Meet the Staff

Paula Harrington, Director (Abroad JP & Spring)

In addition to directing the Farnham Writers’ Center, Paula Harrington teaches writing, tutoring writing, ELL, and American literature. Before coming to Colby in 2008, she taught writing, literature, and American studies at Marymount College of Fordham University, the University of New England, and the University of California, Davis. At Marymount Fordham, she also served as director of composition and director of the writing center.  She earned her Ph.D in English at UC Davis, her M.A. in English at San Francisco State University, and her B.A., magna cum laude, in English and Writing from Columbia University, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.  She is also a former journalist, who worked as a newspaper reporter and columnist for daily papers including the San Francisco Examiner, San Mateo Times, Hayward Daily Review, and West County Times.  Her research interests include cross-cultural rhetoric, the transition from secondary to post-secondary writing, and Mark Twain studies. She is currently at work on a college writing handbook, The Practice of Prose, to be published by Pearson-Longman.

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Alexander Champoux, Assistant Director

Alexander Champoux is the Assistant Director of the Farnham Writers’ Center at Colby College and a 2011 graduate of Trinity College where he majored in English: Creative Writing and double minored (in Mythology and Writing, Rhetoric & the Media Arts). During his time as an undergraduate, Alexander tutored as a Writing Associate for 3 years, was Head Tutor of the Allan K. Smith Writing Center, edited two literary magazines, wrote/edited for the school paper, was a member of the Honor Council, worked in residential life, and was a proud brother of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. After graduating, he worked at a small private school in Maine (North Yarmouth Academy) for a year, running their Writing Center among other roles. He loves fine food and drink, and can’t imagine life without the constant presence of interesting and engaging people…so drop by sometime with a paper and some prosciutto & provolone stuffed peppers and make his day! He’s a proud Bantam, but is so excited to be working with his NESCAC barnyard buddies–Go Mules!

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Katie Allan, ’15

Katie is an Anthropology and Global Studies double major with a concentration in human rights and social justice. She hails from Michigan, so she calls soda “pop,” and lollipops “suckers,” but this doesn’t prevent her from communicating effectively (most of the time). When not studying in Miller, she enjoys curling up in bed with a good book, or spending hours on tumblr or watching Doctor Who. Katie loves music of almost all genres, is proficient in French,  and is terrified of tornados. She can’t wait to work with you to make you the best writer you can possibly be.

 

 

 

Lindsay Alston, ’13 (OPT)

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Lindsay is a senior English major and philosophy and Italian studies double minor from Chicago, IL. She loves to play sports, laugh, travel, and spend time with family and friends. Last spring, she studied abroad in Siena, Italy, where she ate all the pasta she could get. She enjoys editing papers and believes that brainstorming is best done when eating Writers’ Center chocolate.

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Elizabeth Anderson, ’14

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Lizzie is a junior from New Hampshire, who is majoring in Environmental Policy. At Colby, she is a member of the Nordic Ski Team and Colby Cares About Kids. She is a fan of the Writers’ Center for its friendly atmosphere and, of course, for saving her the night before an assignment was due. Besides the Writers’ Center, Lizzie loves six-dollar burger night at Mainley Brews, adventures, and baking mean chocolate chip cookies. While she will be studying abroad in Stockholm, Sweden this fall, she is looking forward to returning to the FWC in the spring. She would love to help you with any topic at any stage of your assignment, from brainstorming to final touches, so come and visit the Writers’ Center.

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Alexander Barron, ’13

Alex is a math and philosophy major from New Jersey. He enjoys running and hiking, and he loves talking about anything related to movies. His favorite foods include sushi, naan, and pizza, though he has yet to find a decent Japanese, Indian, or Italian restaurant in Maine. Although he attempts to write fiction from time to time, he mainly likes working with long, complicated arguments. He is excited to develop this skill through tutoring (as it is useful for just about everything), and he looks forward to working with you in the Writers’ Center!

