Cody ByrdicHey! My name is Cody Byrdic, and I am an English graduate student at Winthrop University. I received my BA in English from USC Upstate and am an Americanist focusing on Marxist and postmodernist theory. I hope to pass on my love of writing and foster an environment that will help students from all backgrounds grow in their academic journey. I am also a veteran who enjoys creative writing through the working-class voice, and I thoroughly enjoy when peers bring in their creative pieces. I understand how difficult it can be to share your authentic voice with others, but I hope we can grow the American voice together.
Jaden LemmondsJaden Lemmonds is one of the English Department's Graduate Assistants and holds the position of Assistant Director at the Writing Center. She studied literature, history, and criminal justice in her undergraduate program and continues to study English here at Winthrop as a graduate student. Her favorite pastimes include creative writing, crochet, and watching sitcoms, and her favorite works of literature include those of Edgar Allan Poe, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and M.L. Rio. She also teaches natural history at the Museum of York County and will graduate with her Master's Degree in May of 2025. As a tutor, Jaden specializes in close readings, creative writing, Reader-Response criticism, and New Historicism, but she is equipped to help students with so much more than that!
Jzurnee MyersJzurnee Myers obtained a BA in Political Science and English with a minor in leadership studies from Columbia College (SC) and is currently enrolled in Winthrop University’s English MA program. They plan to pursue a PhD after graduation. Jzurnee enjoys reading, writing, and scrapbooking. Their favorite aspect of working in the writing center is interacting with students who visit the center. They love American Gothic literature, African American and gender studies, and poetry.
Bri SharpHello! I'm Bri Sharp, and I am a graduate student here at Winthrop. I got my B.A. in English with a minor in Psychology and am now pursuing an M.A. in English. I am particularly interested in 19th and 20th-century American Lit. and finding ways to link psychology and literature. I know how hard writing can be and how nerve-wracking it may feel to have someone read over your work, so I am excited to help students work through the writing process while hopefully making them feel at ease and gain confidence in their writing skills.
Emmalynne EshlemanHi! My name is Emmalynne. I’m a senior with majors in English and Spanish and minors in psychology and women and gender studies. I read a lot and enjoy writing analytical papers. I love working in the Writing Center because we get to see people move from their earliest ideas to polished papers. Hopefully, we help them to move and write confidently!
Caitlin LewisHi folks! My name is Caitlin Lewis, pronouns they/he. I'm a senior undergrad here at Winthrop, with a major in English and a minor in Mass Communication. A few of my hobbies are working out and buying too many coloring books. Writing is my life's passion; I love watching the words flow onto the paper and give shape to my ideas. That said, I know writing is a difficult craft. I'm here in the Writing Center to help you take your paper from a promising draft to a mic-drop of an essay! We hope you'll stop by!
Gwen PregnallHello! My name is Gwen, and I am a senior majoring in English and Spanish with a minor in creative writing. I love to read and consume stories in any medium. Writing has always been one of my favorite activities, and I cannot wait to help and encourage my fellow students with their own writing. In the writing center, I hope to foster a positive outlook on writing because I know how hard writing can be. I know how frightening it can be to ask for and be open to help, especially with something as personal as one's words. Because of this, I want to be a mindful soundboard to bounce ideas off of, help students recognize the merits of their own voice, and encourage students through kindness and genuine interest to be curious, comfortable, and open in regards to their writing and writing process.
Chloe ThomasHello hello! My name is Chloe Thomas, and I am a senior English major with a concentration in writing and a minor in educational studies. As someone who aspires to become an English educator, I love tutoring and speaking with fellow students about anything they need to write, at any stage of the writing process. I want all of my tutees to understand that people are not simply “good” or “bad” writers; rather, writing is a skill that requires development and practice. My goal as a writing tutor is to encourage students to not only improve their writing, but to help them believe in their capabilities as writers. In tutoring sessions, I remain open about my personal experiences with writing—my successes and mistakes—in order to prove that writing can be fun, frustrating, rewarding, and messy, often all in the same project. The Writing Center is a perfect place for students to come for all of their writing needs, and I am delighted to be a part of the writing process for so many fellow students!
Christa YoungHi! My name is Christa Young, and I am an English major with a minor in professional writing! I love reading literary fiction, classics, and poetry. Creative writing, specifically poetry, has been a passion of mine since middle school. My favorite books are The Most of It by Mary Ruefle and Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison. My goal as a tutor is to give you the vocabulary and tools for the writing process that you can take with you to assignments and projects in the future. Most importantly though, I am a peer who’s excited to hear your ideas and help you stay confident during your writing process. I hope to brainstorm with you, navigate the requirements of your assignments, and explore topics that are interesting and relevant to you whenever possible. I want to be an enthusiastic and non-judgmental avenue for you with whatever you’re writing!
