Writing Fellows
The Academic Success Center is pleased to offer a two-credit fall internship for students who have demonstrated strong abilities as writers and would like to develop their capacities as tutors. Successful applicants will receive training led by Dominican University faculty, tutors, and staff through an intensive practicum. In this semester-long practicum, Fellows will learn about writing center pedagogy and reflect on their tutoring experiences. After the initial training, the Fellows will begin working as tutors for 6 hours a week. Writing Fellows will receive continuous support and guidance throughout their internship by participating in observations and debriefing sessions. Fellows are paid for their work as tutors, as well as their hours in training. Although most graduate students do not choose to pursue course credit for the internship, they are still paid for their time as Fellows and are encouraged to apply.
Qualifications
- Dominican University junior, senior, or graduate student for the 2024–2025 school year
- Minimum GPA of 3.2
- Students from all academic disciplines are invited to apply
- Possess significant skills as a writer, reader, and interpersonal communicator
- Have great enthusiasm for exploring the writing process
- Would like to help build and be part of a community of learners
How to Apply
Submit the following materials to the ASC or email Jennifer Stockdale, Writing Fellows Coordinator:
- A completed application form (pdf opens in a new window)
- A 500-750-word personal statement explaining why you are interested in the internship and notes what aptitudes, skills, and personal qualities you would bring to the position
- Two writing samples that you have submitted for class assignments or for publication at Dominican
- The names and email addresses of two Dominican faculty members who can attest to the quality of your work as a student
- The names and email addresses of two Dominican students who can attest to your communication and interpersonal skills
- A copy of your Dominican transcripts
Applications can be brought into the ASC or emailed to Jennifer Stockdale, Writing Fellows Coordinator
Deadline
All application materials are due by Friday, March 28, 2025.
The Fall 2024 Writing Fellows
The ASC is very pleased to introduce you to the Fall 2024 Writing Fellows.
Patricia Adamczyk
Hi! I’m Patricia, and I’m working towards my English BA with a concentration in writing. I am also in the Mazzucchelli Honors program and have a minor in marketing. I rediscovered my love for writing early on in high school and have been strengthening it ever since. I chose English as my major since I love to analyze and discuss literature and felt that I would enjoy a field of study focused on writing. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing tennis, sunbathing at the beach, and collecting notebooks. After graduation, I plan to earn an MA in English and work in advertising.
Hobbies / Interests
- Journaling
- Long walks in the woods
- Swimming
- Sunbathing
- Tennis
- Listening to Depeche Mode
- Watching Grey’s Anatomy
- Spending time at the lake
What Being a Writing Fellow Means to Me
Being a Writing Fellow means the ability to support my peers through all stages of the writing process! I have always enjoyed reading other people’s writing and helping them edit their work to craft a piece that they are confident about. There have been points in my life where I felt shy about my writing, not feeling it was good enough and I look forward to helping others overcome their doubts having once been there myself.
Favorite Book / Intellectual Passion
My favorite book is Lord of the Flies by William Golding. I first read it for class in high school and have since reread it a handful of times. Both the plot and Golding’s prose fascinate me. Each of his sentences is so artfully structured with such vivid imagery. It’s the book that inspired me to read more classics, write my own fiction, and fall in love with literature.
Gillian Adkins
My name is Gillian, and I’m currently a junior at Dominican University. I’m majoring in English and minoring in computer science and digital journalism. I am super passionate about reading and writing, especially poems! In the future, I’d love to work as an editor for a publishing firm. But as of right now, I’m just going with the flow. I am so excited for what this semester has in store!
Hobbies / Interests
- Swimming
- Jellycat plushies
- Poetry
- Dying hair
- Music
- Picnics in the park
- Candles
What Being a Writing Fellow Means to Me
Being a Writing Fellow means I get to further connect with Dominican’s student body, which is a huge deal. I’m really looking forward to reading everyone’s writing and assisting in their creative processes. I know that writing can be a daunting task, so it means a lot to have the opportunity to share in someone’s writing experience and offer suggestions. To be honest, I just want to be the first one to read all the good stuff you are writing!
Favorite Book / Intellectual Passion
My favorite book is Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion. (I stole my copy from my high school English teacher right before Covid began.) Slouching Towards Bethlehem is a series of essays detailing Didion’s experiences in California during the 1960s. I will never get over how Didion writes. It’s like each word is a single paint brush stroke, merging together to create a work of art.
Alejandra Aguirre
My name is Alejandra Aguirre. I am currently a junior. I’m majoring in sociology with the hopes to develop my studies as a professor in sociology. Writing is a huge part of my major, and that’s why I love it so much. I’ve always loved writing as a kid in the form of journaling, and because of this, I’ve grown to become a strong writer and feel very comfortable tackling essays and other writing assignments. I love to read others’ work and gain a lot of inspo from my peers and favorite authors. Outside from my schoolwork, I work at a restaurant and an animal hospital, and am a mom to my one-year-old son, Theo. I’m always on the go, and very busy, but writing is not only my comfort zone, but a form of self-care. No matter how busy life gets, writing has become something I dedicate time to and have grown to love and appreciate.
