Sara Arnold
I am a sophomore here at the University of Michigan-Dearborn working on a psychology degree at the moment, but it is likely to change to English or Journalism and Screen Studies due to my passion for writing. I absolutely love to write and help people, so now I have an opportunity to do both! I am passionate about poetry and the creative aspect of writing, but I enjoy other forms of writing as well. Last winter semester, I won first place for the Writing Program's contest in the Community category for an ethnography (like investigative journalism). When I am not in the Writing Center, I am working one of my other jobs, listening to music, or finding time to write poetry, take pictures, and hang out with family and friends.
Loran Ball
I am a senior at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and I am pursuing an English major, and I have a minor in Philosophy. Writing is something I have always enjoyed. As a child, I would often submit pieces I wrote to the Reflections competition, and even now I still enjoy writing short stories and poetry, as well as essays in and out of the classroom. Taking an English major was something I was thoroughly convinced I wanted to do towards the end of my senior year in high school when I realized that the art form that is writing is something that can be used to embody any number of ideas in a style that is as personal as the ideas themselves are to the individual writing. It is in writing where people are free to create and analyze the world around them and the world in them. Ideas and new ways of thinking are something paramount to my own life—which is why I chose to pursue a philosophy minor—and because I want to be able to infuse and extract philosophy into my own writing and from other people's writing. It is because of all this that the Writing Center is something that I am so excited about; I will be allowed to learn from the same people that I am assisting.
Matelyn Biggs
I am a sophomore here at UM-D, looking forward to earning my Secondary Education Degree with a major in English and a minor in Computer Information and Science. I’ve volunteered at elementary schools across Wayne County for years, and the Writing Center was just the next natural step for me. I’m now going into my third semester here at the Writing Center, working on earning a Writing Certificate, participating in the Society of Leadership and Success, and still loving my job tremendously. Rubrics may be intimidating and a starting point inconceivable, but don’t fret; there is always a solution! I am privileged to share my love and knowledge of writing and help my peers in their quest to get their thoughts down effectively. I can’t wait to meet and learn from you all!
Zachary Bruck
Hello! I am a Junior here at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and I am studying for a Computer Science Major. I am a transfer student, so this is my first semester here at UMD. However, this is not my first semester as a writing tutor, as I tutored writing for a number of semesters at my previous college. I enjoy helping people with their writing. I feel good when I can explain a difficult concept to a writer in a way so that they can finally understand that concept. On a more personal level, I have a number of interests and hobbies. I am a violinist, and have been for 11 years. I currently play as part of the music ministry at my home church. I am also a football fan, and one can often find me in front of a TV on a Sunday afternoon. Go Lions! (oh...and GO BLUE!)
Imani Byrd
Yo! My name is Imani, and I am a senior (or something like that) here at the University of Michigan-Dearborn pursuing dual majors in Psychology and English, a minor in Women's and Gender Studies, and a writing certificate. Yeah, I'm going to be in school for a while. This is my fifth semester at the Writing Center, and I am eager to work with you all. On campus, I am involved with the Psychology Club, Women in Learning and Leadership (WILL), the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), and Lyceum. Writing, music, and drawing are my three true loves. I am either reading a rather peculiar fictional stories and/or anxiously skimming through psych articles for my research (or fun). As diverse and expressive writing is, I understand that the developing process can get complicated (believe me). The blinking cursor on that blank Microsoft Word document is rather daunting, isn't it? Through consulting, I hope to enhance the writing skills of not only my fellow students, but my own skills in becoming a better writer. A consultation is a mutual collaboration between the consultant and the student, after all; we both have something to gain from our meeting. This is sure to be a great experience.
Laura Clark
Hi everyone! My name is Laura. I'm a senior working toward a Journalism major, a film studies minor, and a writing certificate at UM-D. I have always had a talent for writing and editing, as well as a passion for helping people improve their skills in these areas. I feel that tutoring is just as much a learning process for me as it is for you and I am always happy to help in any way I can. When I am not consulting in the writing center, I spend my time being a full-time student, the secretary of Tau Sigma National Honor Society, and the news editor at The Michigan Journal. I am excited to meet you and I look forward to working with you!
Jerrice Donelson
Greetings UMD-ers! I am a senior in Education majoring in English and obtaining the Writing Certificate. My focus is on teaching writing across the curriculums utilizing technology and social media as a tool to "merge the voices" of student writers. I am a multi-faceted geek by nature with a fascination of all things science, technology and The Arts (being a former violinist, cellist and pianist doesn't help). I am a movie fan of real horror flicks, documentaries and superhero or fantasy films (Twilight Free zone) who enjoys a good story. I do not consider myself a "writer", but as a student writer (who bleeds Maize n Blue), I do share in the joy you get when you submit a paper that you are confident will say everything you want and need it to say in your own words. Unlike finding a parking spot at CASL, this is not an impossible feat, and I believe with the right help you too can reach this assignment nirvana - one draft at a time.
