Aicha M.

Tutor, Ott Memorial Writing Center

Tutoring Expertise and Passions

My name is Aicha. The pronouns I prefer to use are she/her. I am studying Writing-Intensive English and Literature and minoring in Political Science. This is my senior year at Marquette. The writers I like are Haruki Murakami and Franz Kafka and my favorite genres to work on are personal statements, creative fiction writing, and research papers.

 

Citation Expertise

MLA & APA Citation

Statement of Tutoring Philosophy

My tutoring philosophy is derived from three basic truths that I believe. First that everyone, no matter their skill or confidence; second, that writing is a constantly developing skill, is a writer; and third, writing tutors—through collaboration, connection and motivation—can create better writers, not just better writing. It is my belief that in a peer tutoring environment importance must be placed upon connection and communication with the writers we tutor to cultivate a space where writers feel welcome and encouraged to work on their weaknesses and celebrate their successes. In an appointment building rapport, setting a precedent of open communication, and engaging in supportive motivation are necessary to cultivate a space of improvement and development. In a half hour appointment, time is limited, so every moment is all the more precious. By demonstrating my active engagement and support with writers allows them to make the most out of every minute they spend with me. Central to my philosophy is the idea that “writers never cease learning to write, never completely perfect their writing ability…” (Rose 59). This threshold concept most clearly speaks to my goal as a tutor, to create better writers not just better writing. As writing is an ever-developing skill, one that will never be perfect, our job in the writing center is to support and foster a writer’s ongoing development. Becoming a better writing is not something that can be achieved in a day, let alone a 30-minute tutoring conference, but with the mindset and commitment to growth, 30-minute appointments become key stepping stones in a writer’s journey. Developing a rapport with the writers we work with, understanding the ever-developing nature of writing, and recognizing the value of collaboration and communication, we can foster an environment and mindset of improvement not correction.

Goals

  •  As a peer tutor my goal is to see writers grow and develop and I hope to cultivate such a space in my appointments by focusing on supportive and productive collaboration.
  • I would like to become more involved in our High School Connection outreach and assist with at least one workshop this semester.
  • I am especially looking forward to assisting with Tutor interviews for the Spring 2020 class, I am to participate in at least 2 interviews.
  • As I run the Ott’s Creative Writing group—I hope to expand our population and plan an end of semester fete!