLC? Three semesters.
Favorite thing about working in the writing center so far: The last two months.
Most challenging thing about working in the writing center so far: Dealing with students who aren’t as interactive with me in discourse.
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? I take a break to clear my mind.
Handwrite first drafts or type them? I like to type them and make several copies.
What food can you not stop eating? Rice and beans because my mom makes it every time we run out.
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie, or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: I recommend the TV series, Criminal Minds.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “Bills, Bills, Bills” by Destiny’s Child because when they say, “Can you pay my bills?” I can relate.

Matthew Bullock

Teacher(s) who recommended you: Mandi Urban
Major or Career Focus: Hospitality and Culinary Management
How long have you been at CLC? I have been at CLC on and off for a couple of years.
Favorite thing about working in the writing center so far: At first, I thought it was a niche location, but after attending it myself one day, I found out that the location is really for everyone, regardless of what classes you are taking.
Most challenging thing about working in the writing center so far: Working with uncooperative students. If you do not try to help yourself, how are we supposed to help you?
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? Take a break. If I am on crunch time, I tend to free write ideas out and see what sticks.
Handwrite first drafts or type them? I find my own handwriting hideous, so I type.
What food can you not stop eating? Eggs. They are so simple and delicious.
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie, or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. It definitely is not for everyone, but I cannot get over that series for its musical references that span decades.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? Hazama’s Theme from Blazblue, my favorite fighting game franchise.

Athena Clark

Teacher(s) who recommended you: Dr. Patrick Gonder and Professor Fonda Ginsburg
Major or Career Focus: Law
How long have you been at CLC? This is my third semester.
Favorite thing about working in the writing center so far: Getting to work with and meet so many new people.
Most challenging thing about working in the writing center so far: Second guessing my tutoring abilities.
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? Talk to somebody about what you’re writing.
Handwrite first drafts or type them? Type first and then immediately print it out and start destroying it with a pen or pencil
What food can you not stop eating? Peanut M&Ms
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie, or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: The Ruin by Dervla McTiernan
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “Athena” by the Who.

Kenneth Dantes

Teacher(s) who recommended you: Dr. Pat Gonder
Major or Career Focus: English
How long have you been at CLC? Four semesters.
Favorite thing about working in the writing center so far: I’ve always wanted to be more involved with student life. In this way, I can help students feel good about their writing while getting to know more about them, their background, and that of my own.
Most challenging thing about working in the writing center so far: If only there were a drinking fountain nearby! (I can just bring some iced tea instead.)
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? I step out of my body, evaluate the situation, then get back to work on what I believe is of the upmost importance, and this should be ruled by passion, not deadlines.
Handwrite first drafts or type them? I don’t want my hand to fall off, so I type; yet, if I’m so carried away, I might just use a pencil and paper now and then.
What food can you not stop eating? I stop eating to drink water. I like water.
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie, or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried made me the writer I am today. HBO’s Sharp Objects mini-series made me fall in love with the movie/TV medium again. The Incredibles is really good to (not the sequel).
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? Either “Broken Clocks” by SZA or Dual of Fates by John Williams. Depends on the mood.

Haley Edwards

Teacher(s) who recommended you: Clarissa Henmueller
Major or Career Focus: Double major in marketing and advertising
How long have you been at CLC? Three semesters.
Favorite thing about working in the writing center so far: Seeing the “ah ha” moment when something finally clicks in a tutee’s mind and they are able to see exactly where they want their paper to head.
Most challenging thing about working in the writing center so far: Meeting each new, different tutee and trying to figure out what approach would best help them during the session; learning to mold and transform my methods from one session to the next.
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? I take a nap, go out with friends, or do just about anything to take my mind off of the topic; then I come back to the writing later having a clear mind and I am able to refocus.
Handwrite first drafts or type them? Type because I am a person who likes to go back and make changes while still writing.
What food can you not stop eating? Chicken nuggets or anything cheese related
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie, or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: Sierra Burgess is a Loser and Love, Simon are both good movies I have seen recently.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “Move Along” by The All-American Rejects.

