“I eat, breathe, and sleep the Writing Center. I used to feel like I was entitling to do unique things with my writing because I was smart and because I was a good writer. I never considered how I could make that joy of writing accessible to other people, but I’ve been able to do that, and it’s been amazing.” —JJ, undergraduate writing center consultant
It was my second time in the Writing Center for a formal observation—my third time in the Writing Center overall—when I sat in on my favorite session so far.
The writer entered, tentative yet excited, armed with a rough draft of a short compare-and contrast essay and feedback from her professor. She brought overflowing ideas to the session, but she sought help organizing, ordering, and prioritizing them—and that’s exactly what the consultant provided. Through one-on-one, face-to-face connection, the consultant created a smooth, flowing line of inquiry that helped the writer clarify the goal, ideas, and passion of her paper.
the fool tries to make one million dollars.... but the wise man knows that its much easier to make $0.000001 dollars one trillion times— wint (@dril) September 3, 2016
The pair of writers carefully took notes notes, diagramming the content of the paper, connecting ideas in a coherent web. They crossed out abandoned points to make room for newer, better ideas, and when the writer got stuck, the consultant said “why don’t you just talk to me?”
Do I do what all bears do? I do not know any other bears, so do I do what comes naturally as a bear or as a particular bear? I am a bear.— A bear (@A_single_bear) July 25, 2014
Nothing was static; everything was subject to change. The consultant’s engaging questions and the writer’s insightful responses created a dialogue that spotlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the paper. Epiphanies ensued. And by the end of the session, the writing was better for it.
"Students, when given a critical thinking problem, tend to reach closure too quickly. They do not suspend judgement, question assumptions, evaluate evidence, imagine alternative answers, play with data, enter into the spirit of opposing views, and just plain linger over questions" —John C. Bean, Engaging Ideas
When I decided to train to work at the Writing Center, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I suppose I’m still not sure what to expect. But thanks to sessions like this one, I think I have a clearer idea.
Maybe working at the Writing Center is like a productive writing center session; you aren’t always sure how it will turn out, and the journey may provide unexpected twists and turns—but ultimately, it’s a deeply rewarding experience that becomes more and more meaningful as time passes.
give a man a fish adn he'll thamk u for his new pet. teach a man to take care of fish adn he wil be happey adn name his goldfish after u :)— jomny sun (@jonnysun) April 28, 2013
Either way, I want to be as open to questions, as engaged in conversation, as enthusiastic about positive change as the writer and consultant of my observation #2.