Writing Center Reflection

I’m not gonna lie— I’ve never been to our writing center. Not because I think my papers turn out perfect (very very far from it), but because I think it takes a lot of nerve to share writing. Research papers, memoirs, poems, reviews— anything with words. I definitely have a hard time with criticism and even as harmless as getting comments on papers whether its by students or professors. One of the reasons I wanted to work at the writing center was to get more comfortable with collaborating, vocally interpreting, and understanding how people go about their writing. I have truly enjoyed working here so far. It’s only been half a semester, but I see a difference in my writing skill. And I also have enjoyed learning to help students in a comfortable setting.

It’s not like educators make their students feel dumb when they assist or correct their papers, it’s more the pressure of it all. This is obviously just my own perspective and experience with schooling, but this is why I chose to write my research paper on the importance of writing centers. I thought about the ways in which writing centers benefit students compared to the traditional classroom. As I’ve been tutoring students, there’s a similar vibe with each session: the students never fully know what their instructors are expecting from them. Okay, ready for the rant?

All right. This is so not a reflection regarding my research paper, but I think it’s interesting to think about. Before I ask tutees for their assignment description, I first like to ask what their paper/ topic is about and what they’re trying to prove or illustrate. I get vague and unconfident answers. It’s a lack in critical