Amanda Ford
I am a junior at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and I am pursuing a major in Environmental Studies, with intentions of earning a minor in Anthropology and attending graduate school for it as well. Ever since I was small, I loved reading and writing stories, and reading is still one of my favorite past times. My imagination is always overwhelming me with new ideas, and I draw most of my inspiration from the gothic horror, dark fantasy, and science fiction genres. My love for nature and the mythology surrounding it are also huge inspirations for me, and I hope to write a collection of short stories much in the same right as H.P. Lovecraft someday. I believe that writing -- be it in the form of a novel, play, poem, graphic novel, or a blog -- is such an important part of human communication since we can send the same message but in a variety of words. Writing is, to be perfectly honest, an art form. Whether we’re writing a short story for creative writing or a lab report for chemistry, we’re all artists at heart, and I hope that by working at the Writing Center as a consultant, I can help other students find the artist within them. When I’m not on campus or in my room reading, you can most likely find me in the forest on cloudy autumn days or at any convention that’s in town. Meet me at the World Steam Expo on Memorial Day weekend!
Billy Giorgio
Chene Koppitz
As someone with dual majors in Communications and Gender Studies, my interest in working in the Writing Center is immense. I’m most excited to work with my fellow students, both as colleagues and as clients of the Center. All opportunities students, faculty and staff have to interact with each other in positive, productive ways will only help the campus toward becoming a true community. I’m a former film and music publicist and Community Events Director for the Triangle Foundation, one of Michigan’s largest LGBT and Allied organizations. While I’m a former New Yorker, I was born and mainly raised in Detroit and its surrounding suburbs. My campus involvement includes Women in Learning and Leadership (WILL) and the D-Tab committee, which was assembled to aid transfer students as they acclimate to UMD. A huge fan of Detroit’s music and culture, I can be found at Derby Girls bouts, the Detroit Film Theatre or any of our city’s many musical venues whenever I can be.
Genna Owens
Hello everyone. I am a junior at University of Michigan-Dearborn. This is my first semester here because I transferred from Valparaiso University. I am majoring in Communications. I love to talk, so that is why Communications is a perfect major for me. I also enjoy writing and helping people better their writing. I worked as a writing consultant at my previous school, and it was always fulfilling to know that I could help a fellow student. Moreover, I was a journalist for the school newspaper. My passion for helping people has made me want to pursue a job in which I can help people all the time. After college, I am thinking about joining the military or becoming a cop. Besides writing and talking, I also enjoy singing, reading, and cycling. When I am not in school, I work for Target as a Guest Service Attendant. In addition, I also work at Henry Ford Hospital. So, stop by the Writing Center and see me if you ever need assistance. I would love to help you.
Andrew Rabe
Hello! My name is Andy, and I am a sophomore at UM-D. I am currently pursuing a major in political science and a minor in legal studies with plans to attend law school after graduation. I have not always had a passion for the diverse field of language arts. No, it was not until late in high school that a debilitating knee injury ended my desire to compete in athletics and instead led me to explore the world of academia. I have since been absorbed in the fields of politics, law, and economics, with experience working as a research assistant and editor for the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy in Ann Arbor. I believe the highs and lows from my academic career will allow me to adjust to and identify with students from different ability levels as I guide them down the writing path that at times can be frustrating. But from personal experience I can say it is immensely beneficial in a myriad of ways. I look forward to working with you!
Ashley Sword
Hello all! My name is Ashley Sword and I am a Senior at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. I am majoring in Communications with a minor in English. Also, I am working towards completing my certification in writing before graduation. I've had a passion for writing since elementary school where I began writing for the newspaper and continued through college where I am a journalist for the Michigan Journal. I enjoy staying active in the University community where I also am a member of the National Society of Leadership & Success and Delta Phi Epsilon sorority. I wanted to share my passion and learn from others by becoming a consultant in the writing center. As a writing consultant, I hope to make a difference on campus by assisting others while doing something that I love. I look forward to this great experience with you all.
Michel Turcas
Hi! My name is Michel, and I’m an English Major currently in my Junior year here at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. In addition to being a writing consultant, I am also an editor of the Lyceum, UM-D’s premiere creative arts journal. I’m an avid reader of the Fantasy genre with aspirations of becoming a published novelist, and as such, I’ve studied writing both formally and informally for years. I also intend to one day teach creative writing at the college level—with a focus on narrative storytelling. As you might be able to tell, writing is something I’m passionate about, and I hope to use that passion to help students bring out the best in their own writing. If there’s anything I can do to help you, please don’t hesitate to ask!