JaeLeesa Smith,

Program Specialist 2, Academic Success Center

Graduate from Highline College and Central Washington University, with the desire to give back to the same community that has continued to bring me so much joy. In my role, I work hard to ensure students are aware and utilize the FREE Resources and Services that can help with their academic success. If looking you can find me in the Academic Success Centers, greeting and connecting students with peer tutors to receive academic support. Each student’s success is my goal, therefore think of me as a helpful steppingstone towards your own desired path of greatness.

Prairie Brown

Director, Highline Writing Center

Prairie has enjoyed teaching at Highline since 2017, where she has taught a variety of English classes as well as spending a year directing the Advising Center. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Portland State University and a Master of Arts degree in English, with a focus on American Literature, Rhetoric and Composition, from Central Washington University. Before coming to Highline, she taught at North Seattle College and taught and directed the Learning Commons at Central Washington University. Her primary teaching and scholarship interests include pre-college writing and writing center studies, and she is thrilled to be the incoming director of the Highline Writing Center. Outside of class, she loves baking, reading cozy mysteries, and traveling.

Phivin,

English 101 Embedded Tutor

Hello everyone! My name is Phivin Cheng, and I am a student at the University of Washington.

The reason why I became a writing tutor is that I love helping my peers feel more confident in their writing skills. Currently, I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health informatics, and my long-time career goal would be somewhere in the medical field. But I am also interested in the tech-field, so right now, I will be exploring different career paths and pursuing nursing on the side.

One fun fact about me is that I can speak three languages fluently.

Carley,

English 101 Embedded Tutor

Languages: English

Hello everyone! My name is Carley, and I am an embedded tutor here at Highline College. As an embedded tutor, I split my time between helping students in a classroom setting and at the Writing Center. Writing is my passion, and I am always excited to talk with students about their writing. My interest in storytelling and creating opportunities for authentic communication led me to pursue a BA in English and an AA in Multimedia. I love mixing written, audible, and visual forms of communication to present stories.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, traveling, playing games, being active, and spending time with family, friends, and my dog.

Mildred

Languages: English, Swahili

My passion for tutoring was sparked during my composition 101 class where I discovered the power of writing and the importance of clear communication.

I was fascinated learning essential English language conventions while exploring the wring process. In the process as peers, we held group discussions and assisted group members to understand challenging assignments in turn supporting our learning and deepened understanding. Through this experience, I realized that I enjoyed peer learning which allowed for a deeper interaction at times explained in a language that we could all easily understand as peers. I therefore decided to offer my service in guiding other students and growing alongside them.

Currently, I’m pursuing an associate in pre-nursing with a view of transitioning to a Bachelor of Science, Nursing. My goal is to become a highly effective and competitive nurse. I intend to specialize in Psychiatric care. I believe mental health is one of the most prevalent conditions of our time.

one fun fact about me is that I have a passion in learning languages. Unfortunately, I have never learnt any foreign language to a high competency level. I have basic competency (A1) in French and Germany. One of the reasons why this is that to truly internalize a language it calls for participation in the language speaking community if not, with time, the language fades away. I therefore understand that it is important to support our learners to whom English is their second language. Because, learning a second language is re-shaping how you think, express yourself, and how you see the world. As a writing tutor, I acknowledge that to students to whom English is a second language, writing in English can feel like navigating a maze with unfamiliar tools. The reason why as I assist fellow students, I will uphold patience, empathy, and encouragement.

Yeabsira

Languages: English, Amharic

Hi Everyone! My name is Yeabsira and I am a student here at Highline College.

I became a writing tutor because I love helping people and I always think that there is something magical about guiding fellow students through the writing process. As I am helping others, I keep discovering more about myself. And I find their challenges becoming my lessons.

Currently I am working to get my AA in Biology at Highline and planning on transferring to a 4-year university preferably University of Washington and specialize in dermatology.

One fun fact about me is that I am allergic to sweets but I keep having them.

Rawan

Languages: English

Hello, everyone! My name is Rawan. I am currently a Running Start student at Highline College.

I want to be a writing tutor as I have struggled immensely with writing throughout my journey. When challenging topics arose, I would ask for assistance from professors. Although they tried to help, I still didn’t fully understand and was ashamed to ask again. So I simply sat there, in my confusion. I want the students I tutor to understand everything and not feel ashamed of their confusion. I’ll make sure they leave with their questions answered and knowledge gained. Not only will students gain, but also oneself. Teaching others is an important stage in the learning process and will improve my writing skills. My major at Highline College is biology, and while I have a passion for writing, I enjoy STEM and hope to pursue a career in it. My long-term educational goal is to expand my knowledge and abilities while growing myself as a person. I want to thrive academically and grow into someone who is respected and inspiring to others.