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Katherine Bellerose, ’14 (Abroad Spring)

Kate Bellerose is a sophomore from Newton, Massachusetts, who is majoring in Spanish and Latin American Studies. Kate is a member of the Colby Women’s Volleyball team, and she also works as a campus tour guide. Kate loves the Writers’ Center for its friendly staff and helpful brainstorming sessions. Aside from working at the Writers’ Center, Kate loves to travel, cook, sleep, and eat 8-Grain bagels from the Spa; she also really enjoys meeting new people, so stop by the Writers’ Center sometime to say hello!

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Carolyn Bennett, ’15

Carolyn is a sophomore from Scarborough, Maine, who is still technically undeclared for a major.  Her most likely candidate is Global Studies, and she is also interested in Spanish and Environmental Studies.  Outside of the classroom, Carolyn is involved in the CCAK program, and she volunteers at Barrels Community Market, where she has difficulties not buying everything in the store.  Carolyn also enjoys playing for the Colby Softball team and being outdoors with the COC.  Carolyn is excited to be part of the Writers’ Center and looks forward to meeting people and helping out with all that comes with paper writing at Colby.

 

 

 

 

 

Olivia Biagetti, ’14 (OPT)

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Looking for help beyond your professor’s office hours? No matter where you are in the writing process or what your subject may be, Olivia will guide you to a better paper that is the product of your own effort. Olivia follows the Writers’ Center philosophy by equipping her peers with the tools and tricks needed to defang their current and future papers. Aside from tutoring, Olivia is from the exotic lands of “just outside Boston” and is majoring in English with an education minor. She enjoys running, cooking, pottery and using WebMD to self-diagnose her nonexistent illnesses. A former camp counselor, Olivia is CPR certified so even those hyperventilating over their final papers can rest assured they are in safe hands.

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Melanie Brown, ’13 (GG)

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Melanie is a senior English and psychology double major from Denver, Colorado, which she would love to show you pictures of sometime because it’s really pretty.  She has them in her wallet sometimes, much like a grandmother.  Also like a grandmother, she loves babies, cashews, Scrabble, yelling at cats, Werther’s originals, and hot tea.  What she loves about the writing process is the infinite ability to make things better.  She loves that no piece of writing is set in stone, and that with the right help you can only improve your work.

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Carly Cronon, ’15

 

Having trouble finding Carly in the Writers’ Center? It is possible that she is there, but you can’t see her, because she is pale enough to blend in with the walls. Besides putting on sunscreen, Carly spends her time making questionable jokes, eating food that other people cook, and watching 30 Rock. Carly also spends her time majoring in English and minoring in education here at this great institution, and in twenty years it is likely that she will be Radagast from The Hobbit. Although she likes talking to animals, she also likes talking to people, especially about their writing, and she enjoys talking about where to put commas, because she learned the comma rules last year. On a more serious note, Carly understands how difficult writing papers can be and how busy everyone is, so bring your paper in for a completely nonjudgmental conversation.

 

Kayla Diaz, ’14

One morning the person pictured to the left woke up with an essay due in less than 24 hours. In a fit of panic, she ran to the Writers’ Center with only a small idea and a sheet of loose leaf. In the 30 minutes with her tutor her small idea was transformed into an outline and that sheet of loose leaf became a tattered piece of essay forming gold. After that success, Kayla Diaz was inspired to help calm the minds of writers both in stressful and peaceful times. Kayla Diaz is a junior and proud member of Colby Posse 9. When she’s not tutoring EN112 or complaining about/doing schoolwork, she’s probably sleeping on a random couch in the Pugh Center, talking with friends, banging the Taiko drums loudly, or is hiding under her bed planning world domination.

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David DiNicola, ’15

Samantha Draper, ’14

Sammy is an English major from Chicago, Illinois. At Colby, she can frequently be found curled up somewhere with a good book, sleeping outside, or eating Foss dinner at five o’clock on the dot. Aside from reading and writing, she loves rainy days, mismatching socks, macaroni and cheese, bright colors and the words rambunctious and whimsical. She is also a champion procrastinator and understands better than anyone how tempting it is to write a paper right before the deadline. She loves the Writers’ Center because everyone is always so cheerful and welcoming, and nothing makes her day better than helping people edit a paper and seeing them smile because they’re proud of the outcome. She firmly believes that revision is what separates a good writer from a great writer, and she encourages you to come visit her in the Writer’s Center soon!

