Amanda Brainerd (Student Tutor)

About me:

Hi! This year will be my second year at the Writing Center and my third year at SVSU. I love working with students on idea development, detailed editing, and everything in between. Outside of the Writing Center, you can usually find me hanging with friends around campus or studying in the library! 

Major – Professional & Technical Writing, Minor – Communications  

Why I love writing:

I love writing because it allows complete freedom and creativity while also requiring attention to detail. Writing is so powerful and can be used to express ideas, feelings, and experiences with vivid language. I love to study the ways writing can shift perspectives and convey information to others! 

Immanuel King (Student Tutor)

About me:

Hello my name is Immanuel. I am a 3rd year here at SVSU. I enjoy listening to old school R&B, rap, and jazz I like to call myself an old soul. I am also very passionate for working with children with autism as I am a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Earning my MSOT will allow me to work with individuals of all ages also give me a solid foundation to expand my horizons and opening my own occupational therapy and applied behavioral analysis clinic.  

Major – (Pre-) Occupational Therapy  

Why I love writing:  

The reason I love writing is because you can be as creative as you want, you get to choose to present information or even express yourself in a creative way. There are boundaries to abide by with writing but if you abide by them, you can get a work of art!! 

Glory Kivanga (Student Tutor)

About me:

Hi! My name is Glory! 

I am nursing student here at SVSU, proudly from Tanzania. I love reality TV especially competitive shows like Hell’s Kitchen, AGT, The Traitors etc. Worship music is my go-to for peace and connection with God. I am here to level up your writing and cheer you on every step of the way! Let’s turn your ideas into A+ papers, one session at a time!!! 

Major – Nursing  

Why I love writing:

I love writing because it’s my safe space to express emotions and explore ideas. It reminds me that perfection isn’t the goal growth is and every draft is a step forward. 

Sharleen Magashi (Student Tutor)

About me:

Hi, I’m Sharleen, a sophomore at SVSU from Africa with a passion for TV shows, reading and music. If I had to choose one I would choose music. I could happily listen to it all day. I’m excited to meet you and look forward to seeing you at the writing center! 

Major – Psychology, Minor – Youth Services 

Why I love writing:

I love connecting and communicating with different people, and I see writing as a great way to share ideas with a wide audience. There’s nothing quite like putting my thoughts and ideas on paper, it’s one of my favorite ways to express myself.  

Emily McGlynn (Student Tutor)

About me:

Hi, I’m Emily! I’m a current junior at SVSU pursuing a degree in English with the hopes of publishing someday. I’m very excited to return to the Writing Center for the second year! I love helping students with brainstorming, organizing and formatting, or even just being another eye to look things over! I’m excited to meet you and help in any way I can! 

Major – Creative Writing, Minor – Professional and Technical Writing 

Why I love writing:

There’s so much power that comes in the form of writing and it fascinates me. From using the right words to connect with people to creating and bringing captivating worlds and stories to life. It amazes me how much influence writing truly holds in our world and I hope to one day add to that. 

Sandra Ndirangu (Student Tutor)

About me:  

Well hello there! My name is Sandra Ndirangu, a junior at SVSU all the way from Kenya. I love trying out new hobbies and my current obsession is trivia. I love working at the writing center as it allows me to work with fellow students with the common goal of acing writing assignments and becoming better writers. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the writing center! 

 Major – Nursing  

Why I love writing:  

Writing is a window to different imaginations, observations, analysis and interpretations. I love writing because it offers a medium to express the thoughts and ideas within in minds. It is even more refreshing to be able to help others express their thoughts in a clear and concise way.

Lena Pennington-Carr (Student Tutor)

About me:

Lena is a third-year student at SVSU, this is her first year working at the Writing Center and she is excited to be able to help other students. She dreams of being an editor at a publishing house and hopefully publishing her own works one day as she loves reading and writing. She also loves music and dreams of traveling around the world someday.  

Major – Professional and Technical Writing, Creative Writing

What I love about writing:

Lena has loved writing since elementary school, because it allows for an escape from life. The written word has a profound impact on our everyday lives, allowing multiple voices to be heard and stories to be told. She loves the ability to experience multiple lives through writing and see the world in different lights.

Gavin Ziozios (Professional Tutor, Fall 2026)

About me:

I started working in the Writing Center in Winter 2025 and the current year will be my last year at SVSU. I have tutored students from a variety of classes, so I am familiar with most forms of writing. I will always cut straight to the work once greetings are out of the way. 

Major – Rhetorical/Professional Writing, Minor – Creative Writing 

Why I love writing:

I was (and still am) a huge D&D nerd when I was younger, and I wanted to write down all my ideas so I didn’t lose them. That ended up with me growing to enjoy writing. 

Alex Curry (Student Tutor)

About me:

Greetings all! I am a sophomore student here at SVSU, and this will be my first year working in the Writing Center. If you need a proofreader for grammar and syntax, don’t hesitate; I love peer editing! Outside of school, I play the drums, piano, and bass guitar, and I also like to birdwatch in my spare time. Remember, you are the author, and we are here to support you, so never be afraid to share your ideas. 

Major – Biochemistry (Pre-Optometry) 

Why I love writing:

Writing is one of my favorite mediums because it not only serves as a means of communication, but also as an art form. There is such a vast spectrum of genres through which nearly anyone can convey their thoughts and ideas in a way that is not only sufficient, but also enjoyable for them.