Abigail (she/her)
I sing in a local klezmer band (Freilach Time), teach classes and lead prayers at my synagogue, and recently adopted a platonically perfect kitten named GusGus. I love that writing shows me not only WHAT I think but THAT I think something. I also love that it gives me a way to share stories, information, and possibilities with other people. When I am procrastinating on my writing, I start ambitious sewing projects and call my mom.
Languages: English (fluent); modern Hebrew (learning); German (learning); Russian (learning); biblical, rabbinic, and medieval Hebrew (reading and writing); Yiddish (reading and writing); Babylonian Aramaic (reading and writing); Latin (reading and writing); Attic Greek (reading and writing)
Anna-Paden
I love exploring new foods and places, watching fun movies, and hiking with my husband and our two mini-goldendoodles, Maury and Sprout. Writing is one of my favorite practices because it helps me process ideas and shape arguments, both in academic projects and personal reflections. When I procrastinate, you’ll usually find me reading, falling down research rabbit holes, or catching up with friends over coffee.
Languages: English (fluent); Spanish (fluent); Latin (proficient)
Cade (he/him)
Beyond the university, I am a working DJ, producer, and event organizer. When I need a break I am just as likely to be flying my kite as I am to be running around a disc golf course. My writing process is messy, non-linear, and unique to me. Helping writers discover their own process is my favorite part of my work with the Writing Studio.
Languages: English (fluent); Japanese (learning); Spanish (learning); Sanskrit (reading and writing only)
Cameron (she/her)
Hi, I’m Cameron! I enjoy reading, writing poetry/short stories, going to the gym, and baking. My favorite thing about writing is all the different forms it can come in, and watching a piece come to life. When I’m trying to avoid writing, I like to spontaneously organize things that don’t need to be organized, or find a friend to chat with.
Languages: English (fluent); Mandarin Chinese (learning)
Cierra (she/her)
In my free time, I love running, reading, doing anything outdoors, and trying new foods. I think it’s beautiful how all different types of writing are able to capture shared emotions, ideas, or experiences in unexpected ways, whether it’s through a technical memo, an argumentative paper, or a personal narrative. When I’m trying to avoid writing, you can find me at the gardens, in the climbing gym, or working on fun projects at the Co-Lab.
Languages: English (fluent); Mandarin Chinese (speaking only)
Claire (she/her)
My hobbies include playing games of all kinds, making handmade greeting cards, and exploring new places with my friends. My favorite thing about writing is the satisfaction of stepping back and seeing tangible progress made as I work through my writing process. When I’m trying to avoid writing, you’ll often find me doing hands-on work like shelving books or scanning documents at the Duke Rubenstein Library, where I work as a student assistant.
Languages: English (fluent); Spanish (fluent); Korean (learning)
Emily
I’m a landscape painter and classical flutist. I love trees and if I’m not painting them, you’ll probably find me walking amongst them and admiring the foliage. My favorite thing about writing is that writing helps me crystallize a large body of work and thinking, in the same way that an art exhibit or flute recital cohesively brings together years of painting or flute practice. I enjoy seeing how the sundry of thoughts in my head can tumble out as neat prose on paper. When I’m trying to avoid writing, I paint or play my flute or go for a long, wandering walk.
Languages: English (fluent); Chinese (fluent); French (learning, basic speaking, listening, reading, writing)
Ivy (she/her)
In my time outside of the Studio, you can find me reading thriller novels, exercising at the gym, or dilly dallying around campus. I love writing as a means of sharing my passions with others and finding new ways to express myself. When I’m avoiding writing, I often reorganize my hours long playlists or scroll on Pinterest in an attempt to feel semi-productive.
Languages: English (fluent); Spanish (conversational)
Jaeyeon
Outside of work, you can find me cooking big meals, practicing my accordion, or throwing some lopsided pottery. I also run a community choir! My favorite part of writing is the rereading and editing process. When I’m avoiding writing, I try to get away from the screen and go outside for a long walk or pet my cat.
Languages: English (fluent); Korean (fluent); Russian (learning, can hold conversations and read); German (reading and writing only)
Jamie (she/her)
When I'm not writing, I'm usually reading or watching science fiction, cooking spicy food, hanging out under the full moon, or thinking about climate change. My favorite thing about writing is when I finally get something down on paper that's been banging around inside my head for days. When I'm trying to avoid writing, I usually go outside and watch some animals.
Languages: English (fluent); Hawaiian (learning); Spanish (learning)
Jane (she/her)
Hi, I'm Jane! I read a lot of books and bake a lot of bread. My favorite thing about writing is getting granular about details. When I'm trying to avoid writing, I try to get out into some fresh air and quite literally touch grass.
Languages: English (fluent)
John (he/him)
My hobbies include reading detective fiction, making short films, and trail running. My favorite thing about writing is being able to research and explore something I’m interested in. When I’m trying to avoid writing, I’m probably watching something on the Criterion Channel.
