After a hiatus last year due to Covid uncertainty, the CLC Writing Center’s Peer Writing Tutor Program resumed this fall. In June, we interviewed over 30 students for 12 positions and the outstanding applicant pool made our decisions difficult. However, please meet the 12 students we chose. They are already working in the writing center this semester while taking our tutor development course, English 260 (Intro to Writing Center Theory & Practice).
Ashley B
Teacher(s) Who Recommended You: Rin Martens & Elizabeth Aiossa
Major or Career Focus: Biology
How long have you been at CLC? I have been at CLC for a year.
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? One strategy I use to get over writer’s block is to find a song that I feel would inspire me during the writing process, something that matches the tone or the mood of what I’m writing, and listen to that song on repeat while I write.
Handwrite first drafts of type them? I prefer to type drafts. For me, it’s easier to rearrange my thoughts, words and phrases if I type them.
What food can you not stop eating? I have a bit of a sweet tooth at times, and I cannot stop eating a candy called Ptasie Mleczko. They are little whipped marshmallows coated in chocolate, and they’re AMAZING!
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: I would recommend the movie Cruella! Although it’s fairly dark for Disney, I enjoyed it.
If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? If my life had a theme song right now, it would be “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield.
What is one surprising thing we should know about you? One surprising thing to know about me is that I’m a returning student! I came back to pursue a new career.
Shawn F
Teacher(s) Who Recommended You: Marsha Hay
Major or Career Focus: Psychology
How long have you been at CLC? Since the fall semester of 2020
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? I reflect on past assignments/essays that I have completed which helps me retrace my steps in seeking original inspiration or understanding.
Handwrite first drafts of type them? Type them
What food can you not stop eating? Flaming Hot Funyuns
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: How To Get Away With Murder (TV show)
If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? “Save The World” by Swedish House Mafia
What is one surprising thing we should know about you? Since fifth grade, I have played the baritone up until senior year of high school along with three years in marching band which is my original inspiration in loving music of all kinds from instrumental bands to solo vocalists. The baritone is not the typical instrument that many would consider choosing since it both looks and is constructed as a unique and distinct, yet odd, type of brass instrument, which is why I chose it.
Jessica G
Teacher(s) Who Recommended You: Margaret Mullen
Major or Career Focus: Legal Studies
How long have you been at CLC? This is my third year (part-time).
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? Step away, sometimes you just need a break and a fresh start.
Handwrite first drafts of type them? Both, I start handwriting and then switch to typing.
What food can you not stop eating? Currently cashews
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: Currently I am enjoying White Fragility by Robin Diangel.
If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? “Learning to Fly” by Pink Floyd
What is one surprising thing we should know about you? My favorite vacation destination is my families cabin in Montana, away from technology.
Matt G
Teacher(s) Who Recommended You: Nolan Chessman
Major or Career Focus: Physiological and Behavioral Sciences
How long have you been at CLC? 3 semesters
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? Sit in a pitch black sauna and listen to instrumental music
Handwrite first drafts of type them? Depends . . .
What food can you not stop eating? Steak
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: Brave New World
If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? Deadmau5: 7
What is one surprising thing we should know about you? My sister, Grace, and I are adopted!
Elis L
Teacher(s) Who Recommended You: Jennifer Sweeney
Major or Career Focus: Biology (Pre-Physical Therapy)
How long have you been at CLC? 1 year
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? To take my mind off I’ll busy myself with video games or YouTube, but if I really need help I always talk to my sister about it
Handwrite first drafts of type them? Type
What food can you not stop eating? Clementines
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki
If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? I Don’t Wanna Talk (I Just Want to Dance) by Glass Animals
What is one surprising thing we should know about you? I’m Russian.
Trinity L
Teacher(s) Who Recommended You: Professor Gonder
Major or Career Focus: Transfer degree for criminal justice
How long have you been at CLC? Since summer of 2020
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? I take a break from writing, play a game, draw, or watch a good video essay.
Handwrite first drafts of type them? I handwrite outlines, but I type out my first drafts.
What food can you not stop eating? Do not leave me alone with any assortment of cheesy chips; I have zero self control
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: Good Omens!
If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? Oh No! by Marina and the Diamonds
What is one surprising thing we should know about you? I have played the piano for 12 years!
