University Writing Center

Howdy, I’m Megan Dortch and welcome to “Write Right,” the student podcast of the Texas A&M University Writing Center. Today, we’ll get an inside view of the Writing Center from four of our very own graduating consultants. These veterans will discuss their experiences at the Writing Center, changes and improvements they’ve seen, and advice they have for new consultants. Let’s meet our graduates:

(different consultants talking) You get to learn how to help teachers and how to help students. Everybody who works here is very supportive. I definitely feel like the Writing Center has helped me. I feel like I’m making a difference.

I’m Jordan Fisher; I’m an English major. I’ve worked at the Writing Center for three semesters, and I’m an undergraduate consultant.

My name is Kristi Thomas, and I’m an English major. I’ve worked at the Writing Center since August of 2007. I have been a UWA for two semesters and just a regular consultant.

My name is Lauren Klaffke, and my major is History. I’m a writing consultant, and I’ve been so for two years.

I’m Sierra. I graduated with a major in English and a minor in Philosophy.  I’ve been here for about two years. Right now I’m still a consultant, and I’m also working on a lot of the PR that the Writing Center is putting out.

First, we asked their favorite thing about working here:

(different consultants talking) The best thing about working is honestly all the people– I’d say the best thing about working here would have to be the people– Just the friendliness of the people– The people! I think, everyone’s gonna say it’s the people, and it really is; that’s the best thing about working here. You get to have really chill co-workers and a chill working environment, and then you get to meet a lot of people in your sessions. You learn a lot from working with other people. We have a supportive environment where you know you’re appreciated for what you can do and people believe in your abilities. I also appreciate the students who come to the Writing Center. It’s so rewarding to help them out, and often times, sessions are fun!

Next, they discussed improvements they’ve seen over the years:

(different consultants talking) Most of the things I’ve noticed are small improvements, or the fact that we’re improving all the time. I just notice that the directors are always trying to make sure things are working the way that they should.  I think we’re doing a lot better job of advertising and looking at what our clients need rather than just offering certain things. We’re adapting our services too- like the grad student program –the DATA program – is really helpful. I think the DATA program has been a great addition; I’ve really liked the DATA students I’ve worked with.  Over the years, I’ve seen a lot more consultant involvement. There’s been a lot of projects that we ourselves have put on. It keeps us involved in the Writing Center – and in making it amazing and wonderful.

And they also gave advice for new consultants:

(different consultants talking) I would advise future consultants to be open to learning. Go into it with an open mind, and be eager to learn.  I know my writing has improved tremendously, and even with learning how to teach. You also learn from your clients all the time. My biggest advice is to trust yourself and believe that you’re capable of doing this. It’s really scary to start thinking, ‘I’m not an expert; I can’t help someone.’ But know that you can do it, know that you have the skills, and don’t worry that you’re not gonna be good enough because you’re gonna be fine.

Finally we asked what their plans are after graduation.

(different consultants talking) I don’t know what grade yet, but I’ll be teaching English. I think I’m gonna get my teaching certification and teach – I wanna teach – high school English. I’m preparing to retake the LSAT and applying to law school for fall of 2010. I’m working here for another year and taking prerequisites because I’m changing for my masters; I’m going into design, hopefully at UNT or Boston University.

We’d like to thank Jordan, Kristi, Lauren, and Sierra for their time today, and for all their contributions to the Writing Center. For more information on any of the topics they discussed, please visit our website, at writingcenter.tamu.edu. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of “Write Right,” and we’ll see you next time.