Who We Are

We are students and writers who share a common passion for excellent communication and student development. Around here, we’re known as consultants. At the Rhetoric Center, we provide helpful feedback for writers and speakers in their academic and creative endeavors.

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Meet the 2024–25 Consultants

Sara Hag Ali

Biology, Writing, Biochemistry

Hello! I am Sara, a junior from Sudan. I have been extremely passionate about reading and writing for the longest time, even more so when my dad bought me Little Red Riding Hood and my first journal back when I was a kid. If I am not reading or writing in my free time, I am either chatting enthusiastically with friends, watching Netflix, or baking. Sometimes, I think of writing like baking cookies. You take a bite of your first ever batch, and you ask yourself: Is it too soft? Too sweet? Then you adjust your next batch, accordingly, keeping in mind the preferences of your guests. Did I mention that I burned my first batch of cookies in senior year of high school? Yes, I almost failed my essay, and yes, I know how hard it can be! Writing is an adventure and a journey with many possibilities and potential, and I would be glad to serve as your guide at the Rhetoric Center as you explore and navigate through! I have grown a lot in my writing through the years, and I would be happy to help you grow too! See you!

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Samuel Cho

Operations and Supply Chain Management

Hey! I'm a junior who grew up in South Korea, Canada, and the United States. I like to spend time watching and playing a variety of sports and hanging out with friends, but I also enjoy staying at home and just relaxing. I have quite a bit of experience writing and presenting different types of rhetoric, and now that I'm at the Rhetoric Center, I'm prepared to help anyone and everyone who plans on visiting the Rhetoric Center with their writing. I look forward to meeting you!

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Ruth Choi

Nursing

Hi! I am a junior who grew up in Kenya. I'm passionate about missions and faith. I loveÌýmusic, reading, and feeling accomplished over a writing project. I'm excited to work with you in your writingÌýprojects!Ìý

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Rinah Fiol

Biology

Hey there! I am a junior at Calvin, and I come from the green island country of Taiwan. Growing up as a biracial kid in an international city, I see writing as bridging gaps, weaving together ideas, and establishing connections with people from all different backgrounds. If I'm not writing passionate prose about environmental topics, I'm probably reading a book, staring at flowers, or frolicking through the woods. This year I'm excited to hear yourÌýstories and to grow with you in using words to speak powerfully. Can't wait to see you in the Rhetoric Center!

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Esther Jun

English Education

Hello, I am a senior studying Secondary Education and ESL. I was born in South Korea but grew up in China and Thailand. I love hanging out with friends and watching sunrises and sunsets. I am passionate about learning languages and cultures because they influence everyone’s thoughts and beliefs. Writing is difficult for me as well; however, I love how pieces of writing speak in different ways, showing one’s personality and opinions. I am excited to read your writing and join you in the learning process. I hope to see you at the Rhetoric Center!

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Liv Palmbos

Psychology and Spanish

Hi! I’m Liv, a sophomore from Ann Arbor, Michigan. I’ve been passionate about reading and writing from a young age, and I’m thrilled meet you and work with you through the Rhetoric Center this year! When I’m not reading fantasy novels or writing short stories, you can usually find me watching Netflix (I’m a huge fan of Stranger Things and other horror tropes), chatting with friends, traveling the world as much as my funds allow, or hanging around Peet’s (I frequently consume too much coffee for my own good). I’m looking forward to writing with you—see you around!Ìý

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Jordan Preis

Writing, Psychology, Film and Media

Hi! I’m Jordan, a senior and a transfer student from St. Louis, Missouri. As you can probably tell from my two areas of study, I love communication. That means you can usually find me chatting with friends over coffee or hunched over a laptop, working on a rough draft. If you find yourself sitting across from me in the RC this year, my goal is to support you and help make the writing process feel less intimidating. Come say hi!

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Josie Sahaydak

English Secondary Education

Hello! I’m Josie, and I’m a senior studying English Secondary Education. I grew up in Minneapolis, MN, but I have loved my time in Grand Rapids over the past couple years. When I’m not working or in class, I love reading, knitting, going on long walks, and spending quality time with friends. As a future English teacher, I love working with words and helping people feel confident about their own writing! Looking forward to seeing you!

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Allie Watson

Linguistics and Studio Art

Hello! I’m a sophomore studying linguistics and studio art. I’m from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Jackson, Tennessee. I love to paint, watch movies, and read in my free time. Some of my favorite genres/things to read are fantasy or magical realism. I love to talk pop culture and movies as well. I love to meet and connect with new people and hope to see you in the Rhetoric Center. I’m excited to work with you!

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Kate Wilmot

Writing

I’m a senior and a transfer student who grew up in Ethiopia and then found her way to Michigan. I love poetry, lifting weights, and not getting dropped off buildings (a story for another time). I also love anything creative and new, which includes meeting cool people who aren’t sure what to do withÌýthat oneÌýpaper. I’m excited to get creative with it together!

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Kristine Johnson

University Rhetoric Director

I’m the Rhetoric Center director and a professor in the English Department. The best job I've ever had—until this one—was tutoring in the Purdue Writing Lab, and I love working one-on-one with writers. At Calvin, I teach writing and linguistics and mentor future English teachers. My favorite part of the writing process is when I'm deep in a project, and my least favorite part (and the part that makes me the most cranky) is starting something new.

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