Reflections

Today has been a rather strange day. Lately, I've been helping tutees who are so overwhelmed by their work loads that they're stressing out about even the most mundane issues.

When it comes to the writing process, these tutees are, instead of taking the time to think things through logically, sitting down at a computer furiously pumping out words to try to reach a quota on a deadline. Everyone keeps forgetting, though, that you can't sit down and start writing a paper until you know what you're going to write about. This quarter I'm realizing, in my own studies and here in the center, that an outline is where it all begins, and without one, you don't have a map to keep you on course towards your destination.

I worked with a tutee today whose instructor had supplied her with a blank outline sheet along with instructions for structuring a paper. I thought it was excellent, so I made copies and created a new slot in the mailbox for them.

These will be helpful, I think, when we sit down with tutees who can't stay focused on their thesis or when we're helping someone who doesn't yet know what to write about. To us, of course, brainstorming and outlining seems necessary. But to someone who isn't as well-versed in the structural components of an academic paper, this would be very beneficial. And these handouts read a little more easily than Hacker. Of course, these won't be necessary for every assignment type, but feel free to use them as tools whenever necessary.

Winter Quarter

Wind, cutting and biting, as
I walk from Bennett to Stevenson.
Nose dripping, feet tripping on branches
That met their demise in the ice storm.
Everything piling up at once: dental bills,
Radiator needed for car, midterm exams--

Quit! 2009, you've been sucking so far... but
Underneath the slush and ice and muddy snow
Are spring flowers and green grass
Ready to re-emerge.
Think you can hold out until then?
End of Winter Quarter is in sight. Hang in there.
Remember to breathe, to smile, to enjoy a moment of silence...

While buying sandwiches from a local deli, I was directed by the cashier to follow these instructions carefully. Was my signature too messy? I think of it as "full of character." Apparently, more character than the deli clerk and her fortress of education cared to tackle.

I was asked to "please print legibly". Instead, I reached for my phone and snapped this photo. Judging by the strange look on her face, the appreciation for the counter (and the delicious irony inscribed upon) was all mine. =)

This photo is a good look at what good an extra 5 minutes to proof-read will do for anyone presenting themselves publicly - especially business owners. Good spelling and grammar is a mark of professionalism and polish. Spelling "legible" incorrectly is a little mistake with a huge dose of irony; and thus reflects poorly upon the proprietor. The point of the sign is a legitimate one, but the execution is lazy. As a writing tutor for the university, I see a lot of this sort of thing. Good ideas dressed in bad mechanics. Generally we focus on content rather than the technical aspects, but this is such a good example of the need to proof-read. In this case, I couldn't resist playing the part of a Grammar Nazi (or, for the uninitiated, someone who is a stickler for spelling)

We Need a Comic Board