Fellow Farewell: Emily Worrell's Newfound Confidence

Fellow Farewell: Emily Worrell’s Newfound Confidence

by Gabriela Bell

On a typical morning you might see Emily Worrell pop into Amelia’s for a coffee before heading into work at Pattern HQ. But her favorite spot is Maker’s Alley, an open workspace (with free WiFi courtesy of Pattern!) here at the Stutz. So that’s where we sat down to discuss her past year as a writing and editing fellow with Pattern. 

Worrell has always been passionate about the arts—especially here in Indiana. Born in Carmel, she attended Ball State University where she majored in acting and minored in new works for the stage (playwriting). Upon graduation, she worked as an administrative coordinator for the Indy Arts Council, but found she wanted more creative freedom—which brought her to Pattern. “When I looked at the job description, it sounded tailor made for me,” says Worrell. To be a part of Indy’s creative scene and the opportunity to write and edit combined her passions into one position. 

Making the leap from administrative work to a creative role wasn’t easy—but it turned out to be the push Worrell needed. “I was so scared at first,” she says. “I was pissing my pants.” One of the biggest changes she experienced throughout this fellowship was the increase in her confidence. “Now I feel like I am part of the team, you know?” she says. “I feel comfortable speaking up and making my voice heard in the room.” 

Not only has Worrell’s confidence skyrocketed—she’s refined her technical skills, too. She’s learned how to adapt her writing to a different tone or style, depending on the assignment. She’s also gotten better at copywriting and crafting different story formats through the opportunity to work on a variety of projects—whether it be newsletters, Q&As, profiles, and even longform stories. Plus, she has the evidence to show for it. “My portfolio has exploded,” she says. “I have so much more to show for myself and so much more confidence in my writing and my abilities.” 

Worrell is well-immersed in local community initiatives as well. She works for Mirror Indy as a freelance editor for their Documenters program, which she’s proud to be a part of. During theatre season, you may also find her working customer service at the Indiana Repertory Theatre box office, staying true to her theatre roots. As her fellowship wraps up, she plans to expand her business as a freelancer (if you’re looking for a freelance writer or editor, hit her up!)

As she steps into the next chapter—freelancing, community storytelling, and staying active in Indy’s arts scene—Worrell is proof that growth comes from speaking up and staying curious. Her advice for future fellows? “Ask questions and make your voice heard,” she says. It’s a simple mantra, but one that’s shaped her path—and now, she’s using her voice to help shape the creative landscape around her.

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