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Katherine Fecteau, ’13

Katherine is a senior anthropology major and classic civilizations minor.  When she’s not reading some giant ethnography, shecan be found running on Colby’s trails, singing with EVE, drinking way too much coffee, or watching her favorite movies for the thousandth time.  If you ever want to discuss Despicable Me, My Cousin Vinny, or The Princess Bride, you know who to talk to.

Katherine understands that writers often get stuck at various points in their assignments, and she believes that discussing the assignment and the writing is the best way to get moving again.  If you find yourself at a writing impasse, come by and talk to her!

 

Lauren Fisher, ’13

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Ariella Gintzler, ’14 (Abroad Spring)

 

Ariella is a Junior English major and Environmental Studies minor, hailing from the bustling metropolis of Hoboken, New Jersey. In addition to her extracurricular involvements, which include playing violin with the Colby Symphony and adventuring with the COC, Ariella enjoys used books, hot tea, and Annie’s white cheddar macaroni and cheese. She loves Maine and spends lots of time running, biking, hiking, and indulging in the occasional barefoot frolic. A self-proclaimed perfectionist, Ariella understands the horror of feeling like your essay is writing you, instead of the other way around. She welcomes students of all disciplines. Stop by and say hello!

 

Kayla Gross, ’13

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Kayla is a senior, who is majoring in biochemistry with a minor in creative writing, though, if she had more time at Colby, she would add English as a second major. She loves hanging out in Keyes, dancing with Colby Dancers, baking desserts, reading fabulous books (or the occasional scientific article), and laughing with her friends. Obviously, she also loves tutoring at the Farnham Writers’ Center. She is ready to discuss anything from comma placement to thesis revision to paragraph restructuring. Brightly colored pens are her weapons of choice, and brainstorming sessions are always fun for her to tackle. She can’t wait to work with any writer looking for a relaxed and productive tutoring session.

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Alexander Gucinski, ’14

Being that he is a self-proclaimed “pretty big fan” of grammar, it only makes sense that Alex Gucinski found his way into the Farnham Writers’ Center. An English and government double major from Saratoga, California, Alex is, as he says, “rather enthusiastic” about tutoring. He is so enthusiastic, in fact, that he has spent hours trying to find a way to become one with the welcoming off-white walls of the FWC. When he isn’t reading, writing, or otherwise feeding his preoccupation with words, Alex enjoys receiving mail, fishing, and rock climbing. He looks forward to seeing you soon in the WC.

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Rachel Haines, ’13 (GG)

Rachel Haines is a senior finishing up an English major and a minor in anthropology.  She loves reading essays from different concentrations and also enjoys working with students who share her love of English.  While she adores Colby and the Writers’ Center, she regrets having to leave her cat, Tortellinni, back home in Topsham, Maine.  She is an avid fan of roller coasters, shopping for bargain books, “Bones,” and Harry Potter (that Toyota Corolla with the license plate PTRONUS?  That’s hers).  Rachel is planning on working in publishing after graduation, applying her love of grammar and adding Oxford commas wherever necessary.  She can’t imagine a life without reading and will continue to read until she is so old that she can’t move her eyes back and forth.

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Anna Hess, ’14

Anna hails from Montclair, New Jersey and is an environmental policy major here at Colby. When she’s not hanging out in the Writers’ Center or writing papers in other various nooks of Miller Library, she can be found eating Gifford’s ice cream, napping on Chapel Lawn, jogging in the arboretum and exploring the great outdoors. Other passions include smoothies, dorm room decorations, chocolate-covered bananas and Scrabble. Stop by the Writers’ Center for help brainstorming, polishing a paper and good conversation!

 

 

 

 

 

John Iseman, ’13 (OPT)

John is a member of the class of 2013 from Cambridge, NY. At Colby, he is a member of the Colby College Club Coordination Group and Colby Outing Club. He enjoys playing and watching just about every sport and is also an avid hiker and camper. He decided to be a writing center tutor for two reasons. First, he wanted to help people develop their writing. Second, he wanted to improve his own writing. His goal for any tutee he works with is not only for the tutee to leave the session as a better writer but also with a greatly improved piece of writing.

