Congratulations to Minor in Writing and Peer Writing Program Graduates

Camila Avalos

Working at Sweetland has truly been a transformative experience for me. I am currently planning to move to NYC and having experience working in the writing consulting space has really helped my job search. I really think the work at Sweetland is applicable to anything you want to do and the connections you make there will be forever.

Abigail Bartley

I'm a 1L at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in downtown Chicago. My experiences at Sweetland help me not only to analyze legal arguments from both sides, but also to interview clients at a variety of pro bono opportunities. Being a peer writing consultant taught me how to communicate effectively and empathetically with clients, and my time in the Minor in Writing taught me how to work with other writers constructively.

Jiayou Shen

I am currently a Quality Manager in healthcare IT in Wisconsin. I have a fridge with hot pockets and a very full tea cabinet. The PWP really shaped up my people skills and my ability to articulate opinions about writing, which is good because in my job I have to follow a lot of written instructions. Chatting with my fellow PWCs has also shown me the value of working with people I like. On a side note, I continue to chip away at my novel.

Allison Wei

Being a Sweetland writing minor helped me grow confidence as a writer and explore genres of writing I'd never considered before. Through the gateway course, I explored journalism for the first time. That initial experience gave me the confidence to continue exploring journalism: writing for The Michigan Daily, then interning at The Detroit News. I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for the writing minor — currently, I'm living in NYC and working as a marketing associate for The Wall Street Journal. Especially as a business major, the writing minor helped me meet other writers and build a writing community. 

Deena Aboul-Hassan

I graduated in May 2025 with a degree in Movement Science from the School of Kinesiology alongside the Minor in Writing. The Minor in Writing program pushed me to think beyond traditional academic formats, especially through my capstone project, where I moderated a panel on medical education in the digital era and experimented with more conversational and digital modes of communication. I also learned how to give and integrate feedback with more clarity and intention, which has shaped how I collaborate across research, leadership, and community-based work.

Since graduating, I’ve continued working in research at the School of Kinesiology, co-leading global health and health equity projects, and serving as National Co-President of the National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA) NextGen while applying to medical school. The skills I built through the Minor show up in my work every day, especially in how I communicate, plan, and create across different audiences and formats. As I move toward becoming a physician, I’ve noticed how these habits—listening closely, paying attention to how stories are framed, and adapting my communication across contexts—have already shaped the kind of leader I’m becoming. I hope to carry these skills into medicine to advocate for underrepresented voices as a future physician leader and educator, ensuring that underrepresented voices are brought forward with intention and care.

Palak Srivastava

My time in the MiW program has deeply shaped the way I move through the world as a writer. I used to think that being a “writer” meant publishing a book someday — that loving to write only counted if it led to that singular outcome. MiW shifted that entirely. By creating work across so many genres and engaging with writing in all its forms, I began to see writing not as a narrow path but as a thread woven through almost everything we do. Now, working as a paralegal, I see that influence constantly — in the memos I edit, the motions I proofread, and the way I approach even the not-so interesting legal texts. In a setting that stands in complete contrast to the cozy classroom we all once shared, the habits MiW instilled in me — clarity, intention, an appreciation for words, and the power to string them along — still guide me forward.

Rachel Zaidan

I am a senior studying International Studies, Sociology, and of course, Writing. I've also had the honor of being a Minor in Writing program ambassador for the past three semesters. The Minor has greatly enhanced my undergraduate experience by giving me the skills and space to pursue the type of writing that I hope to use in my future career. I especially enjoy that it brings together students from all different disciplines and in the format of workshops, allows them to work off of each others' knowledge and experiences to produce their best work. As a program ambassador, I've been invested in ensuring that this collaboration continues outside of the classroom. Through various community events, from game nights to open mic sessions, we've created a community of writers at the University of Michigan. I've been thrilled to see how close the minor has become and I'm excited to welcome in future cohorts to this very special program!

Nicolette Bennett

Hi! I’m a junior majoring in Psychology and double-minoring in Writing and Intergroup Relations Education. I’m also a Student Ambassador for the Sweetland Center for Writing. The minor has greatly enhanced my confidence in writing, and I use what I’ve learned both academically and for extracurricular purposes. The Sweetland Writing community is very relaxed, supportive, and has been integral to my experience at U-M. One of my favorite events so far has been the Welcome Meeting & Community Event, because I loved seeing both underclassmen and upperclassmen build new relationships and have fun. Another of my favorite events has been the Sweetland Alumni Event, because it was inspiring to see the wide variety of things alumni are up to and hear about how the minor has helped them. I’m excited for all the upcoming events, especially the Little Women Tea Party. I will be studying abroad next semester, and I am so excited to hear about and see pictures from next semester’s events!

Please join us in celebrating these wonderful and talented graduates: