“Writer” is a term that I have used to identify myself for most of my life. Even before choosing to pursue journalism I always seemed to have an affinity for writing and, perhaps without realizing it, thought of myself as a writer. My vision for not only my tutoring practices but the Ott’s as a whole, is to help each person that enters the Writing Center to feel as though they are a writer, not just a student that happens to be writing.
I think there is a level of authority that accompanies the title of “writer” that can make it sound so official. While we address each peer that comes into the Ott as a writer, many don’t see themselves as such. I feel that those who come in believing they are in no way a writer are assuming they are unable to achieve what a “real” writer could and are thus inherently instilling doubt in themselves. If I can get each writer to see that they are in fact a writer, they will be able to shed this doubt and come into the Ott with confidence.
This donning of the title “writer” will hopefully bring everyone who comes to the Ott a sense of belonging. Rather than feeling as though they are bringing their work in to be fixed, I hope each writer will look instead to simply improve their skills.