Alex Goldberg

Teacher(s) who recommended you: Cathy Colton and Pat Gonder
Major or Career Focus: Social Work and Public Policy
How long have you been at CLC? This is my third semester.
Favorite thing about working in the writing center so far: Seeing the genuine pride on someone’s face when something clicks for them.
Most challenging thing about working in the writing center so far: Trying to keep a session to fifty minutes!
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? I just start writing whatever thoughts come into my head. I call this “clearing the nonsense” so the good stuff can come to the forefront.
Handwrite first drafts or type them? Type! But I handwrite brainstorms and outlines.
What food can you not stop eating? Buffalo Wings
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie, or TV series that you have enjoyed recently Pretty Girls by Karen Slaughter. It is a crime-thriller and gets pretty graphic, so I don’t recommend to those who are easily triggered.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Star Orchestra

Minha Khan

Teacher(s) who recommended you: Professor Jenny Lee
Major or Career Focus: English
How long have you been at CLC? Three semesters.
Favorite thing about working in the writing center so far: Being able to meet a lot of my peers from different areas of study.
Most challenging thing about working in the writing center so far: Learning how to help students with papers I don’t have experience with, such as APA style papers.
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? I start writing whatever I’m thinking, even if I know it will not make it into my final draft, because I know that eventually I’ll come up with something useful.
Handwrite first drafts or type them? Type!
What food can you not stop eating? Snap Pea Crisps
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie, or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: Bob’s Burgers will always make me laugh and put me in a great mood!
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “I’m Not Sorry” – Dean

Sean Kugler

Teacher(s) who recommended you: Nicholas Schevera
Major or Career Focus: English
How long have you been at CLC? Three years
Favorite thing about working in the writing center so far: It is quite interesting to get to work with so many students who have so much uniqueness to them.
Most challenging thing about working in the writing center so far: It has been difficult to guide vs. giving a tutee an answer.
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? I like to take a break and then go back to an assignment.
Handwrite first drafts or type them? I type them.
What food can you not stop eating? Pizza
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie, or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: I thought Operation Finale was a well-done movie.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “The Final Countdown”

Rebecca Martinez

Teacher(s) who recommended you: Jenny Lee
Major or Career Focus: English
How long have you been at CLC? This is my second year.
Favorite thing about working in the writing center so far: Having the opportunity to be in a position to empathize with other writers expressing their ideas and perspectives.
Most challenging thing about working in the writing center so far: Keeping to the one-hour limit, while having priorities is extremely important at the Writing Center; it’s not the easiest thing to have to wrap up a beneficial and productive session!
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? Listening to upbeat music helps energize my brain, especially if it has creative lyrics to inspire me to start writing–anything.
Handwrite first drafts or type them? Typed first drafts
What food can you not stop eating? Ranch dressing
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie, or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: The Handmaid’s Tale
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “The Ultracheese” by Arctic Monkeys

Bee Old

Teacher(s) who recommended you: Esley Stahl
Major or Career Focus: Art and Illustration
How long have you been at CLC? This is my third semester.
Favorite thing about working in the writing center so far: I love hearing about everyone’s different essay topics, whether they are passionate about them or not!
Most challenging thing about working in the writing center so far: The hardest thing has to be working with people who don’t want to be there! I can only effectively help people who want to be helped!!
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? I talk to my friends about the paper! Both my frustrations with it and what I feel my strengths are!
Handwrite first drafts or type them? I type them for sure!
What food can you not stop eating? Culver’s chicken tenders!
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie, or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: POSE on FX!
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “Work Song” by Hozier

Jose Organista-Carrera

Teacher(s) who recommended you: Mandi Urban and John Doyle
Major or Career Focus: Undecided
How long have you been at CLC? Three semesters.
Favorite thing about working in the writing center so far: Helping people learn new skills that can improve them as writers.
Most challenging thing about working in the writing center so far: Not knowing quite well how to help out a student because I’m still learning.
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? Distract myself with something else for a bit.
Handwrite first drafts or type them? Hand write
What food can you not stop eating? Pasta
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie, or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “Waste of Time” by DYGL

