Exclusive Interview with Writing and Communication Advisor, Julie Anne Nord

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Julie Anne Nord to our team as the new Writing and Communication Advisor for our Undergraduate Programs. With her impressive background in teaching and writing, we are excited to see her take on this new role.

Julie's passion for teaching and writing began early in her life, and she has since developed her skills through a variety of experiences and training. Her work as a Lead Writing Fellow and volunteer writing tutor, as well as her experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and private music instructor, make her an excellent fit for this role. We are confident that her expertise will greatly benefit our undergraduate students.

Question #1: Tell us a bit about yourself?

Julie: I grew up on a farm in Northern Alberta, but now live in London with my husband, two kiddos, and “our creatures” (a miniature dachshund and a turtle). I am a PhD candidate in Musicology at Western University. I love tea and board games and train travel.

Question #2: Can you tell us a bit more about your role at the WCC?

Julie: As a Writing & Communications Advisor on the Undergraduate team, most of my role involves holding one-to-one appointments (25 or 50 minutes long) with undergraduate students. In these meetings, I see myself primarily as a teacher and a mentor. As students, you usually come with a goal for a particular piece of writing. My hope is that our appointment helps you not only reach that goal and but also gives you tools to apply this to future writing!  I love how I can support your writing and learning without the added stress of marking your assignments. It means I get to focus on encouraging you!

Question #3: As you are working towards completing your PhD, can you tell us about the elements of working towards your PhD that you have been able to apply in your role at the WCC

Julie: Honestly, all of it. In my PhD studies I spend a lot of time researching and writing. And avoiding writing…Or trying to write! So much of what I share with students are tricks and tips that I have had to learn the hard way in my own work.

Question #4: Can you tell us more about the kind of writing you help students with? 

Julie: Everything and anything! I can help with any kind of writing or communication: assignments, final papers, reflection journals, cover letters, scholarship or grad school applications, class presentations, creative writing! ANYTHING!  And you don’t have to have words on the paper to make an appointment. We can work on brainstorming, understanding the assignment, outlining, figuring out what you really want to say, or planning how to approach the project. (We can’t look at take home exams without the permission from your prof though!)

Question #5: Lastly, what is something you believe students should know about the WCC?

Julie: If you haven’t seen TWS yet, come by for a cup of tea! It’s a friendly place to sit and work.