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Em Jamieson, ’14 (GG) (Abroad Spring)

Reppin’ her NorCal swag, Em is a biology major with a pre-med focus. Though she is on the medical track, she loves the English language, particularly proper grammar and fancy-shmancy diction. Apart from helping students with their papers or cutting things open in biology labs, Em also participates in SGA as a dorm president. She can be found playing violent video games, laughing with her friends or sleeping for an obscene amount of time. As a tutor, she is more than willing to tackle anything that comes her way, from lab reports to senior theses. She is a strong proponent of creativity and style and would love to meet you, so come by and say hi!

 

 

Gabriella Johnson, ’14 (Abroad Spring)

 

 

 

Gabby is an English and Art double major from the coast of New Jersey, and spends much of her time at Colby pining for the beach. She enjoys getting lost in books, playing in musical ensembles, and “chasing” for the Colby Quidditch Club.  Gabby also really enjoys eating and is counting down the days until the next Cookie Fest. She loves the warm fuzzy feeling she gets from tutoring, so come stop by the WC!

 

 

 

 

Samantha Jones, ’15

Hi!  My name is Sam Jones, and I’m a member of the class of 2015 here at Colby College.  I grew up in a small town about an hour away from Waterville called Buckfield, where I cultivated a love of dogs, mac ‘n’ cheese, and books.  I am an avid Harry Potter fan, as well as a lover of all things Jane Austen, as I pursue my B.A. with a major in English.  I also love Disney movies!  Robin Hood is probably my favorite, but it changes every week.  I don’t really know what I want to be when I grow up, but for now I’m interested in a career that involves non-profit groups, like possible grant writing.  I think it is important to give back, and I enjoy being able to help others.

 

Savannah Judge, ’15 (GG)

 

 

Savannah is an Environmental Studies major/Education minor who loves reading in hammocks, playing outside, and skating on ice. This Green Cluster alum currently holds the title “World’s Biggest Word Nerd” and frequently plays Mad Libs with [plural noun] in the [noun]. But don’t let Savannah’s linguistic whimsies fool you: she is a sucker for every step of the writing process and would love to meet you! Come see her in the Writers’ Center to brainstorm, work through your writer’s block*, or address any other concerns or [plural noun] you may have.

 

 

 

Andrew Kang, ’15

 

 

 

 

Lucas Killcoyne, ’14

Lucas is a New Yorker, who is majoring in American Studies. His passions include biking, both throughout New York City as well as into Waterville, and playing frisbee, which he does on the Colby Ultimate team. He likes spicy food, meatball subs, and chili, among other dishes. He is excited to be a part of the Writers’ Center. Lucas plans on broadening his tutoring horizons while at the Writers’ Center but has always found himself most comfortable in the realms of English and history. He would be happy to help you with your paper.

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Mariel Lambrukos, ’13 (OPT)

Mariel is an economics-mathematics major and creative writing minor. Although she is originally from New Hampshire, Mariel currently spends most of her time in Bixler, where you can often find her either playing the violin in a practice room or hogging a four-person table in the library. She loves listening to stories and collects unusual things like devil rubber duckies. When editing your writing, Mariel recommends that you try reading each sentence out loud to yourself. She believes that this is one of the most useful ways to edit, and something that she utilizes often in her own compositions. As both a tutor and peer, Mariel hopes that she will get to know you and your writing!

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Michael Langley, ’13 (OPT)

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Michael is a senior English major with a concentration in creative writing. He is from New Jersey; feel free to ask  him about New Jersey’s state dinosaur.  Apart from his academic pursuits, Michael is an editor and writer for the Echo and the Libel, an amateur rapper, and an avid outdoorsperson . Michael’s favorite writers are Ernest Hemingway, Charlotte Brontë, and Busta Rhymes. Michael approaches his tutoring sessions like an asteroid approaches the Earth. Wait, that did not come out as Michael intended. What Michael is trying to say is that he is very excited about his tutoring sessions and looks forward to taking a collaborative approach towards revising tutees’ papers.

