Henry Ford
Having the opportunity to observe the innerworkings of our Writing Center this week offered so much more than mere "training". Sure, we learned the system, the daily "to-dos" such as the necessary paperwork and consult follow-up summaries. What I found intriguing was the community of veteran consultants themselves. What an eclectic mix of artists, technology buffs, business majors, English majors, traditional undergrads, and non-traditional undergrads.
One would assume that such a variety of personalities would be at odds when it comes to collaboration and effective consulting technique. But the reality is that it's because of the variety that the Writing Center is so successful. Our differences allow for multiple perspectives and insight. What was inspiring for me was witnessing the feeling of closeness and the unified desire to help writers become even greater. Anyone wandering in can sense that they are in for a unique, personal experience no matter who is in the center. The discussion of collaboration and community is actualized and a thriving practice in LA Rm 200.
Our community within a community has already created a special place within my heart. Not only do I feel like I'm in the right place at the right time in my life, but I can tell that our "clients/writers" have a lot to offer me in addition to the veteran consultants. I've always been a bit gun-shy when it comes to letting my guard down-- letting people see beyond the "student" has burned me in the past. But I feel at home here.
As a writer who has no idea what they are doing (that's why I'm in college, right?) I feel like I can come to the Writing Center to share my work and gain the knowledge to enrich my writing. As a 303er, I trust that our community embraces collaboration even utilizing our services ourselves. Practice what we preach, right?
Hi, Ali!
ReplyDeletePractice what we preach, indeed! Many consultants who begin working in the Center have never had their work consulted on before, and I think it’s so important for all of us to get our work consulted on every semester. We should never forget what it’s like to be on the other side of the table—that’s what keeps us humane!
And you’re absolutely right about the eclectic group in the Center—and this is not by accident. I think people often assume that there’s one kind of person who would do this kind of work. There isn’t one kind of person, but there is one particular quality that everyone has—it’s the writing center attitude that Wingate wrote about. Clyde and I have gotten pretty good at sizing people up in our interviews to see if they have that quality. I can teach people about grammar. I can teach people how to use the Socratic Method. I can’t teach people, however, to be engage human beings. You’ve either got it or you don’t. Glad you’ve got it! :)
I hope this week you’ll get a chance to sit in on a session or two. It’s always fun to watch the veterans in action—they’re pretty amazing.
Hope you’re enjoying your Sunday!
~Melissa