2006 Miracle Yearbook

"r John Hawkins, a tutor in the writing center, said that he "loved having the opportunity to learn what other students on campus were working on through their writings. Being able to encourage students in their writing was a great joy for me." 4riting Center. I slipped into a leather lounge chair as I waited for my consultation. Immediately I was relaxed by the soothing atmosphere and friendly faces of the tutors. Without the help of the Writing Center, I knew that I wouldn't be able to pass Composition, let alone develop such a deep passion for the art of writing. By the time my session was over, I felt a wave of relief and empowerment to communicate my thoughts into the written word. 4ka During the school year, the Writing Center illustrated impressive improvements in a number of areas. They implemented a "Read to Write" program, encouraging students to read one selected book per month, such as The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and W;t by Margaret Edson. While the "Read to Write" helped several students in their literacy skills, the Writing Center's greatest improvement this year was their online sign-up program. Faculty director Julie Moore explained the success of this new system, which was the key to their spring semester consultations: "Every spring semester, we've always dropped in our numbers, usually by 200-300. This is the first year that we actually have tutored MORE students in the spring than we did in the fall. That's especially noteworthy since far more comp classes are offered in the fall than in the spring." The Writing Center wasn't just a place for students seeking the help of the tutors. Those who worked at the Writing Center themselves also sought the help of their fellow student workers. Sophomore and Writing Center tutor Nathan Washatka attested to this. He said,"The Writing Center has a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere. No one at the Writing Center is out to make you feel dumb or insufficient as a writer; we're here to improve ourselves and (hopefully!) everyone else who stops by." Hanging out in the Writing Center is always a good time for freshman ie 'Nathan Sheppard. "I like the quiet atmosphere, the free chocolate, the on comfortable seats, and the help that is readily available."