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Sam LeBlanc, ’15

Sam is an English and Religious Studies double major. She loves her home state of Maine and will gladly point you in the direction of some great restaurants in Portland or dispel (or confirm) rumors about Maine winters. She loves to read, watch movies, and fence in Colby’s fencing club. Along with doing homework, working, sleeping, hanging with friends, and in general being a typical college student, Sam edits and writes for the Echo. She is very excited to work with you on any phase of your paper and really enjoys meeting new people. Sam is a bit nerdy but very approachable and always happy to help. Come visit her in the Writer’s Center!

 

 

Larissa Lee, ’13

Larissa loves the Writers’ Center. She enjoys long walks in the arboretum, knitting warm scarves, sipping tea by the fireplace, and hiking mountains. She studies both Environmental Studies and Global Studies at Colby, and just returned from a year away, spending 4 months in Madagascar and 4 months in Denmark. She’s excited to be back in Maine! Its one of her favorite states.

 

 

Monica Li, ’15

 

Monica is a sophomore English and psychology double major. Although she is from Shanghai, she has also lived in Seattle, Hong Kong, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Since she has an international background, she enjoys meeting people from diverse places. She is a fan of the writing center for its friendly, cheerful, and welcoming atmosphere. She is an optimistic person who is always willing to try her best and help you work through your paper. At Colby, she is a member of Adults Reading to Children, Colby Cares About Kids, and Campus Conversations on Race. She is passionate about community service, likes playing tennis, enjoys reading, and loves traveling. She can be quite the chatterbox as well. Since she loves meeting new people and loves to talk incessantly, swing by and say hello!

 

 

 

Joe Long, ’15

Joe is a Government and Global Studies major who very much wishes Colby had an English minor. He grew up in Cape Elizabeth—a fact he usually tries to keep quiet–but is happy to at least not be from Massachusetts. Some favorite activities include compulsively reading the news, zoning out, lounging on the beach, and avoiding snow. Joe knows as well as anyone how painful writing can be, and how easy it can be to put it off—it took him several weeks to get around to writing this six sentence blurb. But he also strongly believes that writing can be one of the most rewarding things you can do. Joe looks forward to working with those who agree with him on that point, and convincing those who don’t to do so. 

 

 

 

Justin Lutian, ’15

 

Justin is a sophomore from Manila, Philippines. Since the very first time he entered the Writers’ Center, he knew that he had found a special place. As someone whose own writing can be verbose and convoluted, he understands the challenge of effectively and succinctly delivering a message to a reader. Outside tutoring, Justin is a Community Advisor (CA) and a Colby Cares About Kids mentor. His distinctively and unusually high voice has been an asset for him in the Colby College Chorale and The Megalomaniacs, Colby’s only co-ed a cappella group. When not working (or singing), Justin tries to catch up with some of his favorite TV shows (e.g.: Modern Family, How I Met Your Mother, etc.) or watches Friends with like-minded people.

 

 

Chloe Marmet, ’14 (Abroad Spring)

Chloe is a junior studying Government and creative writing at Colby. Although a native New Yorker, she likes to think of herself as a small town girl at heart. She likes being outside, playing sports, baking, going to the beach, and reading everything from People Magazine to James Joyce. She is so excited to be a part of the Writers’ Center, and looks forward to helping you in any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming (a personal favorite) to final draft revisions. Chloe’s favorite parts of the Writers’ Center are the awesome people and the opportunity for every tutee to walk out feeling satisfied and confident that their writing skills have improved. She would be thrilled to talk through papers on any subject and can’t wait to see you in the Writers’ Center!

 

 

 

 

Patrick Martin, ’13

Patrick, a former submarine captain and bounty hunter, hails from Japan and is currently completing his History major. He loves to see people become more confident in their writing abilities and in their development of ideas. He avoids exercise, but often wears a hat, which takes a great deal of physical effort to pull off. Patrick just returned from studying abroad in Lebanon, where he studied Arabic, learned how to make spinach curry, and slept on the beach.

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Abbott Matthews, ’13

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Abbott is a Government and Latin American Studies double major from the small southern town of Wilson, NC. When she’s not tutoring in the FWC, the Spa, Pugh, Miller, the Street, Lovejoy, Diamond, or even on the Quad, you can generally find her in the Career Center, the library, or at the track. With so little time and so much to do, Abbott’s strengths lie in brainstorming, outlining, and structuring any paper so that the writing becomes the easy part. While she always welcomes chocolate and coffee, finding her the oh-so-elusive southern sweet tea could score you a new best friend.

