As a tutor, one of my main priorities is to help writers feel confident in their writing. Writing can be a struggle sometimes, and it is important to me that the writer leaves feeling better about sharing their writing. When a writer comes in, I first ask what they are hoping to focus on. We then can make a plan for tackling those goals and move through them in order of importance. I will work through the writing with them in a positive way and do the best I can to help their voice be heard.
I believe writing is extremely important in giving people a voice. Therefore, part of my goal is to make sure the writer’s unique voice is being heard through their writing. I will let them lead the process of how they want the writing to sound, and give help wherever needed to make sure their voice shines through. Often times this can be difficult in academic writing, as it is more structured than creative writing. However, wherever possible, I will work to help the writer sound most like themselves.
Overall, my philosophy is to be a support system for fellow writers and to get to know them as a person first, not just through their writing. Writers should feel welcome and comfortable to talk about their writing. My role is not that of a teacher or authority figure, but instead, a fellow writer and collaborator to bounce ideas off of and give help wherever I can. I am excited to learn new things through the process and help writers feel confident with their writing by the time they leave a session.