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Meet the Writing Assistants

Integrated Writing Program
Franz Hall 120, MSC 152
5000 N Willamette Blvd.
Portland OR 97203
503-943-8002
writing@up.edu

Integrated Writing Program: Meet the Writing Assistants

	Hi, my name is Renee Ambacher and I am a junior Political Science and Spanish double major from Edmonds, WA. In my free time I enjoy watching ‘80s teen movies, listening to NPR, and obsessing way too much over all things Harry Potter related. My love of reading has brought me to a love of writing and I look forward to helping others find that passion as well.
	My name is Leah Becker and I am a junior English major and German minor. I studied abroad in Salzburg, Austria last year and in order to now become more involved in the English Department I am both working as a Writing Assistant and interning by creating and maintaining the new English blog. I currently live in Carpinteria, CA, though I grew up in Hillsboro and consider Portland my home. I enjoy reading, writing, traveling, cooking, and going on adventures with friends. My goal is to get a Ph.D in 20th century American Literature and become an English professor. Please stop by the Writing Center any time for help with brainstorming, structuring, writing, or perfecting your papers; I’m here to help!
	Hi! My name is Tiffany Chau and I am a senior Biology major with minors in Chemistry and Philosophy. I absolutely love the outdoors and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, sports, or simply star-gazing. Aside from my passion for the medical field, I aspire to be a world traveler someday to learn about new cultures, languages, philosophy, and cuisines. Feel free to drop by the Writing Center for help during any step of the writing process. I look forward to meeting you!
	Welcome to the Writing Center! My name is Taylor Cothran and I am a senior Accounting major. While my listed specialties are Theology and Business writing, I am more than happy to help in any subject. Whether you are new to the Writing Center or have been here too many times to count, I invite you to make an appointment with me and we can start talking through your paper, beginning at any stage in the writing process. I am excited to begin my second year as a Writing Assistant and hope to see you soon!
	Hello, LRC community! My name is Claire Cummings, and this is my third year as a Writing Assistant. A senior English major with minors in Spanish and Catholic Studies, my interests largely revolve around my family, faith, and friends – but also dragons, tacos, pillow pets, baking, and books. Writing is my favorite part of being a person, because finding the right word can make you feel – even if just for a moment – that you’ve got the world figured out. Email me, talk to me: I am here to help. Reader, the universe is made of stories, not atoms – I can’t wait to hear yours.
	I'm Lesley Dawson and I’m a junior History and Organizational Communication major at this fine educational institution. I’m a Pisces with a heart of gold and I’m here to help you with all your History needs! I look forward to helping you with any step in your writing process, so holler if you want to make an appointment or need any assistance!
	My name is Monica Down and I am one of the many great English Writing Assistants. As a current senior, I am majoring in English – with minors in German, Spanish, and Entrepreneurship. Outside of the LRC, you will find me gardening, reading, or working at an advertisement company in S.E. Come in and visit!
	My name is Philip Ellefson and I’m a sophomore English major. I was born in the great city of Seattle and grew up in the Tri-Cities, WA with four siblings. I enjoy reading and writing (and language in general), music, backpacking in the Cascade Mountains (and exploring other outdoor places), variations in weather, cats, and culinary pursuits. Although I do not claim to know anything about the future, I hope to become a high school English teacher after college.
	Hi I’m Emma Irwin! Here are five things about me: 1) I’m a junior, a Philosophy major, and an English minor. 2) I love reading, writing, and talking about all kinds of things. 3) I hail from Toronto, Canada! 4) I enjoy art, theater, film, music, travel, food, coffee, and all good things in life. 5) I am immensely grateful to be a part of the LRC. It’s lovely here, eh?
	Hi, my name is Alec Jones, and I’m a Mathematics, Philosophy, and French Studies major from Spokane, WA. For me, writing is both a creative medium and a means of communication. In philosophy and in mathematics, clear, coherent writing is crucial to being understood, and the task of writing down ideas is perpetually challenging and engaging. I look forward to serving as a Writing Assistant this year.
	Hi, I'm Alex Jones (not to be confused with Alec Jones!), majoring in Spanish and English. I'm a senior, but as a transfer student pursuing a double major I plan on being around for a few more semesters. I waste much of my time skimming Wikipedia and half-reading books on history, psychology, and culture. My love for the great indoors is like the longing of a sailor for the solitude of the open sea. Although Spanish is my specialty as a Writing Assistant, don't hesitate to come to me for advice on writing in general. Whatever the class (or whether it's for no class at all), I'll help you write what you want to say.
	Aloha, my name is Sanoe Keliinoi, and I'm a senior Environmental Science major with a Secondary Education minor. I have a pillow-pet monkey whose name is Bruce, a strange affinity for Hershey's cookies and cream candy bars, and the tendency to break out in song. I also strangely love grammar. I'm super excited to be working in the Writing Center, and I can help with all types of writing, especially those Bib. Trad. papers!
