Paulina Duarte

My name is Paulina Duarte. I am a graduate of University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, with a Master of Arts in Professional Writing. I was a part of iFixit for my technical writing class and even taught the project to students of my own. Now, I'm an Senior Communications Specialist at PTC in Boston, Massachusetts.

I was a graduate student at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where I earned my Master of Arts in Professional Writing in 2015. In this program, I learned techniques of rhetoric, business communication, technical communication, along with specific production skills from programs like Adobe InDesign and Photoshop. Also, I learned to communicate with different types of audiences, which enhanced my adaptability in my writing.

I graduated from Central Connecticut State University in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. During my final semester, I took a technical writing course, where I discovered a way to put my analytical, editing, grammar, and organizational skills to help others understand ideas outside their field of knowledge. I was the only non-engineering in the class and I did not feel pressured at all; I enjoyed the class and put in great effort to succeed. The class also sparked an interest in the technical writing field.

Prior to my undergraduate years, I graduated from Rocky Hill High School in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, in June 2008.

In addition to being a graduate student, I also taught at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth as a graduate teaching fellow. I taught business communication and technical communication to undergraduate students. I have taught the students not only techniques for writing their cover letters and resumes, but also to understand their audience and write from their point of view to effectively convey the message. When I taught technical communication, I used the techniques I learn during my time with iFixit in my lessons.

I like taking complex ideas and breaking them down for others to understand, and presenting them to different audiences. I have a great eye for detail so I can be specific as possible and catch any mistakes that are made during the writing process. I am also a member of Toastmasters International, where I work on explaining ideas to others in prepared speeches.

Now, I am part of PTC’s Corporate Communications team, where I use my presentation and information organization skills to inform employees of my company’s events, programs and news so they can become properly informed and engaged in the company’s activities and culture.

In July 2023, I bought my newest car, a 2024 Acura Integra. It's a five-door liftback that is quite comfortable, yet fun to drive. Eventually, I plan to drive it on back roads and to scenic spots in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

I collect old coins, paper money, board games, and video games. Each of item in one of my collections tells a particular story and reflects the time period where it was made. I love the beauty of the coins and the paper money, and I like how fun and challenging the games are to play.

I’ve been a lifelong game show fan. I enjoy watching new and old episodes of game shows and playing along to test my knowledge or sharpen my skills. In June 2019, I lived out a dream of mine when I was a contestant on ABC’s The $100,000 Pyramid, for its Season 4 premiere. I won $50,000 and a cruise to the Bahamas! More recently, in February 2024, I came on down on The Price is Right. I didn't win my way out of Contestants Row, but I did win $300 for being called on down.