In the life of: A writing center advisor

By Andrea Olsen

Thursday, October 29, 2009

It’s hard enough to write papers required for class, but try reading and offering suggestions to 10 papers per week.

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Photo by Andrea Olsen

The write stuff: KU Writing Center advisers such as Rachel McMurray, Tulsa, Okla., graduate student, use their writing skills (and patience) to help students.

 Rachel McMurray, Tulsa, Okla., graduate student, works at the KU Writing Center almost every day, helping students get through writing projects.

 McMurray works with students who come to the center, helping them do everything from brainstorming ideas to proofreading assignments. The first thing she does is look for the thesis statement, which she says is the first hurdle in writing a paper. Her goal is to point people in the right direction, and make them better writers for the future.

 Writing advice may be the main part of the job description, but learning how to deal with people is just as important. Patience is crucial when working at the writing center. McMurray must gauge the students’ reactions, deciding how familiar she should act with them. It’s also hard to know when to talk and when to listen, depending on the individual student’s needs.

 McMurray says the job is fun and rewarding, but dealing with stressed and emotional students can be mentally draining. While some students are confident and just want a few suggestions, others aren’t quite as prepared.

 And the most frustrating thing is when students put off a paper until the last minute, McMurray says. She suggests giving yourself a few days to work.

 “Don’t come in 30 minutes before the paper is due,” McMurray says. “We can’t wave a magic wand and finish it for you.”

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