About Us
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.
Meet the 2024–25 Consultants
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!
Nolan Cowan
Writing and Philosophy
Hello all! I’m Nolan, a Writing and Philosophy major from Grove City, PA. I’m a sophomore this year, and this is my first semester at the Rhetoric Center. True to my major, I’m almost always reading and writing, but occasionally I take some breaks to eat some sushi or have a good long nap. I’m so excited to work on your writing together!
Ruth Choi
Nursing
Hi! I am a junior who grew up in Kenya. I'm passionate about missions and faith. I love music, reading, and feeling accomplished over a writing project. I'm excited to work with you in your writing projects!
Caleb Gatlin
Chemistry and Writing
Hello! I’m from Dalian, China, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. As the saying goes, opposites attract, but it’s still a mystery to me how opposite sides of the world and ostensibly opposite disciplines managed to coincide in me. When I’m not spending time contemplating the ins and outs of my existence, I enjoy reading, playing pickleball, or whittling time away with Minecraft parkour. At the Rhetoric Center, I’m looking forward to listening to writing ideas and helping you along in the process of making all your writing problems dissipate into thin air. Looking forward to seeing you at the RC!
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 your stories and to grow with you in using words to speak powerfully. Can't wait to see you in the Rhetoric Center!
JuEun Kim
Writing and TESOL
Hi! I’m a Sophomore who grew up in Chad and Kenya. When I’m not occupied with school work, I love reading, writing, talking with friends, and watching movies. I’m also a huge fan of sunrises and sunsets. I also find writing to be a bit difficult, but I do love the different ways writing and words can influence people. I’m looking forward to working with you and your writing pieces!
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!
Natalie Poortenga
Music Education
Hi! I’m Natalie, a freshman studying Music Education with an English minor. I am the youngest of five and have lived in Grand Rapids my whole life. I love playing tennis, going on walks with my dog, and all things music. I am passionate about writing, and I especially love helping people edit and refine their work. I look forward to meeting you!
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!
Clara Vogelzang
Pyschology
Hello! I am a freshman from Grand Rapids, Michigan but grew up in Mexico, Armenia, Canada, Bermuda, Brazil, and the United States. I love making music, creating art, and hanging out with friends. Growing up abroad, I developed a passion for language and a deeper understanding of the importance of communication. I have also always loved reading and writing, and I am excited to explore these passions with you at the Rhetoric Center this year. I hope to see you there!
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!
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.
