Lily Coll

Lily is a junior from the DC area majoring in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies and minoring in biology. On campus, she writes for the health magazine Frontiers and is involved in public health research at the Brown School. In her free time she enjoys dancing, hiking, and writing poetry.

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What brought you to The Writing Center?
I loved the idea of being part of a collaborative and encouraging space where it felt safe to ask for feedback on your work! One of the best things I’ve learned how to do in college is take advantage of the academic resources and help that’s available on campus, and I wanted to be a part of that.

What do you like most about working with writers at The Writing Center?
Something that I have loved about working with writers is getting to hear about topics and classes which I would otherwise never experience. I love getting to read what each writer is passionate about, it reminds me how diverse and amazing our campus is!

What do you find most challenging about writing?
For me, the most challenging thing about writing is the very beginning of any writing project. I often find myself nervous or unsure of how to begin. Learning to be a Writing Center tutor and use brainstorming techniques such as free writing has really helped me make progress with this personal challenge!

What advice do you have for writers?
One piece of advice I have for writers is to push yourselves to write using a style, or on a subject, which might be out of your comfort zone. I took a poetry class my sophomore year and it completely transformed the way I approach my writing. I’ve learned that taking risks in your writing will always pay off in the end!