Trini
Hello! I’m Trini (she/her), an MFA graduate from Emily Carr. I’m from Buenos Aires, Argentina where I studied Visual Arts with a focus in painting. I’m bilingual, Spanish being my first language, so please feel free to chat with me in Spanish if you’d like!
I am mostly a painter, but recently I’ve been working with video-installation as well. I spend a lot of time recording, screenshotting, collecting and archiving live security camera footage from strangers, and I get to write about that!
Outside of the studio, I get into hobbies very easily. I’ve somehow managed to become an amateur expert at sewing, knitting, weightlifting, cats and remote long-distance hiking (something I thoroughly enjoyed doing in Patagonia).
I know how challenging it can be to adjust to pursuing studies in a second language, and in a new cultural environment. I’m looking forward to being a peer tutor at the Writing Centre and getting to know your unique voice!
Claire
Hello! I’m Claire (she/they), and I’m currently in my second year majoring in Communication Design.
I love all forms of storytelling, and tend to fall in love with a new novel, movie, album, or artwork every week. When I’m not at school, you’ll usually find me curled up with a good book, hiking through trails in the lower mainland, or cry-singing along to whatever song I’m currently obsessed with.
I love how everyone approaches writing, research, and storytelling in a different way. We all have so much to learn from each other. I’m so excited to learn with you, and to help you along in your writing journey, whatever stage of it you may be at.
Neva
Hi, everyone! My name is Neva (she/her), and I’m a Communication Design student going into my 2nd year at ECU. If you can’t find me working, I’ll either be dancing, in the wellness kitchen, or lost in one of my playlists. I can’t wait to contribute to the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the Writing Centre — it’s an honour to work with such amazing people.
Though I am reserved, I’m always looking forward to meeting new people! ECU is home to some of the most wonderful and unique people I’ve ever met, and it’s always an honour to learn a little bit more about them. I can’t wait to meet you, and to be a part of your journey to writing greatness!
Naysa
Hello there!! My name is Naysa (she/her), and I’m an international student from Dubai, majoring in industrial design.
My three main passions are bingeing and rewatching TV shows, specifically sitcoms like Parks and Rec and Community; hyper-fixating on a new sport or art-related hobby every few months (currently running and crocheting); and listening to music while cuddling my dogs. I also play the drums!
I speak both English and Malayalam and usually spend my summer holidays improving my writing and reading skills in Malayalam.
As an international student myself, I know how intimidating it can be to get used to the writing practices and expectations in a new environment, especially in a university setting. But what I love about writing at university is that you have (almost) all the freedom when making writing choices. If you ever need support or a friend to talk to or ask questions about your writing, feel free to drop by; I’m a great listener, and I would be thrilled to be a part of your writing journey!!
Ayanna
Hi friends!! My name is Ayanna (she/her), and I am a third-year illustration major. Aside from my usual student responsibilities, I enjoy spending my time playing guitar, baking, and exploring new places.Amara
Hello! My name is Amara (she/her) and I’m an international student from the Philippines, majoring in 3D Animation. I grew up in Manila, but have spent many years living in Shanghai, China—so feel free to speak to me in English, Tagalog, or Mandarin! Besides geeking out about animated films/TV, I love reading all kinds of books: romance novels, literature classics, self-help books, and mangas/manhwas! No matter what type of media I am consuming, I love picking apart choices in narrative, character development, and dialogue to find meaning and subtext that reveal a lot about us as humans and as a society.
Katelyn
Hi! I’m Katelyn (she/her), and I’m a 4th year Visual Arts student at ECUAD. I completed my diploma in photography in 2018 and moved to Vancouver from Toronto. In my current practice, I am focusing mainly on ceramics and printmaking but I also love using different technologies and design practices as well to create my pieces. In ceramics, I have found a passion for mold-making and using 3D modelling and printing in the process. I also love experimenting with glaze and want to focus more on creating my own glazes this year in my VAST.
