Rachel Bai

Rachel is a junior from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, majoring in accounting and double minoring in writing and environmental studies. Her involvements on campus include Moneythink, Uncle Joe’s Peer Counseling, the Olin Business Council, Armour Fashion Magazine, and Strike Magazine STL. Outside of school, she loves reading, playing the NYT mini-games, eating good food, and spending time with her friends and family (and cat). 

What brought you to The Writing Center?

I heard about The Writing Center through a friend who spoke highly about her own experience.  She recommended it highly, so I decided to come and see for myself. The tutors I worked with were so kind and helpful, and their guidance greatly enhanced my academic experience at WashU. 

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

Writing can be very vulnerable and intimate even if the subject isn’t necessarily so. Unlike other more objective subjects, it doesn’t have a right or wrong answer. Each paper, or even each sentence, offers a window into the writer’s mind and thought process. Writing is a form of personal expression where the impact of words can vary based on the writer’s intent and the reader’s perspective. Thus, I think that being a tutor is a very special way to meet new people and understand them on a unique level.

What challenges you most about writing?

I often find myself wanting every sentence to be “perfect” before writing the next. This tendency to dwell on every word can make it difficult to maintain momentum and progress through a piece, causing frustration and diminishing my motivation. I’m definitely still learning how to balance quality with the need to move forward.

What advice do you have for writers?

Don’t put yourself into a box. You are not a “bad” writer, no matter what previous professors or people in your life have told you. Don’t negatively program yourself into thinking: “I’m just not someone who writes.” Writing is a skill that evolves with practice and feedback, and each person has their own voice and valuable perspectives to share. It’s easier said than done, but embrace the process to the best of your ability and remember that every writer, no matter how experienced or well-accredited, is always learning.