Ghada Gherwash, PhD., Director, Farnham Writers’ Center; Assistant Professor of Writing.
M.A., Appalachian State UniversityPh.D., Purdue University
I am an applied linguist with research interests in the intersectionality of second language writing and writing center theory, intercultural communication, second language acquisition, qualitative research methods, translation, foreign/second language teaching, and language policy.
Courses:
WP112: Writers’ Workshop
WP113: Conversation Hour for International Students
WP115E: First-Year Writing: Writing Through the Multilingual Lens
WP/EN214: Tutoring Writing in Theory and Practice
Aakanksha ChandrashekaranPreferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: India
Major(s): Global Studies, History
Interests: Hello! I am from India and currently live in Dubai. Ironically, I love reading tragedies but love watching rom-coms. I refuse to ever say no to maple syrup and hate the cold weather (do you see my dilemma of living in Maine?).
Aaron MillsPreferred Pronouns: He/him/his
Class Year: 2024
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Major: Government
Minor(s): Economics & East Asian Studies
Interests: When I’m not burrowed in coursework, you can find me any number of places, including: outside (when it’s nice) drawing or reading, working out (usually alone) at the Athletic Center, in my room curled up with the latest issue of Foreign Policy, at my friend’s streaming the latest trashy reality series, anime or K-drama or on the road to the next place to explore for the weekend. I am a lover of maps, political-economics, architecture and urban design.
Alex BadgerPreferred Pronouns: He/him/his
Class Year: 2024
Hometown: Westborough, Massachusetts
Major(s): Global Studies
Interests: I am super interested in politics, baseball, and comic books.
Alex Martel (Off Campus)Preferred Pronouns: He/him/his
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: North Andover, Massachusetts
Major(s): Environmental Policy, Economics with a Concentration in Financial Markets
Interests: Some of my favorite things to do at Colby are making big wood small wood with the Woodsmen, skiing with friends, and hiking around Maine.
Alexis McCauley-Pearl (Off Campus)Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: St. James, New York
Major(s): Environmental Policy
Minor(s): Mathematics
Interests: Knitting, reading, sleeping, skiing, hiking, cooking, baking.
Alice O’Neill (Off Campus)Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: Medford, Massachusetts
Major(s): Government, Spanish
Interests: When I’m not in class, I spend my time singing in the Colbyettes (you should check us out!), watching true crime documentaries on Netflix, and hanging out with my dog. I’m really excited to be a part of the FWC this year and I can’t wait to help people improve their writing!
Anna CompsonPreferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: Newton, Massachusetts
Major(s): Psychology
Minor(s): Creative Writing
Interests: Hi! I’m a lover of hiking and outdoors. I’m obsessed with cheap rings. I’m also a big fan of hanging plants but am terrible at remembering to water them.
Asha ButterworthPreferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2025
Hometown: Rockville, Maryland
Major(s): Anthropology, East Asian Studies
Interests: When I’m not working in Miller, you can find me taking excessively long naps, reading an obscene amount of fanfiction, climbing anything remotely resembling a rock, struggling to attain polyglot status.
Audrey LooPreferred Pronouns: She/her
Class Year: 2025
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Major(s): English, Visual Arts
Interests: Reading, writing, going to the beach, drawing, painting, eating
Carly LevinsohnDavisConnects certified for Resume and Cover Letter Review
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2024
Hometown: Carmel, Indiana
Major(s): Computer Science, English
Interests: At Colby, I am involved in the Student Programming Board, the Colby Symphony Orchestra (playing violin), and the Waterville Junior High School Coding Club as a computer science mentor. I also love to read, swim and be with my dog Luna (pictured above).
Catrin CareyPreferred Pronouns: She/her
Class Year: 2025
Hometown: Concord, Massachusetts
Major: Global Studies
Minor: Italian
Interests: Outside of being a tutor, I love hiking, running (when it’s warm out), and skiing (when it’s cold out), and if it’s too cold for anything, I enjoy knitting (I’m currently making a penguin sweater).
Chloe Simms (Off Campus)Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Major(s): Psychology, Neuroscience
Minor(s): German
Interests: Hello, my name is Chloe Simms, and I would love to help you improve your writing. As a tutor, I would describe myself as unintimidating, honest, and friendly. I enjoy tutoring because I am genuinely fascinated to read other people’s work– it’s a great way to learn more about subjects I would not normally encounter, and a great way to learn more about others’ viewpoints. So, please, come to the Writing Center! You won’t regret it.
Cynthia ZafirisPreferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2024
Hometown: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Major(s): Computer Science, History
Interests: I enjoy drawing, reading books, watching TV, or basically anything slightly nerdy. Outside my job as a writing tutor, I’m also a member of the Symphony Orchestra. I’m excited to get to know you and talk about writing!
