Welcome Our New Tutors | Part 1

Welcome back, Writing Center family! It’s Annie, your MC Writing Center blog editor, logging in for the first time this semester. I can’t believe we’re already two weeks into this semester, it feels like just yesterday that we were all leaving for the summer! Despite the fast transition from summer to school, I’m beyond excited to be on campus. My excitement mainly streams from the fact that I have the opportunity to work in the Writing Center this semester and help you grow as a writer! Similar to me, the rest of the Writing Center staff is also looking forward to working with you throughout the semester. To help you get to know this staff a little more, I wanted to introduce some of our new tutors.

Maria Guay is studying English Education with a minor in Psychology. Her dream job is to be an English professor at a university up north.

Where is your favorite place to write on campus?

I have two favorite places to write depending on how seriously I’m doing my work. My dorm room desk is for serious writing — when I really need to get something done. It makes me feel like I’m an academic up north writing in my study. For more leisurely writing, I like to sit at Cups, but specifically the window table in the first room that overlooks the porch. It’s my absolute favorite spot because I can see people coming into Cups, but it doesn’t obligate me to interact with them. I can sit at my table, write, and if I need a break, I can easily find someone close by!

What type of music do you listen to while writing and why?

I am very passionate about listening to classical and instrumental music while writing or doing any schoolwork for that matter. There are numerous studies showing that listening to classical music while working helps you to be more productive. When Mozart’s not the vibe, I love to listen to movie soundtracks, especially anything composed by Alexandre Desplat!

Emily Stingham is majoring in Social Studies Education with an English Endorsement. She aspires to become a politician.

Who is the author you admire most?

I know this is so cliche, but I truly admire J.K. Rowling's writing. Her ability to author seven children's books that captivate a diverse population of readers is impressive. The Harry Potter series was the first time I literally could not put a book down. I read all seven books in two weeks. So, I am thankful for an author who wrote a series that anyone can understand, but are layered in rich complexities and detail.

What is your favorite style of writing?

Honestly, my favorite style of writing is academic writing. I truly enjoy research, so the task of writing an essay is not an ominous feat. Naturally, my favorite texts are historical and political nonfiction. I enjoy delving into the details of social studies, and I often find myself reading a book about a politician or historical event. Overall, I not only enjoy the process of writing academic texts, I also gravitate towards reading those texts as well.

Callie Partridge is studying English Writing and hopes to be a copy editor in the future.

Where is your favorite place to write on campus?

I love writing on the Piazza when the weather is nice!! It's calm and generally pretty peaceful. I like being outside because it gets my mind working better. When the fountain is going, the atmosphere is just really perfect and provides some inspiration. It's also a good place for me to see my friends without necessarily having to get distracted in a long conversation, so it's easy to take breaks and then refocus.

What type of music do you listen to while writing?

My music totally depends on what I'm writing. I usually listen to either showtunes/Broadway music or really chill music (think Jack Johnson). Sometimes I listen to my favorite artist, Andrew Peterson. I don't really listen to loud music when I'm writing, but I do like music with words so that my brain can multitask a little bit because that helps me focus.

Kathleen Hill is majoring in English Writing and minoring in Sociology. She dreams of becoming a lawyer.

What is your favorite style of writing?

Analytical writing is probably my favorite. I really enjoy being able to support and express ideas through the use of arguments. I also like that it gives me the opportunity to find out more about a topic and explore different viewpoints.

What type of music do you listen to while writing?

I have always found music more distracting when writing! I really prefer not to listen to music. Personally, not listening to music helps me focus on my thought process more.

Rachel Smith is studying Literature and History with a Pre-Law Concentration. She aspires to practice family law.

What book & author have most influenced your writing?

Uncle Tom's Cabin as a text and Harriet Beecher Stowe as a writer have both individually impacted me by the firm grasp they had upon their audience of their time. Stowe wrote with passion, not simply because she was driven by emotion or cause, but because she sensed a need for revolution in the hearts of men in order to revolutionize the society around her. When I first read Uncle Tom's Cabin in high school, this sense of individualism in tandem with cultural impact inspired me to consider how to gauge interest for any audience for which I began to write. This work influenced me to begin writing with reason to say something that has not been said and change something that needs changed.

Where is your favorite place to write on campus?

My favorite place to write near campus is Cups in Clinton at 6am. There is something brooding about the early hours at a coffee shop that sets a compelling scene for stirring up enough melancholy for some great written work. It's also terribly peaceful in the early hours before everyone is awake, all that is up is me and my writing.

Lauren Hill is majoring in Political Science with a Pre-Law Concentration and minoring in English Writing. Her dream job is to be an attorney.

What book has most influenced your writing?

So, this may all sound very juvenile, but when I was younger, I would read books on Wattpad. There is this one book on the site called The Lady Knight by Selene Grey. Honestly, it remains one of my favorite books of all time. This book influenced my writing so much because it is so beautifully written, and it never fails to empower me as a young woman. The female lead is such a strong character, and I feel like that entire book has helped me form strong female characters in my own writing.

Where is your favorite place to write on campus?

My favorite place to write on campus is probably Jennings Hall. Whether I am writing for school or myself, I feel that Jennings Hall allows me to focus on my work without any distractions. Also, the sound of the waterfall is so soothing. Being there just feels like this perfect picture of serenity.

Jenna Trotter is studying Social Work with minors in English Writing and Theatre. She hopes to be a licensed clinical social worker.

What books have most influenced your writing?

The Percy Jackson series has influenced my writing the most! The series inspired me to start creative writing, and it continues to influence me today.

Where is your favorite place to write on campus?

The library basement is my favorite. The quiet nooks surrounded by books are both peaceful and inspiring!

I hope you learned a little more about our new tutors! Stop by the Writing Center soon to get to know our tutors even more.