Rachel Hochberg

Rachel (she/her) is a senior from Highland Park, Illinois majoring in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and minoring in writing and cognitive neuroscience on the premed track. On campus, Rachel is involved with Night Off and Save a Child’s Heart. She also volunteers with Right By You, a texting hotline that helps connect people with reproductive resources. In her free time, she loves listening to music, cooking, free-writing, and watching movies. 

What brought you to The Writing Center?

I first came to The Writing Center because I wanted another set of eyes editing my college writing papers. I was struggling to understand how to take my professor’s corrections and apply them to my future papers. Once I went to The Writing Center, I kept coming back. I loved the way that sessions felt like a collaboration and not just like a lesson. 

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

My favorite part about working with writers in The Writing Center is learning something new. Since tutors do not get assigned students based on discipline, I could be assigned students studying anything from science to architecture. I love the idea that I get to learn about other disciplines that I would otherwise get the chance. A session at The Writing Center involves everyone learning from one another, and I think that is really special. 

What challenges you most about writing?

My biggest challenge when it comes to writing is narrowing down ideas. I always have too many ideas when it comes to a prompt and struggle to determine which direction the paper should go. I have learned to go with my gut on which idea I think will work best. Also, the more practice I have had with writing, and the more advice I have received from other writing tutors and friends, the more confidence I have gained in my own writing. 

What advice do you have for writers?

Be confident and ask for help. I ask for help often. I go to The Writing Center often and will continue to do so until I graduate. I have learned the most about my writing from talking ideas through with The Writing Center staff.  A big misconception in academics is that asking for help is a weakness; I think it is a strength. It is never embarrassing to get help even if you think the problem is small or insignificant.