In printmaking, I love screen printing and hope to combine these practices more by screen printing on clay. Outside of school, I am an avid hobby collector. I am currently into board games, reading, sewing, embroidery and I’d like to learn to knit by the end of the year. Any tips would be more than welcome! I also love to learn, and find myself constantly trying to gain more knowledge by reading, researching and talking to others about everything and anything. Before becoming a peer tutor, I frequented the Writing Centre to get feedback for my written assignments and I found it super beneficial to have someone else to bounce ideas off of. I hope you’ll come by and we can chat about your projects, ideas or tips for knitting (or anything else)!
Miles
Hi!! My name is Miles (he/him) and I’m going into my 4th year at ECU, majoring in Visual Arts and minoring in Curatorial Practices. My studio practice mainly focuses in painting, bookmaking, and print. Aside from the studio, I spend most of my time out with my friends, or picking up a new hobby (which I’m likely to forget about after a few weeks). I’m currently trying to get more into sewing and making my own clothes, though I have been getting distracted watching Love Island. It took me quite some time to develop my writing voice and style.
From experience, I know it can be challenging to feel confident in your writing, since it’s so personal to who you are and how you communicate. I was pretty intimidated when I first got to ECU and had to use my writing in a completely different environment from my hometown. For me, the Writing Centre was a place where I gained confidence from a second opinion, and developed connections and friendships with my tutors! I’d like to give back the same support I’ve received through my time at ECU, and offer my advice on both writing and navigating a new environment! I’m excited to learn with you and work towards your writing goals this school year!
Michaela
Hello beautiful people! I’m Michaela, my pronouns are they/them and I’m a second year visual arts major.
In my art practice I enjoy making sculptural pieces, performance art about social practice and upcycling clothes. Using my art to decorate spaces, express myself authentically and connect with others is what draws me most to these mediums!
Having a sense of community at school is important to me and I think peer tutoring is a great way of building it. I’m excited to get to know you and what you’re working on:)
Jatin
Jatin is still currently writing…..
Ryah
Hi! I’m Ryah and I’m currently the Learning Commons Program Assistant.
I work in media, storytelling and community engagement, and I focus on creating vibrant atmospheres that often reflect my lived experiences growing up in the Caribbean. I am actively contributing to discussions surrounding Caribbean identity, representation, and cultural influence within Canadian communities.
I’m here to support the tutors, students and faculty. I also love being a resource in any way I can , even if it’s just brainstorming ideas or needing an ear for feedback . I’ve always enjoyed creating in all forms , from writing short stories to world building from a young age.
We all have different methods of communicating and learning , so I know writing methods look different for everyone ! Trying to understand each other’s cultural context is really important in building relationships so I hope I can help you feel at ease and enjoy the learning commons space.
I have so many things I enjoy! Though, one of my main hobbies is fashion, so if you ever need help with picking an outfit come ask me!
Sara
Hi! My name is Sara and I’m an Associate Professor, Learning Specialist.
After attending Emily Carr as an undergraduate (where you were most likely to find me in the ceramics studio), I studied East Asian art history at the University of Toronto. There, as a graduate student, I researched and wrote on the Second Sino-Japanese war’s effects on contemporary art, mostly centred around the imaginary Cyborg. I read and speak Japanese, and have spent several years studying Mandarin but mostly for reading.
You might see me in classes giving workshops on writing, reading, brain storming, or project planning (especially HUMN100/101); sometimes teaching in Grad Studies or Art History; or working one-on-one with students. I’m looking forward to meeting you, and hearing your story at Emily Carr, as a student, writer, thinker, and maker.
Heather
Heather Fitzgerald is the Coordinator of the Writing Centre and Interim Director of Teaching and Learning. She has been teaching academic writing for the past fifteen years, at both Emily Carr and the University of Toronto, and has a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages through Woodsworth College (UToronto). Previously, she worked for six years as a lexicographer on the Canadian Oxford Dictionary project with Oxford University Press. And even before that she worked for many years as a copywriter for marketing and advertising companies in Calgary, Toronto and New York, writing many many words that very few people read!