Why Be A Writing Tutor? – Part 2

Alex

What made you decide to apply to be a writing tutor?  I was recommended by a teacher. I didn’t know that students could tutor! I thought it would be a rewarding challenge.

How have your ideas about the writing center and tutoring changed from your first day until now? I thought it was basically an in-person “spell and grammar” check. Now I love promoting the actual work done, from generating ideas to appropriate source searches to showing that writing doesn’t have to be tedious!

What are some important things you have learned from your experiences as a writing tutor?  My way isn’t the right way, it’s just ONE way. Also, no matter your role, qualifications, or experience, there is always something to learn.

What other benefits have you gained from working in the writing center Gaining a more holistic mindset when approaching a task. Finding ways to relate to people, that initially seem like the opposite version of yourself, and establishing a rapport that creates a positive atmosphere.

Why should a CLC student consider applying to work in the writing center? The best way to learn is by teaching others. Working as a tutor allows you to become a stronger student, a conscientious individual, and it’s also a great way to enhance efficacy in all aspects of your life. People from all walks of life come through the writing center, and being able to help someone improve, to see the doubt turn to pride, it’s indescribable. We all have moments we reflect on where someone or something has made us feel inadequate. As a peer tutor we get to help people move on from those moments and believe in themselves again. So much of our education is based on independent growth and learning; peer tutoring involves a personal connection. We all need someone in our corner; as a peer tutor you get to be that for someone.

Jennifer

What made you decide to apply to be a writing tutor?  I realized that in my first year at CLC, I hadn’t made any friends or integrated myself into a club like I had planned. I decided that applying for the peer writing tutor job would help me become a part of the CLC’s community.

How have your ideas about the writing center and tutoring changed from your first day until now?  I was nervous and I wasn’t sure how things operated at the writing center, but a month in, I realized there was nothing intimidating or too complicated about the job. So it became a very relaxing job to be a part of.

What are some important things you have learned from your experiences as a writing tutor? I learned how to be patient with people. I came to understand how everyone despite being in college comes from different learning backgrounds, so being patient as tutors can be comforting to people who struggle or hate writing.

What other benefits have you gained from working in the writing center? I think that tutoring definitely expanded my knowledge of citing sources as well as expanded my resources. I didn’t know how many resources CLC offered to students such as library resources, tutors, and overall extra support like CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services.) There was an occasion where a student came in very stressed and ready to give up on school and I knew I couldn’t let her just leave the writing center, so I suggested walking down with me to the CAPS office. (The entire tutoring staff learned about CAPS at our January kickoff meeting.)

Why should a CLC student consider applying to work in the writing center? It is a very welcoming environment. All the tutors help each other out. We ask each other questions we’re unsure about when a student asks something out of our expertise. You become close with your coworkers. I hadn’t made friends my first year at all, and now at the end of my second year I’m full of amazing friends all of which are from the writing center. You also improve as a writer yourself when you’re helping others. You start to see your own papers improve.

What else do you want to say about your experience as a tutor? I think that most of us (when we were new) felt unqualified for the job and from what I have heard from my other fellow peer tutor co-workers, we question whether we’re doing a good job, but then you find yourself at the end of the session and the student is surprisingly satisfied with the session and they ask “what days are you here,” meaning that you did something right because they want to return to you. Even if it is simply because they feel comfortable around you, it still reflects on your abilities as a tutor.

Natalie

What made you decide to apply to be a writing tutor?  I got a letter in the mail saying my favorite English teacher so far, had nominated me to be a tutor at CLC. I thought it was such an honor and an amazing opportunity to be a part of some sort of community at CLC.

How have your ideas about the writing center and tutoring changed from your first day until now?  I definitely see the wide range of people and topics that the writing center can really help with and support their students.

What are some important things you have learned from your experiences as a writing tutor?  Being empathetic and friendly is the first step. It’s so important to try and connect with tutees and make them feel comfortable enough to want to accept your help and learn from you.

What other benefits have you gained from working in the writing center?  My own writing has improved as I learn something new or review something in writing every shift with a tutee in the writing center.

Why should a CLC student consider applying to work in the writing center? It’s a great opportunity to connect and learn with others. It’s much more than just a job because you are a resource and there to lend a helping hand to others, while learning and bettering yourself socially and mentally.

What else do you want to say about your experience as a tutor?  The writing center is very understanding of the student tutors working there, it is not difficult to include working in the writing center as part of your schedule and it’s a big benefit to you in the long run!