Lily Pecoriello

Lily is a junior from New York City pursuing a major in English literature and a double minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Legal Studies. In addition to her love for writing and reading (especially psychological thrillers), Lily is passionate about the world of fashion. She previously worked as the creative director of Strike Magazine STL — a fashion and lifestyle magazine on campus — and is excited to fulfill the role of co-editor in chief this semester. 

What brought you to The Writing Center? 

I found out about The Writing Center as a first-year student through my former professor who served as a member of the staff. Due to the intimacy of our four-person class — one of the many things I love about the English major — I had the privilege of learning about the fantastic functions of the WC, as well as my professor’s positive experience in this role. Working closely with the faculty over the past few months has only solidified my admiration for the work that is done at the Writing Center.

What do you like most about working with writers at The Writing Center?

My favorite part of the job is getting to watch students’ confidence in their papers or general writing abilities grow during a session. Many writers come in expressing distress about their (self-proclaimed) poor writing skills, and dread about completing whatever writing assignment they were given. However, writing does not have to be such an anxiety-inducing task. Getting to watch a student’s nerves ease when they realize their capacities as a writer is an incomparable experience. 

What do you find most challenging as a writer?

Vulnerability. Though I am comfortable writing argumentative and analytical papers, I have always struggled to write openly and authentically about myself. I can’t say I have overcome this hurdle yet, but writing a nightly journal entry has been a helpful exercise in doing so – I highly recommend! 

What advice do you have for writers?

Outlines! I know outlining can sometimes feel repetitive or arduous, especially if you were forced to write them in high school. I get it, trust me — but I often find that my ideas are all over the place when I’m starting a paper, and creating a road map for myself, no matter how informal, is so helpful to organize my thoughts.