Meet Our Writing Tutors
Writing Tutors are Bates students just like you who specialize in assisting students with any and all writing assignments, tasks, and projects. SWLC tutors complete two tutor education courses in a sequence before they begin tutoring: EXDS 201 Writing Tutoring: Supporting Your Peers as Writers, Thinkers, & Communicators in the winter semester and EDUC s19 Theory & Practice of Writing & Tutoring during Short Term. Writing Tutors are able to help you with papers, essays, speeches, presentations, and group projects in any discipline. You can seek help from a Writing Tutor at any time during your writing process, from brainstorming to reading through drafts, incorporating instructor feedback and polishing it all up. The Writing Tutors’ goals are to support your growth as a writer and your improvement on skills like organization, thesis statement construction, incorporation of outside sources, argumentation, and more. Drop by and see a Writing Tutor anytime the SWLC is open–or search Penji to find and book an appointment with the best tutor for your needs–and let them know what you would like to work on. They provide an empathetic and non-judgmental, collaborative environment that is centered around your questions and goals.
In the SWLC, we seek to foster and promote the use of diverse languages at Bates while also providing support in English to improve academic writing and speaking skills. Our Writing Tutors are trained in foundational approaches to support English Language Learners and multilingual speakers. If possible, we can arrange a one-time appointment–or regular weekly appointments–with a writing tutor who is also fluent in your first language. Please email swlc@bates.edu to get set up with a specific tutor for your English language learning needs!
If you are interested in becoming a Writing Tutor and working for the SWLC, please visit this page for information about employment with the SWLC.
Read below to find out more about our Short Term Writing Tutors.
Hi! My name is Adya Agarwal (she/her) and I am a senior from India majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Philosophy. I am bilingual in English and Hindi. I love learning from different meaningful and dynamic conversations I have with my peers not only due to my position as a Writing Tutor for the PLC but also generally, like in Commons! These interactions along with active listening influence my writing and my interest in being a lifelong learner. These practices reflect my values as a tutor, which are curiosity, eternal growth and collaboration. A fun fact about me is that I am left handed, and the only thing I can do with my right hand is to play the guitar.
Hi folks! Welcome to the SWLC! My name is Caroline Cassell (they/them), I am a senior at Bates and am majoring in Gender and Sexuality Studies, Theater, and Sociology, and minoring in Educational Studies! I am fluent in English and am an Italian and Bulgarian language learner. To me, tutoring is an opportunity to get to know people as writers and thinkers outside of classroom and social settings. Thus, in my tutoring, I strive to form genuine connections by bringing curiosity, humor, and compassion to the space. When I am not in the SWLC you’ll find me drinking apple cider at commons, enjoying the sun, or reading a book!! I am so excited to meet you soon!
I’m an English major with concentrations in Applying Mathematical Methods and The Ancient World. Outside of working at SWLC, I’m a member of Bates Club Lacrosse and an editor for Snaggletooth Magazine (our website is really cool, you should check it out!). I’m an English speaker and a beginner Spanish speaker.
I believe in approaching writing with enthusiasm and patience. I’m a huge fan of messy first drafts and am excited to collaborate with students at all stages in their writing processes. Feel free to schedule an appointment with me to go over an assignment prompt or brainstorm response ideas. There’s no need to wait until you have a full draft to connect with tutors. I know how difficult it can be to get started on a new project, and am here to provide support in whatever way students feel it will be most effective. Looking forward to working with you! 🙂
Hi, I’m Sacha, a senior at Bates, majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Theater. This is my third year working as a peer writing tutor. When I’m not working in the PLC, I like to write songs, listen to music, and swim. I look forward to supporting you.
Hello! My name is Colby, and I am a senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Anthropology. My first (and only) language is English, and I am here to support any of your writing needs! I value adventure and empathy and hope to fully integrate these values into my tutoring practice. I’m looking forward to learning with you!
Fun Fact: I used to be named Bates, but for legal reasons, I had to change it.
Hi, my name is Eli. I’m a sophomore from Scarsdale NY and it is my first year as a writing tutor. I haven’t decided on a major yet so I am always happy to help with any subject. I have always loved to write and I want to be able to help people with their writing because I know how stressful it can be to be stuck on an essay with other assignments piling up. I am super excited to start tutoring and I really hope I can help as many people as possible.
My name is Peter Mason and I am a senior majoring in Politics. My pronouns are He/Him. English is my native language and I am also learning Spanish. I am from New Canaan, CT and am both an American and British citizen. In my spare time I enjoy skiing, board games with friends, and escape rooms. At the SWLC I feel it is important to be open and friendly to those who come in to work with us. In addition I believe in trusting in our peers’ ability to succeed in their own ways. I hope to bring these values to the SWLC and get to know anyone who I work with.
Hi, I’m Caroline Milne! My pronouns are she/ her. I’m a senior politics major from Bethesda, Maryland. I’m a native English speaker and a Spanish language-learner and have a minor in Hispanic Studies. I love to sing, hike, ski, and spend time with dogs. Some fun facts are that I studied abroad in Valencia, Spain junior year and sing in the Bates College Choir.
My goal of a tutoring session is to have joyful and productive discussions. I value collaboration and curiosity in tutoring sessions and enjoy learning from our conversations. I am excited to meet you!
Mabuhay! I’m Joaquin (they/them), a Neuroscience and Theater double major (and DCS minor). I will be a writing tutor and a designated W-CAT for DCS 206. While I’m trained to tutor general writing, I specialize in writing in the sciences (neuroscience, biology, and DCS), psychology, theater and creative writing. When I’m not in a lab playing with computers or brain waves or onstage acting my heart out, you can see me tossing a frisbee with Orange Whip on one of the fields or hanging out in the library reading a book.
