As a senior writing tutor at Colby, I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years working at the Farnham Writers’ Center. If you’re a freshman looking for a campus job, and if you love to read and write, you should definitely consider applying to become a writing tutor. And here’s why:
1. You Get to Work with the Amazing Paula Harrington
Paula Harrington, Director of the Farnham Writers’ Center, is the best professor and boss in the world. As a freshman, I enrolled in Paula’s course, EN214: Writing Tutoring in Theory and Practice. Throughout the semester, Paula’s high energy and intense passion for tutoring was truly inspiring. And now, as a writing tutor, I attend Paula’s weekly staff meetings. Every week, Paula’s humor and dedication to the center makes for an amusing and productive meeting. If you ever have the chance to work with Paula during your time at Colby, I would highly recommend!
2. You Get to Meet Other Tutors AKA the Nicest People in the World
It’s a bold statement, but it couldn’t be more true. Every writing tutor I’ve met has been overwhelmingly kind and supportive. Need someone to review your outline? Ask a writing tutor. Need someone to replace the Center’s coffee filter? Ask a writing tutor. Need someone to provide intellectual and emotional support as you crank out that 20 page final research essay? Don’t ask me, but ask another writing tutor. Bottomline: writing tutors are amazing coworkers, and I feel so lucky to work with them every day.
3. You Might Go to a Conference
Every year, a couple of tutors attend the National Conference on Peer Tutoring in Writing. Last year, I traveled all the way to South Padre Island in Texas. Another tutor and I spent the weekend with Paula and Ghada Gherwash, Multilingual Writing Specialist, learning about tutoring and leading discussions. The conference not only allowed us to learn more about tutoring pedagogy, but it also provided a great reason to escape to the beach! It’s always nice to leave Colby in the winter and head to a warmer climate. Plus, South Padre has the best food ever (did someone say WhatABurger?).
4. You Can Tutor a 112
Every tutor has the opportunity to work with a 112 student, or someone who wants to earn an extra credit and work on their writing. Tutors meet with 112 students once a week throughout the semester. This is a great opportunity because it allows you to bond with your student and really become familiar with their writing. It’s also a great way to work with someone on campus who you might not otherwise get to meet!
5. You Can Attend Lit Tutor Parties
Every semester, the tutors throw a bi-annual “Tutor Party.” Tutor parties are always the highlight of my semester because they’re Harry Potter themed! The fifty-or-so tutors get divided into four houses and dress up accordingly. We then spend the night playing fun games and competing for the Hogwarts House Cup. I love tutor parties because they allow the tutors to relax and socialize outside of an academic setting. Plus, who doesn’t love food, music, and tutor friends??
Long story short, becoming a writing tutor was one of the best decisions I’ve made at Colby. I’ve met so many kind people who share my passion for writing, and I’ve worked with so many professors who believe in the power of peer tutoring. (And it doesn’t hurt that the center offers free coffee and candy!).