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Caroline McGourthy, ’15

Emily Nadel, ’14 (Abroad Spring)

Emily is a sophomore anthropology and English double major who runs a lot and enjoys small geometric patterns and indigenous arts and crafts fesitvals. Though as a tutor her strengths lie in the humanities, she loves learning about any subject. Creating topic sentences and sketching outlines are among her favorite Writers’ Center activities. If she had a time machine, she would travel to the late 1920′s. If she were a tree, a willow she would be. Oatmeal crasin toffee cookies are her favorite. Emily also enjoys human foosball, photographing inanimate objects, rooibos tea, Ovaltine, squash, and the Arboretum.

Kelsey Naruse, ’13

Imported from the faraway, mystical islands otherwise known as Hawaii, Kelsey is your typical island girl.  She’s chill and laid back and loves surfing, hiking, and basking under the tropical island sun. She is a Biology major and Chemistry and Anthropology double minor, but don’t let those science titles fool you!  Despite her extensive background in writing analytical lab reports, she also has a creative side (hence, the Anthropology minor).  However, this technical background does come with a few benefits, including her knack for grammar and mechanics and an interesting sense of humor.

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Jean-Jacques Ndayisenga, ’13

Known to many as JJ, Jean-Jacques Ndayisenga hails from Kigali, Rwanda. He is an economics major hoping that one day poverty in the world will come to an end. With his love of languages and his willingness to help people, he is excited to work with you at the Writers’ Center. On a good day he can be a comedian, otherwise he enjoys playing all kinds of sports, singing, and absorbing some sun because Maine is too cold for him. For breakfast he reads news on his I-pod while drinking orange juice. Exploring new places and things is his habit; and this is the time to explore your writing. Come join him on this adventure, bring your paper at any level. He will help you brainstorm, work on grammar, form a great thesis and assure that your writing is coherent.

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Nick Nowak, ’13

Naturally, Nick is a proponent of baba ganoush and all things associated. He studies English and education but saves ample time for soccer, skiing, and the kids. With 50% of his blood coming from South Africa and an unknown amount hailing from countries such as Poland and Scotland, he considers himself a northern southerner from the east side, with a western influence. In terms of tutoring, Nick welcomes any topic, but he admits that subjects outside of the humanities are not his specialty. Finally, he believes in creativity and the writer’s voice. Stephen King is a boss.

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Shelby O’Neill, ’15

Shelby O’Neill is a sophomore philosophy and government double major. He grew up in Corfu, NY—a small, rural town about half an hour outside of Buffalo, NY. He enjoys wandering in the woods, farmers’ markets, and small town diners. He listens to Bob Dylan on vinyl, reads Jack Kerouac novels, and watches old-school Jimmy Stewart and Steve McQueen movies. As a Buffalonian, he is an expert on Buffalo chicken wings (sort of snobbish on this subject) and intends to see the Buffalo Bills win a Superbowl at some point in his Colby career. He looks forward to working with you in the Writers’ Center. 

Laura Parris, ’14 (GG)(Abroad Spring)

 

Laura is a junior from the seaside town of Scituate, Massachusetts.  With an English major, creative writing concentration, and two minors in philosophy and Jewish studies, she is always writing essays in multiple disciplines.  Although she is more familiar with the humanities, she enjoys learning about other subjects and is happy to assist you with a paper for any class.  At Colby, two of her favorite activities are Colby Cares About Kids and Adults Reading to Children because she loves getting out into the local schools and working with younger children.  She also loves to travel, and she has been in twenty-three U.S. states and seven countries.  As someone who hopes to become a high school English teacher, she is a big fan of the Writers’ Center.  She will work with you on anything from brainstorming to revision, so stop by, say hello, and get excited about writing.

