The firstborn of two firstborns, I am extremely driven, organized, and headstrong. As an emerging academic, my bold personality mixed with my creative spirit resulted in an intense pride for my work. A pride unwilling to revise my precious words. Like Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son, I felt that editing meant death for my paper. 

I grossly misunderstood the purpose of editing. Editing isn’t destroying, it’s reshaping. Editing doesn’t constrain my voice, it clarifies it. 

A younger, more stubborn version of myself fought against editing. By “laying down” my words to the revision and collaboration of dozens of mentors and colleagues, I have become completely enthralled by the revisionary stage of the writing process. Last year I had the gift of being a Writing Consultant at Concordia University Irvine’s Writing Studio. I grew immensely in my personal craft, while learning how to effectively collaborate with authors. In reflecting on my journey as a first year writing consultant I redefined what “editing” meant. Often in editing there is the assumption of a correct answer. Writing is not merely about accuracy, rather exploration. As a consultant I am not called to force an author into a mold. Rather I get the opportunity to come alongside them in their journey of discovering their voice. Collaborating over correcting. 

My diverse creative background equips me well. God has called me to tell narratives that point to the Great Story, in all facets and applications of my life. As an actress I am given the gift to become someone’s personhood and tell their story. As a singer, melody mingles with story. As the daughter of two biblical counselors, familiar with counseling pedagogy, I cherish the vulnerability found in sharing your story within counseling. As a writer, English major, and avid reader, words come alive in ink. 

As a holistic storyteller, I strive to bring voice to stories. 

It is therefore of highest importance to equip others to use their voice to share their story. As a writing consultant I strive to create an environment of peace through humility, empathy, and childlike curiosity. 

A consultation is not about the consultant. It is about listening to the writer, helping them to express themselves clearly. As a collaborator I listen first, inquire second, allowing writers to develop their own voice. If I mistake myself as a lecturer, I place myself on a prideful pedestal of knowledge. Stooping to give my writers tastes of the ambrosia-wisdom I control. How far this is from the truth! There are no pedestals of separation between the writer and consultant, rather a mutual craving to want to learn and grow.  Colossians 3:12 says “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” What better way to live out these qualities than within a writing consultation. By patiently listening and inquiring, my pride is pushed aside, while the person in front of me is honored. 

This humility required to step into a consultation is beautiful. It is crucial as a consultant to see, encourage, and serve the person in front of you. After years of receiving the gift of editing from others, I am overjoyed to encourage others on their literary journey. No one is above editing. Everyone brings an important perspective to the table. The people around us are founts of knowledge that we ever learn from. 

Personal Goals for 2025-2026:

1. Keep a WS journal, let my client use the tear away paper
2. Ask the client more specifically in how I was helpful and record 
3. Become more conscious of my pedagogical approach
4. Apply my WS research within consultations.

Professional Goals for 2025-2026:

1. Make note of what interdisciplinary practices were utilized in session (This would be cool data to collect and reflect on later in the year)
2. Pitch to the Theatre Department the importance of WS
3. Improve the amount of students from the Theatre Department. 
4. Record WS events photographically