In essence, we help students realize their power in the world.

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What is this blog about?

This blog is designed to help you become a stronger writer, critical thinker and whole-brained human being.  In addition to providing you tips and advice on the technical/mechanical end of writing (vocabulary, writing tips, citation workshops, etc.), we write and post on a range of topics to present new ideas, challenge beliefs and expand your consciousness of the world.   By nature of reading, it will expose you to different writing styles and sharpen your comprehensive/analytical reading muscles.

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Meet the Writing Success Program Staff 2012-2013 (who also blog!):

Hi friends! My name is Ashton Rosin,  and I am the English Language Learners (ELL) Writing and Creativity Counselor for the Writing Success Program! I am internationally born, middle nameless, a peanut butter fanatic, and a third-year International Development Studies student with a minor in Disability studies at UCLA. 
I aspire to live in another country, take up photography, fine tune my often underappreciated sarcasm, and strike up spontaneous dance parties whenever appropriate (or inappropriate). Most of all I seek to surround myself with interesting people.

I am a question asker. Many of the questions I ask of others are based on a foundation of genuine curiosity for the individual I have the privilege of connecting with. This innate sense of questioning and authentic desire to see, meet, and explore the world and people I am surrounded by manifests itself in my writing. The ability to use writing to channel my often intertwined, jumbled, hard to swallow thoughts is unmatched by any other medium of communication. I am appreciative to have discovered writing as a safe haven for my most vulnerable opinions, big picture questions, and work in progress thoughts. I believe that the confidence I am working to build in myself comes from discovering my sense of self through these questions. I encourage each and every one of you to ask a big question, whether it’s of yourself, of another, or in your writing. I look forward to answering your questions! Stop in and say hello!

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Why, hello there! I go by Courtney Lee,  in the English language and by something else in another. I’m one of the Writing and Creativity Counselors this year and I’m here to listen to your ideas and support you with the writing process. Outside of WSP, I spend my time studying the arts of mathematics and urban studies, along with other topics. If I’m not writing, I read. If I’m not reading, I’m more than likely writing. Writing is one of those arts I find as a form of empowerment not only for the self but for others as well. As much as I find the art and practice of writing utterly brilliant, I actually spend most of my life reading. I remember being taught how to read in English, and from then on, I did not stop. I can be found reading everywhere: on public transportation, inside buildings, at the park, or even when I’m slowly walking around. No matter where I am, I never forget the power of the written word to inspire and motivate me to seek great heights.

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Hola! My name’s Christina Trieu. I’m in love with life, nature, dogs, paper, and people. I’m a (transfer) fourth year student at UCLA. I am currently studying Afro-American studies and American Literature & Culture. I’m also a Writing & Creativity Counselor at WSP! From my beautiful co-workers to the ambitious students I meet, I find work here amazing and look forward to the growth and potential of myself and those I will be forming new relationships with. So, you are invited to come by, say hi!

Outside of school and work, I like to listen to anyone and everyone’s stories, read ol’ literature, write poems, draw portraits and doodles, sing with my soul, push my body to new limits (kickbox, dance, climb, run, hike), and entertain you when you need it the most.

People always ask me, “Why’d you choose Afro-American studies?”

In which, I always respond, “I didn’t choose it; it chose me.”

I’m not interested in research; I’m interested in stories – the stories that are recorded in writing and the stories that have never made it past the throat. My relationship with writing has been on and off. It all started in second grade when I was inspired by an author who visited my classroom. Not long after that day, I wrote a long story filling out an entire 70 paged notebook front and back. During story time while others were either listening to the teacher or sleeping, I would hide my notebook in my lap and furtively scribble away, letting the pen dance to the rhythm of my loud and booming creative thoughts. By middle school, I picked up poetry. I made it routine to pump out at least one poem a night, mainly simple rhymes and raps. And lately, I’ve been working on some spoken word pieces. My relationship with writing continues to grow, and being a part of this program motivates me to stay committed to the art.