 

Izzy Prince, ’15

Izzy is an Anthropology major from California with a minor in Creative Writing. She loves reading your work at the Writers’ Center, and believes that a good cup of tea can do wonders. She would be delighted to help you dissect a paper or just brainstorm. In her spare time, Izzy writes old-fashioned letters with a fountain pen, because everyone likes to get real mail – even Twitter addicts. She is also a member of The Megalomaniacs, Colby’s most epic co-ed a cappella group. Her intolerance for Maine winters obliges her to roam campus engulfed in several parkas, but she has accepted her glacial fate. Izzy loves ingenious whodunits, particularly Sherlock Holmes mysteries. It is almost never the butler.

 

 

 

Laura Rosenthal, ’15

Laura Rosenthal is a sophomore from the far, far away land of Newton, Massachusetts. She is an English major with a Creative Writing minor, but would be happy to help you with any kind of paper. Laura loves the FWC because of all the friendly tutors. When she’s not tutoring, Laura enjoys naming all the countries of the world on Sporcle, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Laura hopes you will stop by the Writer’s Center to work on your papers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gabe Salzer, ’15

Gabe was born in Santa Monica, California, but sadly moved to Massachusetts when he was six months old.  Since making it to the cold state from the gold state, Gabe has had a full childhood, an Arlington high education, and too many chicken finger honey mustard subs from Ma Ma Goos.  After graduating from Arlington High, Gabe realized that one high school diploma wasn’t enough, and decided to attend Deerfield Academy for a postgraduate year.  Once at Colby College, he found that he wanted to major in Econ and minor in Italian studies. 

Over his incredibly fascinating and diverse life, Gabe has found a passion for music, sports, and all things interesting.  He always likes to learn new things, so reviewing essays and brainstorming for topics that he knows little about are always a pleasure.  It’s been said that Gabe is an upbeat and easygoing person, so even in the direst of scenarios, one can expect a session to be calm and positive.

 

 

 

Samantha Silvay, ’15

 

 

Sam is an English major with a concentration in Creative Writing. She hails from New York City, but loves the nature in Maine. She loves to read, and her favorite author is J.D. Salinger. She keeps a journal in her spare time, and she also loves watching Food Network. She enjoys traveling, and spent a summer in Italy studying Art History. She loves helping others with their writing, so come by the Writers’ Center and say hi!

 

 

Kristen Starkowski, ’14 (Abroad Spring)

Kristen hails from a small cow town in Connecticut. She is double majoring in English and sociology. En route to a career as an English professor, she is naturally a big fan of the revision process and all elements of composition. Kristen especially enjoys tutoring authors of analytical English essays. However, her favorite thing to do in the Writers’ Center is organize and re-organize an essay of any discipline, which is somewhat ironic, because when it comes to her dorm room, she does not see a need for organization. In passing, you might find Kristen obsessing over coffee, archaic diction, dangly earrings, Ed Westwick, or golden retrievers.

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Arvia Sutandi, ’13 (GG)

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Arvia is your typical wordophile, often found lurking in the library & helpfully supplying people with those pesky words that linger just out of reach on the tip of the tongue. She has never met an essay she couldn’t beat into submission. She has been a Writer’s Center tutor for a year and is proud to call the place her home (you can find her camping out in it during finals week). She fully encourages you to come see her there – she will be waiting with coffee, potentially witty banter, and a hug (optional). She is currently majoring in Psychology: Neuroscience with a minor in Creative Writing. Her habitats include the the gym, Selah Tea House, the dance studio, and Cloud Nine.

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Anna Thin, ’15

 

 

Anna is a sophomore from Brooklyn, New York. She enjoys traveling, skiing, cooking, and reading other people’s essays. Her favorite part of the writing process is brainstorming and organization. Anna always has prosciutto on stock, loves to play with turtles, and enjoys watching Dexter on Showtime. If you ever want to kill an essay, she would be more than happy to help.

 

 

 

 

Julie Toich, ’15

Julie is an English major with a concentration in creative writing.  A few of her favorite things are mountains, extremely cold lakes and streams, dark chocolate, mozzarella cheese, and strong winds.  Julie has always loved writing and is eager to channel some of that passion into tutoring at the Writers’ Center.  When she’s not pondering a new story idea, actually writing a story, or doing schoolwork, she can be found singing while walking around campus, watching an episode of Doctor Who, jumping in puddles after a rainstorm, or trying to catch snowflakes on her tongue.   She is a firm believer that a large part of what makes a great paper is finding a topic that’s really interesting to you.