Diana GuzmanDavisConnects certified for Resume and Cover Letter Review
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2024
Hometown: New York, New York
Major(s): Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biochemistry
Minor(s): Japanese
Interests: Outside of class, I spend most of my time watching anime, reading, or bumping volleyballs at the Colby club volleyball practices. I look forward to working with you at the FWC this year!
Drew BurkePreferred Pronouns: He/him/his
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: North Andover, Massachusetts
Major(s): Economics with a Concentration in Financial Markets, Government
Interests: Men’s Ice Hockey team, Waterville Humane Society, spending time on the beach with my dog, and golfing.
Elana Alevy DavisConnects certified for Resume and Cover Letter Review
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2024
Hometown: Carlisle, Massachusetts
Major(s): Geology
Minor(s): Astronomy
Interests: Pursuing planetary geology, reading an abundance of books, studying small rocks, hiking big rocks, playing percussion, and swinging on flying trapeze
Elle Hankin (Off Campus)Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Major(s): Environmental Policy
Minor(s): Art
Interests: In my free time, I enjoy hiking, wildlife photography, and reading. I am also a member of the Women’s Soccer team. I am very excited to be a part of the Farnham Writers’ Center staff this year!
Emma West (Off Campus)Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: Westborough, Massachusetts
Major(s): Government
Minor(s): English, Managerial Economics
Interests: During my writing career, I have been a tutor, co-editor in chief, copy editor, writing fellow, and AP Lit nerd. When I am not glued to the Red Sox game, I enjoy watching the other Boston sports teams, as well as being active on campus as an Intramural Sports Commissioner, member of the Mock Trial team, and member of Colby Votes.
Florence KanePreferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2024
Hometown: Alexandria, Virginia
Major(s): Psychology, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Interests: Running, crossword puzzles, Taylor Swift
Gina Park (Off Campus)DavisConnects certified for Resume and Cover Letter Review
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: Wayne, New Jersey
Major(s): Economics, Math Sciences with a Concentration in Statistics
Interests: Aside from being a writing tutor, I am a TA for Intro to Stats and a CCAK mentor. In my free time, you can usually find me talking with my friends, hanging out with dogs, drinking Dunkin iced coffee, or making TikToks. I love helping people with their writing and am looking forward to working at the FWC!
Halle CarrollPreferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Major(s): Anthropology
Minor(s): English
Interests: I am really excited to be working at the FWC both to help others become better writers and also learn to be a better writer myself! I have always loved writing and am considering a career as a journalist someday. Some of my other interests are badminton, dogs, music, and hanging with friends!
Hannah Weil (Off Campus)Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Major(s): English, Government
Interests: Mock Trial, Colby Outing Club, Improv, Mediocre, CCAK, and dance parties!
Ike AndersonPreferred Pronouns: He/him/his
Class Year: 2024
Hometown: Manchester, New Hampshire
Major(s): English
Minor(s): Italian
Interests: I was born in California and then moved to Japan, North Carolina, Hawaii, and then New Hampshire. I am a Wide Receiver on Colby’s football team, and I plan on becoming a teacher after I graduate.
Isabella Marin (Off Campus)DavisConnects certified for Resume and Cover Letter Review
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: Rye, New Hampshire
Major(s): Global Studies, English
Interests: On campus, I am involved in programs such as Best Buddies, the Pen Pal Program, and the Public Voices Initiative. I also work as a Copy Editor for Outside Colby and a tutor for the Remote Learning Coach Program.
Javi UbarriPreferred Pronouns: He, him, his
Class Year: 2025
Hometown: Glenview, Illinois
Major: Economics
Interests: Ice Hockey, Mountain Biking, Community Work, Travel
Jonnie HughesPreferred Pronouns: He/him/his
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: Rockville, Maryland
Major(s): Computer Science
Interests: I like rapids, heights, and cramped spaces.
Joshua VarghesePreferred Pronouns: he/him/his
Class Year: 2025
Hometown: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Major: Economics with a Concentration in Financial Markets
Minor: Computer Science
Interests: I love playing rugby, soccer and folding origami. Will also take any opportunity to skip rocks and am a self-proclaimed sandwich connoisseur.
Julie YouDavisConnects certified for Resume and Cover Letter Review
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: Shenzhen, China
Major(s): Economics and English with a Concentration in Creative Writing
Interests: Hi there! This is Julie (Yue You), an Econ major student who maintains a true passion for creative writing, music, art, and theatre (isn’t it weird that no one in Colby has done a quintuple major before?). To me, writing is like any other forms of art in which we can choose to express or to hide, to argue or to support, to vent or to have fun with. As the saying goes, if you can write it freely, you can write it seriously. (Interesting!)