Hobbies / Interests
- Reading self-help books
- Exploring new restaurants
- Traveling
- Volunteering; this past semester I had the opportunity to work closely with migrant families
- Playing piano
- Going on walks with my son
- Hanging out with friends
What Being a Writing Fellow Means to Me
Being a writing fellow to me means that I can share my passion for writing with others, and hopefully inspire and provide confidence in the writing process to my fellow peers. I know the writing process can be overwhelming, but I believe that with the right mindset and support, we can all unleash our inner writing skills. After all, everyone has their own style, and writing is another way you can showcase who you are.
Favorite Book / Intellectual Passion
I discovered my new favorite book about a year ago in an Italian course taught by Professor Cerasuolo. It’s called The Prince by Machiavelli. I love history but have never read a book like this one. It was written during the Renaissance period in Italy, but aside from explaining historical context, it allows for readers to delve into the mind of Machiavelli. As a sociology major, this was especially interesting for me. This was my first time reading a history book that utilized the rhetoric of persuasion to essentially convince readers back then on how to acquire power and keep it while also being informative. As I mentioned before, one of my interests is reading self-help books, and this one was not like any other book I’ve read before. This is definitely a book I recommend for everyone to read.
Grace Ayena
My name is Grace Ayena. I am a sophomore at Dominican University. I am a psychology major and Black studies minor. My goal is to become a licensed clinical therapist. My interest in writing and reading came from going to the library with my mom and my little sister. I quickly realized that reading and writing was a space of expression and healing for me. Through this realization, I want to create that same space for my future patients.
Hobbies / Interests
- Rollerskating
- Reading and writing
- Painting
- Football
- Eating and cooking
- Watching movies
- Dancing
- Podcasting
- Making waist beads
What Being a Writing Fellow Means to Me
The Writing Fellows Program means I have the opportunity to help people tell their stories unapologetically and authentically. I believe that writing is a form of expression that has the power to make a difference. Through Writing Fellows, I get the opportunity to help make that change and inspire that change as well.
Favorite Book / Intellectual Passion
I believe that my intellectual passion stems from trying to learn and love the beauty of life itself. I have always believed that the arts are a reflection of our own realities and cultures. One of my favorite books, Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. I love how Noah explains how life was like for him, growing up in South Africa during the apartheid. The wit and humor that he used to tell his life story. Also, I love how the concept of culture was brought up in the novel because it creates space for the reader to see the beauty in life. But most importantly, it’s a reminder to experience that beauty of life’s ups and downs.
Kamila Foszcz
Hello, my name is Kamila! This is my second year at Dominican, and I am a junior. I plan to major in nutrition and dietetics. Currently, I am deeply passionate about expanding my knowledge in the health industry. I spend much of my time reading studies and listening to health podcasts. Outside of school, I work as a personal trainer, and have the fortuity to expand my connections with all sorts of people. Family is a big part of my life, and we make a great deal of memories by traveling to diverse areas of the world.
Hobbies / Interests
- Cooking
- Working out
- Country music
- Podcasts
- Traveling
What Being a Writing Fellow Means to Me
Being a writing fellow means I will get the opportunity to expand my communication skills. It will be a wonderful way to engage with the creative work of students and teach me new methods of writing. What I love about interacting with the work of my peers is that it builds a trusting relationship because of the vulnerability and openness that one has when they come to me with their work.
Favorite Book/ Intellectual Passions
One of my favorite books is one that I came across in my personal development journey. It is titled The Greatness Mindset, and is written by one of my favorite podcasters, Lewis Howes. This book has greatly impacted my attitude, behavior, and desire to pursue a greater good for myself and others. It is an extremely guiding book that teaches you how to identify matters of concern, how to find your undeniable greatness, and what steps you should take to truly get there. Ultimately, it is a manual on how to utilize your mindset to elicit a life that bestows upon you sizable satisfaction with the way you are approaching life.
Claire Hubble
Hello! I am a graduate student in the Master of Library and Information Science program. I hold a BA in theatre history and art history from Marymount Manhattan College. My dream job involves working at a performing arts library, preferably as someone who connects all people to plays, playwrights, and theatre history. While not deep in the stacks of the closest library, I can be found reading from my own play and theatre collection, laying in sunny spots with my two cats, and drinking Diet Coke. I love to see plays and musicals and I think my taste in TV is unmatched. As a huge nerd, I have a deep passion for learning and feel that reading and writing can unlock endless possibilities for all. I look forward to being in service to the many, brilliant minds of Dominican.
Hobbies / Interests
- Seeing live theatre
- Journaling
- Vegetarianism
- Crossword puzzles
- Book/play collecting
- (Most recently) reading cookbooks and learning to really cook
What Being a Writing Fellow Means to Me
I am so grateful to have an opportunity to connect with my fellow students. Coming from two semesters of online classes, I’m most excited to participate in in-person learning, listening, and assisting. I also look forward to showing everyone how beautiful and easy academic research and writing can be.