 

John Tortorello, ’15

John Tortorello is a sophomore from Medway, Massachusetts and on his way to become a physics major. An avid member of the Colby Outing Club, John loves any time spent in the great outdoors and is looking forward to being a COOT leader in the fall. When not running, hiking, or climbing, you can usually find John sleeping, eating, or otherwise avoiding his math and physics problem sets. He is excited about joining the team in the Farnham Writers’ Center in Fall of 2012 because tutoring will be a great opportunity to discuss random essays presented to him by brilliant Colby writers from all areas of study. His favorite foods include spaghetti and meatballs, zebra cake, and fresh tomatoes, and he will never turn down a pack of fruit snacks. When he is feeling under the weather, John likes to curl up and watch hours of Planet Earth and Lord of the Rings. In fact, he really likes to do this when he is feeling over the weather as well. John looks forward to meeting you and your essay in the FWC.

Shadey Trinidad, ’15

Shadey strongly believes that every writer has his or her individual unique voice and the Writers’ Center is the perfect place to discover it! Shadey is a proud New Yorker who is majoring in American Studies and double minoring in Anthropology and Education.  When she’s not in class, you can find Shadey in the Pugh Center working as the program coordinator or in one of the clubrooms. She is fluent in español and would be more than happy to help you with papers in her native language. As somebody who loves the simple things in life, Shadey enjoys a good laugh and good conversation with great people over a hot cup of tea, so come visit her in the Writers’ Center!

 

 

 

 

Maddie Wadington, ’14 (Abroad Spring)

Maddie Wadington is a junior here at Colby College. She is a
psychology major and a human development minor. Apart from tutoring,
Maddie is a coxswain on the Colby Crew Team and enjoys volunteering
whenever she can. She welcomes psychology papers, but can help with
writing for any major!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alicia Wall, ’15

Alicia is a sophomore from Greenville, NC who is majoring in American Studies with a minor in Creative Writing. Besides helping others with their papers, Alicia enjoys sports, eclectic music, jasmine green tea, and the company of close friends. As a veteran tutee of the Writers’ Center herself, Alicia understands the helpfulness and calming effect that an appointment can have. So whether you have just an idea or a draft that’s nearly complete, stop by the Writers’ Center for your caffeine fix and an hour of fun conversation!

 

 

 

 

 

Christine Wamsley, ’15

Cale Wardell, ’13

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Cale was born in London, England but currently resides in Lake Forest, IL.  She studies psychology neuroscience at Colby and plays on the field hockey team. When not lost or missing her key card, Cale can be found bouncing around campus or napping. Cale’s small stature is by no means indicative of her large personality and incessantly loud voice. In terms of writing, she is the product of two lawyers, and consequently values concision and precision. Finally, Cale can’t spell to save her life and understands that everyone who walks into the Writers’ Center has both strengths and weaknesses.

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Susan Weidner, ’14 (Abroad Spring)

Susan is a junior from Simsbury, Connecticut (which she sounds out as “connect-I-cut”).  She is an English major with a side-hobby in Spanish (¡hola!).  Susan enjoys spontaneous chanting, tacos, good songs on repeat, and new socks.  Find her channeling writing inspiration on Miller steps, perched on Miller tower, or even eating dinner.  Better yet, find her in the writers’ center with a question or for good conversation!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Waylin Yu, ’15

Waylin is a Psychology: Neuroscience major and Creative Writing minor hailing from the leftern-most, frou-frou part of the West: San Francisco, California. At Colby, he is a music director at WMHB 89.7 FM, a writer for Outside Colby and the Libel, and involved in programs like CCAK and Best Buddies. In his free time, he likes to take naps, drink water, eat chicken flautas, and spontaneously sing/butcher the Dawson’s Creek theme song. A big believer in the power of the collaborative writing process, Waylin is looking forward to teaming up with the patrons of the Farnham Writers’ Center and aiding their growth as writers. He also loves cats and encourages you to bring in any feline-related literature to revise/for funsies.