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Hello everyone & Welcome new viewers! :) My name is Alexandra Barba, and I am a 2nd year here at UCLA! Although I have yet to declare a major (though I am leaning towards psychology), I do know I want to double minor in Education and Spanish!  I am the 2012-2013 Admin. Assistant and am very excited to be working for the Writing Success Program. I work with a phenomenal group of young women who I trust will do an amazing job of helping you build your confidence in writing.

As a child I would create my own children’s books and would give them to family members as gifts. As I grew older I tried keeping journals but lost interest in them after a few months. In 2006, however, after being given a Strawberry Shortcake Calendar by my sister, I began writing the highlights of my day, pasted concert/movie tickets and wrote down quotations/memorable moments I wanted to look back at and laugh about. Many of my friends have started to write things down in their own calendars and I would encourage any one who finds this interesting to give it a try!

English and writing have not come easy for me but I do admit that I enjoy it a lot better than math and science. I know there is plenty of room for improvement and hope that through WSP my writing improves so that I can express myself in ways I have always dreamed of. I understand that it can be very intimidating to write, especially a college paper, but I encourage that you all continue to practice and don’t avoid writing! Especially when you have great writing counselors on this very campus that want to see you grow and become confident in your own writing abilities! Although I may not be a counselor this year, I am very friendly and enthusiastic and would absolutely love to meet you, so come on by and say hello! :)

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Hello to all our wonderful viewers! My name is Lauren Park, and I am a 4th year Biology major. I am the Assistant Director of the amazing Writing Success Program! (woooot!) Working with this team is great, and I have the pleasure of learning to love writing by working with this program. I feel like quite an anomaly in this group of fantabulous people because of the fact that writing has not been something I’ve relished doing in the past. Gaining confidence in writing is part of my current journey of self-discovery.

Even though I haven’t been confident in my writing, I have always been an avid reader. Fun tidbit: I actually had to get glasses in third grade because I stayed up late reading by hiding under a blanket with a flashlight. As you can imagine, reading under a dim tiny light definitely was not the greatest idea for a growing child. :]

I like to think of myself as a very cheerful person who loves meeting new people. I tend to always find myself laughing or jumping around in excitement. Laughter is such a beautiful thing; it brings so much positive energy to the soul and the people around you. I am also quite a fanatic when it comes to Korean dramas, shows, and music. If you ever stop by the WSP office and hear Korean music, I’m probably there, so feel free to drop by and say hi!!!

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Hi everyone, my name is Denise Pacheco, and I am the full-time Director of the Writing Success Program (WSP).  I graduated from UCLA in Spring 2011, with a Ph.D. in Education.  I have so many passions, which include natural healing, yoga, and the obvious: literature and creative writing!  As WSP Director, I am inspired by the vision of legendary WSP Founding Director, Janet Brown. Similar to her and the wonderful outgoing Director, Sahra Nyugen, I am committed to helping everyone find their inner artist through all forms of creative expression.  If money wasn’t an object and failure wasn’t an option, I’d travel the world, study the practice of natural healers, take beautiful pictures to document my journeys, and SHARE the knowledge and love with the world.  Thank you for reading and please come see us. We look forward to meeting you! ________________________________________________________________________________________

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Hey everyone! My name is Casey O’Neill and this is my third year working for WSP.  The Writing Success Program has played a vital role in my personal development, so I am very thankful for Janet Brown’s legacy.  Writing is a deep passion of mine.  I love to write for pleasure and even for academic purposes (call me nerdy, I know).  Writing is an outlet for me, something that everyone needs.  A few other passions of mine include dancing, browsing the Internet, watching movies, looking at YouTube videos, and playing board games.  However, my biggest passion is my son.  He is currently 6 months old and growing every day.  I breathe to see his smiles and even his tears.  He is my utter joy.  Please come see us at the office (SAC 105) and happy reading!

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Visit us in UCLA’s Student Activities Center (Room 105G). Students may sign-up to discuss writing assignments or projects with Writing Success Program Counselors with the wonderful Front Desk Staff. You can also holla at us via landline: (310) 794-9079