Favorite Book / Intellectual Passion
I’m sure it’s obvious by this point, but my intellectual passion is theatre! In my ideal world, everyone has at least one play they connect with on a deep and personal level. I know in my bones that there is a play out there for everyone, and there are many that suit my interests and needs when I read and see them. One I saw a couple of years ago completely changed the way I look at and experience one-woman shows. Proof of Love by Chisa Hutchinson is about a woman who is finding out her perfect husband has been having an affair for years—all while he is in a coma. The entire story is told so well through just one setting, one character, one point of view. The last few lines had the entire audience gasping. It is a masterclass in dramatic writing and I hope everyone has the chance to see, read, and feel that play for themselves.
MIchael Kostecki
My name is Michael Kostecki, I am a 19-year-old Polish American born and raised in the United States. At Dominican, I will be entering my sophomore year ready to take on the challenge as an Honors pre-nursing major. I am very passionate about school, and I love to learn new things, which is why I consider myself a bookworm.
Hobbies / Interests
- Soccer
- Weightlifting
- MMA
- Manga
- Walking/running
- Bouldering
- School
What Being a Writing Fellow Means to Me
To me a writing fellow is someone who is passionate about helping others succeed. I've gone to the writing center multiple times, and I've always felt better about my writing after the appointment. I want to help make others feel the same way. I have a passion to help others and I like to consider myself a people person, which is also one of the reasons I chose pre-nursing as my major.
Favorite Book / Intellectual Passion
I am very passionate about psychology and was interested in adding it as a minor. I've taken PSYC 101 and PSYC 212 and they've been my favorite classes without a doubt. Some of my highest marks come from those two classes. I am also passionate for Trevor Noah's Born a Crime. I read it for CRWS 102, and it is one of the only books I've read where I could get lost in the story for hours. It taught me a lot about life during Apartheid, and I believe that it changed me for the better.
Lorena Murguia
Hi everybody! My name is Lorena Murguia; I am a sophomore and an English major. I hope to take my English degree and one day become an Imagineer for the Walt Disney Company. For those of you who don't know, the Imagineers are the people responsible for bringing Disney’s fantastical worlds and beloved characters to life. One day, when I become a part of their team, I will be responsible for creating storyboards for new attractions and cultivating ideas for a new cruise line, theme park, or resort. In the meantime, I love spending time with my family and friends, trying new places to eat, or jamming to music in the car.
Hobbies / Interests
- Playing softball
- Singing
- Listening to music
- Watching Disney/Marvel movies
- Cooking
- Traveling
- Meeting new people :)
What Being a Writing Fellow Means to Me
Being a writing fellow gives me the opportunity to help other students gain confidence in their writing skills! While we all might not be published authors, everyone possesses writing skills. The hardest part of the writing process is getting started and I want to help students find their story within their prompts!
Favorite Book / Intellectual Passion
My favorite book by far has to be Sandra Cisneros' The House on Mango Street. I read this book as a freshman in high school, and it was the first book I read where I felt seen as a reader. Sandra Cisneros uses short stories within this book to describe her experience as a Mexican American woman. This was my first time reading a piece that captured in words how I have been feeling my whole life. I have always felt like a weird middle in between my two identities, as I’m sure other first-generation students have felt within their lifetime. It was so refreshing to read a book that wasn’t purely fantastical fiction or a romance, but a book about an experience many go through. I love that book to pieces and highly recommend it!
Karen Reyes
Hello! My name is Karen Reyes and I am a first-generation student here at Dominican. I am currently a junior and am double majoring in English and secondary education and minoring in professional writing. I have aspirations of joining the field of education, but I am super passionate about reading and writing. I dream of becoming a published author.
Hobbies / Interests
- Reading
- Writing
- Watching Marvel Movies
- Traveling
- Trying New Foods
What Being a Writing Fellow Means to Me
To me, Writing Fellows is an opportunity to develop as a writer and gain the strengths needed to help others. As well as a chance to get to know my peers and engage with the Dominican community.
Favorite Book / Intellectual Passion
My favorite book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. The book was given to me by my grandfather and through this book I was able to learn a different way of looking at life and was inspired to pursue my passions.
Vanessa Solis
Hi! My name is Vanessa Solis, and I am a rising sophomore majoring in neuroscience with a concentration in neurobiology. In the future, I hope to work in the medical field by doing research or caring for patients. I have lived in a Chicago suburb my entire life, but my family's roots are in Zacatecas, Mexico. I love visiting my relatives in the motherland because we gather to eat great food while sharing stories. Therefore, I hope to embrace my humble beginnings that fueled my passion for writing as I assist my peers at Dominican, reminding them of the simplicity yet significance of their personal experiences.
Hobbies / Interests
- Hiking/exploring nature
- Reading
- Theology and religion
- Cooking
- Learning different languages and cultures
- Cleaning and organizing
What Being a Writing Fellow Means to Me
Being a Writing Fellow means I can help others embed their voices into unexpected places like essays and class assignments. I look forward to mutual learning and meeting new people through the internship. One of my goals is to lessen the barrier between STEM and humanities, noting their vitality and interdependence.
Favorite Book / Intellectual Passion
Having a driven personality and enamored by self-improvement, reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho highlighted the purpose of life, inspiring me to explore the world around me with an open mind.