If you need help, please come by; I look forward to meeting you.

-Rawan

Arvin

Languages: English, Punjabi

I became a writing tutor because since my childhood I have always been a huge fan of helping the people around me. I also always loved the idea of writing as well, because it allowed you to express your thoughts in such detail, and you can give your thoughts in such an artistic and elegant way. My major at Highline is Biology, and I am pursuing a career in the medical field. My long-term/education goals are to get into Medical School and become a Medical Doctor in a medical specialty. One fun fact about me is that I was originally born in California, and I was brought here by my parents to live with my grandparents for the first 3 years of my life.

Josh, Lead Writing Tutor

Languages: English, Spanish

Hi, my name is Josh and I actually became a writing tutor because my English professor recommended it to me. I enjoy meeting new people and have always loved writing, and felt that tutoring in the Writing Center would be perfect for me! I started my first quarter back in Fall 2024 and am majoring in Multimedia Design. I hope to eventually work on films and tv on the production side of things, think editing, scriptwriting, and cinematography. One fun fact about me is that I love cooking and baking! (I just hate cleaning up afterwards)

Isabella

Languages: English, Vietnamese

Hi everyone! My name is Isabella Nguyen, and I’m a Running Start student at Highline 😊 

I became a writing tutor because I enjoy helping others express their ideas clearly and discover their unique voices. I’m a Pre-Nursing major with plans to earn my AA next year and pursue a BSN afterward. My long-term goal is to become a registered nurse specializing in pediatrics. I love connecting with people and believe writing is a powerful way to share ideas and make an impact. A fun fact about me is that I play both the piano and violin. 

I look forward to working with you soon! 

Ocea

Languages: English

Hello everyone! I’m Ocea, She/They.

I enrolled at Highline as the first step toward a career in Art Therapy. Last year, I was the Managing Editor for Arcturus, Highline’s annual Literary Arts Magazine, and a Student Leader on the National Poetry Month Committee.

Moving forward, I’m so excited to be a part of the Writing Center team starting this Fall. I’m honored to provide support and uphold a safe space for my peers to ask for help!

My pre-existing professional background consists of 15+ years in the food/bev industries, primarily high-volume craft bartending, and band/event photography. In my free time, I attend to my ever-growing collection of unfinished art projects, play various games, cook up a storm and throw the ball for my dog, Valentine.

Soledad

I became a writing tutor because I’m passionate about helping others improve their writing while also strengthening my own skills. I enjoy working with students to develop their ideas and express themselves more clearly. Right now, I’m a Running Start student, and I’m working towards earning my Associate’s degree. After that, I plan to pursue a Bachelor’s in Education and eventually a Master’s in Counseling. One “fun fact” about me is that I love horror movies.

Sardor

My name is Sardor Khakimov. I like English language, and I express my ideas in writing better. Although my area of interest at Highline is Computer Science, I became a writing tutor because I want to help students to improve their English writing. My long-term career goal is to grow at computer science and work in this area. I also like art and sports.

Vy

Languages: English, Vietnamese

I became a tutor since I would love to help others improve their writing and communication. Moreover, I also aim to improve my own communicate, writing and tutoring skills. I would believe that writing is a skill that affects every subject and career, so I find it rewarding to support others as well as myself to improve this significant skill. I am currently majoring in Accounting in Highline College and in the future, I plan to continue pursuing an Accounting major after transferring to a university. One fun fact about me is that I am the kind of person who really enjoy writing and music, they can help me to feel more comfortable and release my pressure.

Tram (Flora)

Languages: English, Vietnamese

Hi! I am Tram, you can call me Flora.There are lots of reasons that I choose to become a writing tutor. One of them is that I want to support people who are struggling with writing such as essays or reports in their class. I am purchasing Pre-nursing at Highline college. To be honest, I plan to study at Highline College in 2 years and then transfer to University in order to chase my dream to become a nurse. I will use my certification to help disadvantaged people or the one who cannot have a chance to access hospital service. One fun fact about me is that I love eating ice-cream during the winter season. I think it’s a little bit weird but I enjoy this feeling.