The Writing Center
This is the eight of 12 post in the Tips for Success Series. This series is to help Rebels through the semester with tips and tricks for those high grades in the classroom. It may even help you keep your sanity on the worst of days!
Everyone know's writing an essay is a big deal, and usually worth a good amount of your grade. I’m an English major, and still struggle when it comes time to writing my essay. Sometimes it’s trying to start the essay, other times I really just need someone to sit and look at it for me. The Writing Center is a free resource for students to get help with every part of their essay.
I know I’ve sat behind my computer screen and typed something out, only to discover I had no idea what I was writing or I wasn’t sure where to go with it. The writing center will help you at every stage of your writing process. A great way to start an essay is to create a plan. Sometimes that’s the big issue, you aren’t sure what to write, and they can assist you. Maybe your thesis isn’t as strong as it could be, they’ll nudge you in the right direction. The writing center doesn’t edit your paper, they give you suggestions and ask you questions to see what they’re seeing. They’re like the guides you never knew you needed.
When you go in, they ask you what things you’re the most worried about and focus on it. So, if you are struggling with your thesis, they will focus on that. If you’re worried you steered from the topic, you can let them know that. Every session is customized to your needs and wants.
If you haven’t checked out the writing center yet, I would recommend you do so. They get quite busy during midterms and finals week, so make those appointments. Can’t make it into the office? That’s okay, the writing center has an online version called OWL. OWL is everything the writing center is, but simply online. You submit your paper, the directions for it, what you need help with on that paper, and they send it back in a few days. They do not edit your paper, they will simply add comments and questions. At the very end, they’ll write a little paragraph with their thoughts.
So make your appointments soon, and happy writing!
Bianca Castillo, Senior
Orientation Assistant
High School: Liberty High School
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Major: Creative Writing