Advice to Tutors

I am taking an English course this quarter in Lancaster, and the professor of the class is unlike anyone I have met before in my academic career. As a writing tutor, we are encouraged to assist students in various areas of their papers. It seems most of the students probably wouldn't utilize the learning center if not told about it's existence and required by their professor to at least show up here once. In my English course, the professor does not recommend that students see tutors, or have their peers look at current papers because any influence could destroy the writers voice. At the same time, some do not know how to begin to use their voice and that's where tutors come in. We sort of present guidelines, a lens or perspective as a starting point. It does take a lot to be criticized, and it is indeed difficult to come into a writing center under the impression that someone else is going to tear their writing piece apart. I almost feel torn this winter session because my professor has a viewpoint that is an extreme opposite on the spectrum of helping other writers. There has got to be a balance somewhere in there that addresses helping a student without destroying their voice. Not everyone is a writer!