Languages: English (fluent)
Julia
I love to listen to audiobooks (mysteries and thrillers) and music, watch movies, and try new coffee shops with friends. I enjoy writing the most when I feel like I have conveyed my ideas in the exact way I envisioned, and when I successfully craft a compelling argument. When I’m not writing, I love to do things with my hands, whether that means testing new recipes in the kitchen, knitting/crocheting, or throwing new projects on the pottery wheel.
Languages: English (fluent)
Kara (she/her)
Hi, I’m Kara! My hobbies include reading for pleasure, listening to Finnish dance music, and complaining about the weather. My favorite thing about writing is the feeling of gratification that comes with successfully communicating my ideas to others. When not writing, I am probably watching a drama or on facetime with a friend.
Languages: English (fluent); Latin (reading and writing)
Layelle (she/her)
Hi! My name is Layelle, and I love trying new coffee shops, going on walks, and reading! My favorite thing about writing is the pure satisfaction of detangling a messy concept, watching it evolve as I work on the piece. When I’m trying to avoid writing, I love going out with friends or meeting new people– including you!
Languages: English (fluent); French (fluent); Levantine Arabic (speaking)
Luma
In my free time, I enjoy working out or playing sports, taking pictures of landscapes or wildlife, and being outdoors while reading a good book, and perhaps playing with a dog. My favorite thing about writing is how it enables people to express ideas, feelings, and relay information. Whether a more academic-centered to a creative piece, writing allows people to communicate their thoughts, opinions, as well as data. When I am trying to avoid writing I talk to people–especially if I am stuck on a paper. It helps me not have to deal with the actual writing, while still doing something productive about the text.
Languages: Portuguese (native); English (fluent); Spanish (proficient)
Margaret (she/her)
Some things I enjoy are reading (especially fiction and history), walking (especially in the woods), cooking and eating Indian food, and spending time in the mountains or with my wonderful cat. My favorite thing about writing is using visual techniques, such as concept mapping and color. Laying things out visually really helps me with all kinds of writing process and problems, including brainstorming and organization. When I’m trying to avoid writing, decluttering my home becomes appealing. If I’m avoiding writing it usually means I’m feeling stuck, so I try breaking the writing task into smaller parts.
Maryn
My hobbies include reading fantasy/science fiction/speculative fiction, playing videogames, writing poetry, cooking/baking, swimming, working at the campus farm, and frolicking outdoors. I love that feeling you get when the words you’ve written on the page match the words inside your head as well as that feeling when you surprise yourself when you happen to write something cool. When I need to write, I always feel especially motivated to clean my home and cook a big meal.
Languages - English (fluent); Spanish (proficient)
Mina (she/her)
To jump right into it, I love finding new things to do like origami, dyeing my hair, or watching shows in different languages. Writing is also one of my hobbies, and I love watching other people get excited about their writing just as I do with mine. If I’m not writing, I’m probably watching new mystery shows or reading its book equivalent after I’ve watched the show.
Languages: English (fluent); Korean (fluent); Japanese (Proficient); Mandarin Chinese (learning); Spanish (listening proficient, speaking learning)
Prisha (she/her)
In my free time, I love to watch TV and movies, draw, journal, cook, go on walks, and listen to music. I really should read more, but when I do, I usually like to read historical and speculative fiction! I also should write more, but my favorite thing about writing is getting to learn more about myself and the world around me through the process. It also helps me to organize my thoughts, and it’s really rewarding to make a final product that you can be proud of. When I’m not writing, I’m probably talking to my family and friends, unwillingly thinking about the future, or doing all of my hobbies to pretend that I’m writing!
Languages: English (fluent); Hindi (proficient); Mandarin Chinese (learning); Spanish (learning)
Randel (he/him)
Hi there, I’m Randel! I’m a passionate cook and self-taught figure skater. In my free time I read, write, fold paper cranes, play electric guitar, attend bar trivia, and stare at trees and grass moving in the wind. I have a deep respect for how writing can translate moments of time through powerful imagery, especially with bodies of water and meteorological phenomena. In writing, I aim for precision and deliberate storytelling.
Languages: English (native); Filipino (native); Spanish (fluent); Portuguese (proficient); French (proficient); Levantine Arabic (learning); Cantonese (learning)
Rylee
I am an avid nature lover, crochet enthusiast, and forever a productive procrastinator. I love being active, nerding out over literally anything, and puzzle nights with friends. My favorite thing about writing is how it serves as an invaluable way to connect with others. When I am trying to avoid writing, I plan elaborate road trips or drive to either end of the state of North Carolina for fun!
Languages: English (fluent); Spanish (learning)
Samantha
In my free time, I love to bake, take walks through nature, watch Gilmore Girls and hang out with my friends. My goal in life is while I learn languages, I also learn to bake and cook foods from that culture! I enjoy writing because it allows us to communicate and organize what’s happening in our mind.
Languages: English (fluent); Spanish (fluent); French (B1/B2)
Samara
When I’m not in the studio, I love to go running and walking shelter dogs at APS. I enjoy writing because I enjoy creating and thinking new thoughts. When I’m trying to avoid writing, I’m probably taking a nap.
Languages: English (fluent); French (reading); Spanish (learning)