	Hello there! My name is Cerice Keller and I am a junior at UP. I am majoring in English and minoring in German, but here in the Writing Center, I am a writing enthusiast! I grew-up in Seattle, WA and attended Kennedy Catholic High School before moving to the Bluff. Last year I took the fantastic leap of courage to study abroad in Salzburg, Austria, and while I cringe using such a common word, the year proved undeniably AMAZING! But I feel good returning to campus where I can help students like myself wrestle their way through the fall and spring semesters. My expertise lies in English and Psychology but I implore you to see me with any writing conundrum so we can traverse it together.
	My name is Matthew Malone. I am a senior Mechanical Engineering major from Burien, WA. I have an experienced interest in Theology and I am always open to help you improve your writing. Feel free to come visit me in the Writing Center or send me an email if you have any writing questions.
	Jambo! My name is Andrea Merrill and I'm a junior Psychology and Sociology major, just back from a summer in Kenya. I come from Bellingham, WA (about 20 minutes from the Canadian border), and I'm an honorary Canadian in many ways. I'm extremely interested in social justice, traveling, theology, and cultures! I love helping others (especially with papers!) and meeting new people, so karibu (welcome) to the Writing Center!
	My name is Jessica Nguyen and I am a senior Biology/pre-med major from Beaverton, OR. I play on the volleyball team here at UP as a defensive specialist/libero. I enjoy going to the beach, trying new restaurants, shopping, traveling, playing card games, and painting my nails. I love meeting new people and am so excited to work with all of you, so please stop by the Writing Center soon!
	Greetings! My name is Kate Peifer and I am a junior English major. Apart from aiding my peers in their endeavor to written brilliance, I enjoy reading and writing but not arithmetic; however, I am truly awed by mathematicians. My goal as your Writing Assistant is to work together not only to improve your paper, but also to help you become a more proficient writer. So, with no further ado, let’s collaborate and get writing!
	I am Amanda Pilcher, a senior hailing from the beautiful Oregon Coast. A History major and a Music minor, I love learning about past events, from the British Empire to the Napoleonic Era to WWII. I can't wait to work with you in your quest for historical discovery!
	Hi, my name is Gwendolyn Pitkin. I am a junior Marketing and Spanish major from Portland, OR. I love movies, books, rain, good food, and talking about writing! I am also an avid traveler and am always looking for opportunities to see new places. I am so excited to be working in the Writing Center this semester and I can’t wait to meet with you and talk about any assignments or questions you might have!
	Hi, my name is Hannah Robinson. I’m a junior English and Spanish double major from Olympia, WA. I love sticky notes, swing dancing, and calico cats, but editing is my greatest passion and I hope someday to work in a publishing house. Until then, I'm thrilled to work here in the Writing Center. Make an appointment or email me anytime – I can’t wait to work with you!
	Hello and welcome! My name is Valerie Schiller, and I am a senior Political Science and Philosophy major with an English minor. This is my third year as a Writing Assistant, and I continue to cherish every minute of the opportunity. Teaching others to write well, to recognize the never-ending struggle of the writing process, and to find time in the chaos that is university life to reach a little higher toward perfection, is rewarding in itself. When I am not struggling to perfect my own written work, I enjoy running, hiking, and debating with friend and stranger alike. I have also grown fond of a good cup of tea. I look forward to teaching and learning from each other this year!
	Hello everyone! My name is Hilary Simpson, and I am a senior Political Science and Psychology major from Buckley, WA. I love to spend my time outside (yes, even in the lovely Pacific Northwest rain), and I am never happier than when I’m hiking around in the wilderness. When I’m not enjoying the great outdoors, I spend my time reading, drinking incredible amounts of coffee, and finding new recipes for yummy food. I’m very excited to work in the Writing Center this year! Please stop by and see me if you need any help with your writing!
	Hello! My name is Rachael Smith and I am a sophomore Elementary/Middle Education major with minors in English and History. I am originally from Gig Harbor, WA, but I am falling in love with the Portland area. I am happiest when walking the beach, stargazing, laughing with friends, or immersed in a good book. I look forward to meeting you and working with you on your writing endeavors, so please do not hesitate to stop by!
	Hi! My name is Sarah Underwood and I am a junior English and Communications major from Issaquah, WA. My hobbies include traveling, baking, watching movies, and spending afternoons at the art museum. Writing has been a continual source of joy in my life, so I am thrilled to work in the Writing Center for my second year. As you wrestle with your ideas, I encourage you to come visit me and share your thoughts and concerns. I look forward to meeting you. Happy writing!
	Hi! My name is Hannah Weber. I am a senior Nursing major from Helena, MT. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at UP, and I have loved exploring everything Portland has to offer. Whether you are in the process of brainstorming or doing a final edit, I would be happy to help! Please come visit me!

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