Erica M
Teacher(s) Who Recommended You: Tessa Aquino
Major or Career Focus: Forensic Psychology
How long have you been at CLC? This is my second year at CLC.
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? I like to workout or clean to overcome writer’s block. Those two activities seem to help me the most when I’m trying to clear my mind and reduce my anxiety.
Handwrite first drafts of type them? Definitely type first drafts (thank God for spell check).
What food can you not stop eating? Pickles
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: The Last Place You Look by Kristen Lepionka (amazing mystery/thriller series)
If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? “I’m Still Good” by Hannah Montana
What is one surprising thing we should know about you? One thing that surprises many of my friends and family members is that I love music from the 70s and 80s. Some of my favorite bands/artists from those eras include Queen, AC/DC, and Elton John. And some of my favorite songs are “How Deep Is Your Love” by the Bee Gees, “Poison” by Alice Cooper, and “Welcome To The Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses.
Alyssa P
Teacher(s) Who Recommended You: Dr. Jenny Lee
Major or Career Focus: Psychology
How long have you been at CLC? I am currently in my fourth semester.
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? To overcome writer’s block, I step away for a few minutes and chat with my brother to allow my brain a break. Other times, I just stare out the nearest window and let my mind wander until it finds something interesting.
Handwrite first drafts of type them? I typically type first drafts.
What food can you not stop eating? Chinese food, specifically Beef Lo Mein. Teriyaki chicken is just as tempting.
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: I’ve recently re-watched every Lord of the Rings movie for pure nostalgia. It’s still one of my favorite franchises in existence, so I’d definitely recommend it for its amazing storytelling and eye-catching effects. The wars are intense to watch too!
If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? Afterthought by Joji and BENEE.
What is one surprising thing we should know about you? People are surprised to see how long my writing process takes, considering my job as a tutor. We all wish we could write pristine essays in only an hour, but I am just not there yet (sadly)! I am far from perfect, as are many others, and that’s okay!
Melissa R
Teacher(s) Who Recommended You: Joshua McColough
Major or Career Focus: Nursing
How long have you been at CLC? This is my second year at CLC!
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? To get over writer’s block, I usually take a break from all school related tasks and spend time outdoors to clear my mind.
Handwrite first drafts of type them? Type
What food can you not stop eating? Barbecue Ribs
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: One of my favorite shows is The Good Doctor.
If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? “Ordinary Girl” by Hannah Montana
What is one surprising thing we should know about you? One surprising thing about me is that I love to cook desserts!
Sadye R
Teacher(s) Who Recommended You: Clarissa Henmueller
Major or Career Focus: Science / Forensic Anthropology
How long have you been at CLC? 2 years
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? Spend some time with my dog, Brody, catch up on some shows, spend some time outside
Handwrite first drafts of type them? Type my first draft
What food can you not stop eating? Popcorn
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: Avatar the last Airbender the tv show and the graphic novels
If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? “Traveler” by Chris Stapleton
What is one surprising thing we should know about you? I have been to Europe twice!
Angel R
Teacher(s) Who Recommended You: Susan Daugherty
Major or Career Focus: Clinical Laboratory Science
How long have you been at CLC? One year
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? Walk away before you get frustrated and come back to it after a long break and maybe a snack or two.
Handwrite first drafts of type them? I prefer to type because I can type my thoughts faster than I can write, even with all the typos.
What food can you not stop eating? Recently I have been snacking on jicama with lime and salt on top.
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: I have been reading the Spellmonger series lately and it is pretty interesting so far.
If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? “Work Song” by Hozier or “Silver Lining” by Panic! At the Disco
What is one surprising thing we should know about you? One surprising thing about me is that I practice calligraphy.
Sakeena Y
Teacher(s) Who Recommended You: Jenny Lee and Kelly Cartwright
Major or Career Focus: Computer Science
How long have you been at CLC? Two years
What is one strategy you use to get over writer’s block? Either take a break or brain dump and organize
Handwrite first drafts of type them? Type them because I make way too many mistakes.
What food can you not stop eating? Hot Cheetos and mint chocolate chip ice cream
Recommend a book, graphic novel, movie or TV series that you have enjoyed recently: Cruella!
If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? Scars to Your Beautiful
What is one surprising thing we should know about you? I’m a huge foodie and love cooking and baking anything cool I see on Instagram!
Voices from the CLC Writing Center 