Final Reflection of the Semester

Given that I am absolutely horrible at blogs this is likely to be my last post here. If the mood hits me, however, I’ll be certain to post further writing center experiences. This is not to say, of course, that exciting and wonderful things don’t happen everyday in the center, its just that this blog would be one more thing to cram into my overstuffed brain. That aside, I would like to take some time on a final reflection on my experiences as a writing center intern.

First and foremost this has been a wonderful opportunity. Originally I had looked at the 6-9 schedule for 303 and my heart dropped. I thought I was going to be borderline asleep the entire time, not because of any fault of the instructor but because I would have already been doing class activities for nine hours previous. I quickly realized, however, that two wonderful things had happened. The first was that we had motivated instructors that loved the writing center and wanted it to succeed. Secondly, we had such an amazing mix of students. Friendships were made quickly and even though I have a tendency to be quiet I found myself coming out of my shell more often and talking with my peers. I do not deny in the least the value this had for my consultations where I was meeting new individuals every time.

Over the course of 303 and seeing other consultants, I began putting together my own views on how to conduct consultations. Having never been a huge reviser, I began to see the value behind “global revisions.” In fact, two papers I wrote this semester I talked with center consultants about and made, for those who know me, substantial cuts and revisions, which resulted in very good grades. The grades, of course, merely acted as reinforcement to an important lesson: I’ve been putting to much value in the pre-writing stage of my process.

Normally I spend the majority of my time just thinking out the paper in my head and in one “vomit session” I get it all onto paper, make sure periods are there, and am done. But now I’ve found the value of consulting with my peers and to be more accepting of changing my work. Perhaps it was wrong of me to start consulting with somewhat of a predisposition to not want to change, but I have since seen the error of my ways.

Another valuable skill I’ve learned from my writing center work is time management. Having a strict thirty to sixty minute deadline means you have to be ready to go all the time. You get a little bit of small talk, but then it’s right into the paper, trying to make as many suggestions as you can in a very small window. As I now see in previous journals and weekly questions, budgeting time was a huge concern of mine. Since then it’s almost become second nature to me, being able to notice my five minute point and leaving them with good advice as I wrap up. Do I always get through everything in thirty minutes? No, but I at least try to make all my suggestions guides to future consideration of the paper.

I think I may have also found my calling in life with e-mail consultations. For whatever reason the two of us just click, maybe because of my experience in electronic interaction with people. It was how I first learned I wanted to and could help people with their writing, so e-mail consultations are very comfortable for me. I still like the one on one interaction of consultations because it creates dialogue and therefore a chance for the student to explain themselves as well as help me recognize when things need clarification, but man e-mail consultation is fun!

The most important thing, however, of this whole experience has been feeling like part of a community. I’ve had social connections elsewhere so this wasn’t a first time thing for me, but there are things I’m doing because of the great camaraderie we share. Tonight, for instance, I’ll be going to a karaoke bar for the end of semester party. Even at my work that I’ve been at for three years I don’t think I’d be super inclined to just do
karaoke. There’s just something special about our group that is fun to be around.

While I only have a semester left before graduating, there is no doubt in my mind that I want the center to be a part of it. I wouldn’t be doing it for internship credit again, but actual pay which is only just an added benefit to the fun of working in the center. I’ve been talking with people and, thankfully, it seems like a lot of 303 will be making their way into next year. I’m very excited to see what happens as we continue to grow. See you next semester!