Zoe Brader-Araje

Zoe is a junior from Chapel Hill, North Carolina (Go Tar Heels!) pursuing a double major in Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, with a minor in writing. On campus, she works with WashU Admissions as a Bear Ambassador, conducts research with Dr. Roediger in his memory lab, and is a utility player for the WashU women’s water polo team. In her free time, she handmakes pottery, shamelessly watches Desperate Housewives, and drinks more tea than water. 

What brought you to The Writing Center?

I applied to be a Writing Center tutor because I didn’t always love writing. I understand firsthand that working through an essay or assignment can be challenging and full of stress. Having someone to converse with about the writing process, to strategize, to provide feedback, to brainstorm ideas, or simply to offer another set of eyes can make a world of difference. I wanted to be an optional support for those who would benefit from it.

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

It is a joy to meet fellow WashU students with such a diverse range of interests. As we all pursue different academic disciplines, I have the opportunity to learn about topics I wouldn’t have been exposed to otherwise. It’s a truly unique position where I get to play the dual role of a guide and a student simultaneously.

What challenges you most about writing?

I’ve always felt challenged with wanting my writing to be perfect. I would have a thesaurus ready to go while writing down to the word in high school. But, the biggest thing I’ve learned throughout college is that no piece of writing is ever finished, just ready to be turned in, published, posted, etc. Deciding when to be done is difficult, but I find there is always time to go back if later on something is nagging me.

What advice do you have for writers?

Embrace the creative freedom to explore and develop your own writing process. The so-called “Writing Process” comes in all shapes and sizes! While it may provide some guidance, it doesn’t have to adhere to the cookie cutter step-by-step format of the thesis, outline, and topic sentences. Instead, experiment with different writing paths to find what feels most natural for you. Remember, writing is a realm for personal creativity, so embracing a more open mindset can lead to both better results and a less stressful experience overall.