Introducing the Winter 2019 undergraduate Peer Tutors:
Edna
On a more personal note, this summer I participated in a 5 week immersion program in Quebec (EXPLORE). The program required that I speak French for the entire length of stay. It was a great experience and I highly recommend it to anyone!
I also had the pleasure of being in UW Cabaret Club for two terms. My favourite part was writing shows for the club, and getting to see what I wrote down on paper come to life in a musical.
You can catch me at Dana Porter during our drop-in sessions every weekday. Looking forward to supporting you through your writing process!
Trenton
On my second marketing co-op, a twenty-page research paper flew across my desk: Photon Entanglement with a Quantum Dot. Naturally, I started hyperventilating. I’m supposed to churn this quantum-monster into a news article so crisp and clear a child/government official could understand it? I can barely wrap my head around tying my shoelaces, never mind an entire level of existence where physical laws become bonkers science fiction (which is odd, considering I subsist entirely on a diet of Doctor Who and Star Trek).
Last year, in creative writing class, the same thing happened: I was paralysed. I was too worried about choosing the right words and making my professor proud that my writing was uninspired and overworked. In the past, I’d written stories about an eccentric ghost, a trailer park, and the interdimensional castle of a family caught in centuries-long sleep, but now – nothing.
They say a picture says 1000 words; I decided to major in English Literature rather than illustration (my first love) because in an essay I can write 3000. I wanted to run my mouth. But too often I’ve found myself frustrated, wordless, and scrambling for someone – anyone – to help me.
I’m a tutor now because I understand what it’s like to feel stupid. Writing English is hard; take it from an English major. Stop by my table at Dana Porter if you need help with someone who gets it.
Zoe
Hi! My name is Zoe, and I am thrilled to be one of your writing peer-tutors this term! I am a third year psychology student who also dabbles in music, biology, and anything else that catches my interest. One particularly fun course I took last term was Conducting 1 (MUSIC 222) where we learned different ways to direct choir music with our hands. Yes, I do own a fancy baton.
This past summer, I went on a backcountry canoe trip with my family where it starting pouring rain 45 minutes in. The rain barely stopped all week, but we survived, and it was the most fun I’ve had all year. Believe it or not, I can’t wait to do another one this summer. In my spare time, I enjoy writing poetry, swing dancing, and going for walks with my dog. I also have a small collection of plants.
Come visit me at the drop-ins to say hi! I look forward to meeting you and help you with all things writing!