Kara Xu Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2025
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Major: Biology with a concentration in Neuroscience and Psychology
Interests: Sports, Criminology, Working out, and All Things Nature
Kat MackayPreferred Pronouns: She/her
Class Year: 2024
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Major: English
Interests: Hi! I love reading fiction and fantasy; I’m currently on a nonfiction kick though! I recommend Leaving Isn’t the Hardest Thing by Lauren Hough! I love reading other people’s work and hearing a variety of voices! I look forward to working with you!
Lily HycePreferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Class Year: 2025
Hometown: Wasilla, Alaska
Major(s): Biology with a concentration in Neuroscience, Environmental Science with a focus in Public Health
Interests: I love singing, listening to, and playing music with friends. I am also passionate about environmental advocacy and sustainable practices in my life and the Colby Community.
Malia SungPreferred Pronouns: she/her
Class Year: 2025
Hometown: Newton, MA
Major(s): History, Philosophy
Interests: Colby’s AI program, baking movies, and music
Maya SachsDavisConnects certified for Resume and Cover Letter Review
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2024
Hometown: Rockville, Maryland
Major(s): History, Computer Science
Interests: Soccer, singing, eating
Michelle KennedyPreferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: Westport, Connecticut
Major(s): Biology with a Concentration in Ecology and Evolution
Minor(s): Chinese, English
Interests: When I am not swimming with the AquaMules, you can find me in the spa or in Miller drinking a cup of coffee. I am so excited to be working in the FWC this semester and meet new people!
Mira PatlaPreferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2024
Hometown: Bedminster, New Jersey
Major(s): Philosophy
Interests: I’m passionate about music. On a typical day, you would probably find me with a few friends either wandering through the Arb or getting lost driving—whatever the case, good music, and positive vibes are a guarantee. I can’t wait to meet you at the FWC!
Misia DelgadoDavisConnects certified for Resume and Cover Letter Review
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2024
Hometown: Lebanon, New Hampshire
Major(s): Government, Chemistry
Interests: In my free time I enjoy singing with my friends, playing on the ultimate frisbee team, and skiing in the mountains of New England.
Nancy O’BrienPreferred Pronouns: she/her
Class Year: 2025
Hometown: Reading, Massachusetts
Major: Art History
Interests: Backpacking and hiking, drinking tea at Selah Tea, and spending time with friends
Narit TrikasemsakPreferred Pronouns: He/him/his
Class Year: 2025
Hometown: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Major(s): Computer Science and Economics
Interests: At Colby, I play on the Men’s Club Volleyball team and am a member of Mayflower Hill Capital. On my own time, I love reading fantasy and sci-fi books, watching movies, and listening to music!
Natalie FosterPreferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2024
Hometown: Northfield, Massachusetts
Major(s): English with a Concentration in Creative Writing, Art History
Interests: When I’m free, you can find me practicing with the Colby Dance Company, writing articles for Colby’s chapter of Her Campus, or buying a chai latte at the Mary Low Coffeehouse! This is my first year working at the FWC and I’m excited to do my best to help my peers improve their writing!
Olivia MundyPreferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Class Year: 2025
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Major(s): Government/Global Studies
Interests: hiking, listening to music, crochet, reading fiction, dogs!
Preston LeePreferred Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class Year: 2024
Hometown: Fair Haven, NJ
Major(s): Global Studies
Interests: I like hockey, Arctic Monkeys, and beating fellow tutor Ike in Smash Brothers.
Sam FranklinPreferred Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class Year: 2024
Hometown: Cohasset, Massachusetts
Major(s): Undecided
Interests: Camping, hiking, fishing, music, guitar, traveling, cooking, reading, writing.
Samantha Miller Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: Sharon, Massachusetts
Major(s): Environmental Policy, Psychology
Interests: Outside of the writing center, I am on the frisbee team and am a CCAK mentor. I am a big fan of any outdoor activity—especially hiking, biking, and paddleboarding. As an avid reader, I have always loved writing and am excited to work with you!
Sophie Fink (Available to Tutor Creative Writing)Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2023
Hometown: Duluth, Minnesota
Major(s): English with a Concentration in Creative Writing
Minor(s): Educational Studies
Interests: I love walking around and exploring new places, swimming in my favorite swimming holes, writing stories, reading sci-fi and fantasy books, and listening to audio dramas. I also dance as part of the Colby Contra Dance Club. Other fascinations include: black holes; waterfalls; and Imperial Russian history.
Stacy KimPreferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Class Year: 2025
Hometown: Queens, New York
Major: Psychology
Interests: Hi there! I love playing the piano, crocheting, and all things blue. Outside the classroom, you might find me hiking, stargazing, or tossing discs with the ultimate frisbee team. I’m excited to work with you at the FWC!
Tara GodayPreferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Class Year: 2024
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Major(s): Environmental Policy
Interests: I play piano and viola! I love to cook and spend time outdoors with my friends, especially hiking and swimming!