What does it mean to work at the GWC?
“listen to grad student needs and advocate for resources” Ashton
“human connection in the writing process” Jenna
“supportive place to think, talk, write, and work together” Carolyn
“working with students through all the phases of the writing process” Felicia
“adding tools to their writing ‘toolbox’ and ultimately improving their confidence” Erin
“learn from my clients just as they learn from me” Danielle
I love helping people. Tutoring at the GWC allows me to do that in a meaningful way for my graduate student colleagues. Every writer has different needs, and no two appointments are ever alike, keeping me sharp and pushing me to continually improve my practice as a tutor and educator. As the GWC coordinator, I love being able to listen to grad student needs and advocate for resources that make all of our experiences better. Whether it’s through individual appointments, workshops, or behind-the-scenes administrative work, I look forward to continuing to help our community and its members grow!
Being a writing tutor means exploring the big ideas in writing. I love talking with my peers at URI, sorting through their writing challenges, and helping them find ways to express and organize their ideas. I learn something new during every appointment and I enjoy meeting folks from so many different programs and backgrounds. Grad school pushes us all to our limits, and the GWC is a supportive place to think, talk, write, and work together. I work best when I’m busy, so please keep making those appointments!
I appreciate my time as a writing tutor because I get to learn from my clients just as they learn from me. I’ve been exposed to fields that are vastly different than mine. This has allowed me to broaden my perspective of research and gain a better understanding of unique fields that I wouldn’t have been exposed to otherwise. The GWC allows students to discuss freely with their peers about their writing in a low pressure environment. Regardless of their stage in the writing process, students can rely on productive discussions that will ultimately help them become better writers.
I love having the opportunity to collaborate with fellow graduate students from a range of disciplines and I love the fact that during each session, we learn from one another. Most graduate students aren’t fortunate enough to receive training for developing strong writing skills, so I’m glad the GWC allows me to share my particular areas of expertise to help students develop the skills they need to become more effective writers. URI’s GWC has established a crucial resource on campus for graduate students who don’t otherwise have any writing resources to rely on. We’ve created a supportive writing community that graduate students can turn to for sharing their writing in a low stakes environment, adding tools to their writing “toolbox,” and ultimately improving their confidence in their writing abilities.
My goal for each session is to collaborate with my clients, teaching them tools they can use to continually improve their writing, and ultimately build confidence in their writing. I love working with students through all phases of the writing process, but one of the best things about tutoring is learning new things from my clients. Discussing different projects is always exciting, but I also learn tips and tricks to creatively style papers—many of which have helped other clients. In the end, it’s all about sharing knowledge.
Working at URI’s GWC is a phenomenal opportunity to learn from and assist fellow graduate peers. The exchange of knowledge and expertise that occurs within the center is a joy to behold and participate in. It is invigorating and inspiring to witness all of the incredible projects that URI graduate students are producing. The discussions that occur among graduate students in the GWC help provide an element of human connection in the writing process, which is oftentimes a solitary endeavor. This collaboration helps students to explain their ideas more clearly and fluidly, while also providing a compassionate place to turn to in times of writing crises.
Are you interested in working at the GWC? Applicants must have prior peer tutoring/consulting experience. Please send your resume and cover letter to Cara Mitnick, Director of Professional Development at cmitnick@uri.edu.
