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,

Lead Writing Tutor

Hello everyone! My name is Phivin Cheng, and I am a student at Highline College.

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 Nursing in Highline, 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

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.

I became a writing tutor mostly because I like reading and want to have outstanding writing skills, and I believe tutoring in the writing center will give me that. My major is Mechanical Engineering. After getting my diploma from Highline I want to transfer to a four-year university to have my Degree. I am scared of dolls; I think they are secretly alive.

Rady

I want to become a writing tutor because I want to help students who are struggling with their writing assignment and English class. Moreover, I want to keep improving my writing skill, and gaining new experience as a tutor. My major of interest at Highline is associate of science in Biology. My long-term career goals, I want to transfer to university after completing my degree at Highline college to get bachelor’s degree of biology. After that, I would like to apply to pharmacy school.  I want to become a pharmacist in the future. One “fun fact” about me is I love chocolate so much.

Zamzam

I became a writing tutor because I have always been very interested in reading and writing and it has always been one of my strongest subjects. Additionally, I have experience with teaching and tutoring children so I wanted a job that would combine both passions. My area of interest at Highline is psychology. My long-term educational goals are to get a masters in psychology and then move on to become a psychologist. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy working on digital art in my free time.

Jeremiah

I became a writing tutor so that I could not only assist others with their ability to write and learn new information, but so I could also do the same. I’m currently working on getting my AA to transfer to the University of Washington and work towards an English degree, and in the future, I’d like to work in the film/entertainment industry, and ultimately be a film director. One fun fact about me is that I do voice acting and am currently working on writing a novel and a film script.

Yeabsira

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.

Grace

Hey there, My name is Grace Njiiri, I am a tutor at the Writing Center at Highline College.

I decided to become a tutor because I genuinely love sharing knowledge and assisting others in grasping challenging concepts. There’s something incredibly rewarding about witnessing someone’s understanding blossom with a little guidance and support.

I want to make a difference in the healthcare industry as a nurse with a long term of majoring in anesthesia.

Fun fact about me is I find great joy in gardening flowers, especially Dahlias and Ranunculus, which happen to be my favorite blooms.

Can’t wait to see you at the writing center.

Fenet

Hello everyone, my name is Fenet and I am a current writing tutor. Why I became a writing tutor is because I want to be helpful towards others who struggle with writing and vocabulary as I did years before. My major is Biology AA and something that is my interest is Dermatology. My long term educational goal is to become a doctor specializing in dermatology and going through medical school and residency. One fun fact about myself is that I am a twin.

Mary

Hey everyone! My name is Mary and I became a writing tutor because I love to help and guide people through their learning journey. Being a part of something as special as helping students find their voices through writing makes me feel great because I get to have such a positive impact on this campus. So I have decided to use that passion of mine to become a writing tutor!

I am currently working on a biology AA here at Highline and I plan to go to a 4-year university (preferably UW-Seattle). My career goal is to specialize in Dermatology. One fun fact about me is that I once read 159 books in one year!

Arvin

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.

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

Josh

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

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! 

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.