I was offered a job at the Writing Center in the beginning of my sophomore year when the center was brand new to the Staten Island campus. I decided that I wanted to see what working at the Writing Center was all about. This decision turned out to be one of the best ones I could have ever made. Although the idea of tutoring and mentoring my peers seemed intimidating and nerve-wracking, especially for a shy quiet person like myself, in the end it was much easier and more enjoyable than I expected. Titles like “tutor” and “consultant” might suggest that we ought to act as a sort of authority on writing, as if there are strict rules to follow and we are the enforcers here to tell you whether you’re right or wrong. However, one of the first and most important things I learned here is we are simply here to provide a peers' perspective on written work. We discuss ideas, thoughts, different ways of accomplishing a certain task or goal. Once I understood this, it was much easier for me to approach any type of session.
Currently, I am a senior here at St. John’s and will be graduating in May with a degree in Criminal Justice. One of the things I will miss the most from my college years are the years and experiences I have gained through working at the Writing Center. I have learned so much about so many aspects of life; from learning how to interact with different people in different settings, how to express myself, my thoughts and my ideas, how to come up with alternative solutions to problems, how to relate to different types of people, or simply even how to look at something or someone objectively. The sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from really helping a student with their writing, or with anything for that matter, truly is one of the most rewarding feelings I’ve ever experienced. I pretty much knew prior to my years at the Center that I wanted to help people. Working here has really solidified that goal for me, which is something rewarding in and of itself since many people don’t figure out their lifelong goals so early on.
I can think of one experience in particular that will always stick with me. In the Fall of 2008, some of the tutors from our campus along with a freshmen English class, went to the Henry Street Settlement in Manhattan. We met with some students that were working on their college entrance essays and were trying to help them develop and brainstorm for ideas and topics to write about. That day proved to be more challenging than an ordinary day here at Staten Island; the life experiences and hardships that these students had gone through were eye-opening to me, yet it seemed so ordinary for them. Seeing and hearing and discussing these topics with them really changed my view of the world; if these kids overcame the obstacles they were faced with and are still now trying to go to college and further their lives, then my silly complaints and life problems seem so insignificant in comparison. Meeting with those students truly changed my perspective on life and being able to help them, even just a little bit, was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.
Becoming a consultant at the Writing Center was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It is a challenging, fun, and rewarding job. The people I have met and the experiences I’ve had I would not trade for anything because they’ve made me a better person in my opinion.