Courtney Petsche

Teacher(s) who recommended you: Dr. Michelle Proctor
Major or Career Focus: English and Education
How long have you been at CLC? This is my third semester.
Favorite thing about working in the writing center so far: Being able to help and learn at the same time.
Most challenging thing about working in the writing center so far: It would be me trying not to confuse the writers. I think it backfires and I just confuse them more.
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? Recreating an outline to fill in the blanks I didn’t know I had.
Handwrite first drafts or type them? Type
What food can you not stop eating? Vanilla Pudding
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie, or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: Anything by Sarah J. Maas or Richelle Mead.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “When will my life begin?” from Tangled

Mina Rohrs

Teacher(s) who recommended you: Jenny Lee and Nick Schevera
Major or Career Focus: High School English Teacher
How long have you been at CLC? Three semesters
Favorite thing about working in the writing center so far: The Ah-Ha moments!
Most challenging thing about working in the writing center so far: Achieving Ah-Ha moments and accepting that every session can’t go perfectly
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? Watch a good/new movie
Handwrite first drafts or type them? Type EVERYTHING so it’s legible.
What food can you not stop eating? Chocolate. I will never decline some.
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie, or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: Forensic Files
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “YMCA”

Rachel Schultz

Teacher(s) who recommended you: Jenny Lee
Major or Career Focus: Journalism
How long have you been at CLC? Two and a half years.
Favorite thing about working in the writing center so far: I love people!
Most challenging thing about working in the writing center so far: Students with learning disabilities.
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? Talking to someone about what I want to say.
Handwrite first drafts or type them? Type
What food can you not stop eating? Sweet potatoes and plantains
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie, or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: Call the Midwife
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “Brave”

Natalie Thomas

Teacher(s) who recommended you: John Doyle. He was my first English 121 teacher.
Major or Career Focus: Biology
How long have you been at CLC? Three semesters now
Favorite thing about working in the writing center so far: When a tutee looks relieved and happy after a session with me. That is the best part to know other people feel I helped them even a little bit.
Most challenging thing about working in the writing center so far: Knowing how much is too much in regard to giving ideas when they are blocked and knowing good probing questions for specific tutees
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? I usually look online at the specific subject or prompt to get more perspectives and ideas that can help me generate my own
Handwrite first drafts or type them? I handwrite all of my prewriting, but my drafts are done on the computer because I feel it helps me stay neat and organized.
What food can you not stop eating? Thai food! Specifically chicken pad thai, medium spicy, with peanut sauce! Try lovely Thai in Grayslake across from CLC 🙂
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie, or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: I recently saw Venom in theatres and it was so good! Had action but my kind of comedy as well.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “Somebody’s watchin me!” Like my GPA and deadlines and two jobs are a little stressful but it’s a groovy song too and I try to stay as positive and groovy as I can!

Kaylia Williams

Teacher(s) who recommended you: Jenny Lee
Major or Career Focus: Nursing
How long have you been at CLC? Recent Graduate Spring 2018 with an Associate in Arts Degree. Transferred to University of Wisconsin-Parkside to pursue nursing.
Favorite thing about working in the writing center so far: The diversity and the culture of the writing center. The writing center is a very hospitable environment and I love to meet new students and help them. I am also being educated while being a writing tutor and this I love because education is very vital to me.
Most challenging thing about working in the writing center so far: Learning that every technique does not work the same with each student. This has made me realize the importance of individualism.
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? I brainstorm my ideas and/or write them down on a physical paper first and then I convert my ideas or essay into a word document on the computer.
Handwrite first drafts or type them? Handwrite
What food can you not stop eating? Wendy’s Chocolate Frosty
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie, or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: Grey’s Anatomy
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “Have it All” Jason Mraz