My writing experiences go back as far as I can remember and have contributed to my tutoring
style, which I would describe as patient, measured, and deliberate. I ask a lot of questions and
genuinely want to learn about the content of each students' paper, rather than simply looking for
sentence-level concerns. Thus, I look at tutoring as a learning opportunity on both sides.
Furthermore, because asking questions and finding answers is the way in which I write my own
papers, there is a reciprocity which translates well into a strong line of inquiry in tutoring
sessions where I strive to work with students to find the writing style that is best for them.
I continue to develop my style of tutoring as a result of what I learn works and what needs to be
further honed within writing conferences. These tutoring experiences truly began when I was a
freshman in college helping my peers work on their drafts and I continue to use them to improve
as a graduate tutor working within the writing center on campus. As a result of this steady
progression, I have learned much about myself as both a tutor and a writer. Because of my
gradual transformation from writer to writer and tutor, I have gained knowledge about others'
writing processes. I have also learned about others' experiences as tutors. Both of these educate
me on and allow me to be a well-rounded tutor and mentor to other tutors.
Because of my background, my tutoring philosophy focuses primarily on feedback: both what
the student provides about his or her writing experience and what I, in turn, can provide to him or
her about his or her product. No matter what stage the student is at in the writing process, I
firmly believe he or she has something to offer about his or her writing and goals he or she wants
to achieve. By discussing these goals at the beginning of each appointment, and by listening
instead of telling, I believe the tutoring experience can be one that is mutually educational.
At the start of each semester, I focus on what I'm doing well and what I would like to achieve
throughout that semester in regards to my tutoring process. This reflection allows me to look
back on past sessions and interactions and determine what about them was successful and what
could be improved upon. It also allows for me to consider ways in which I can branch out to
make tutoring a more holistic experience in keeping with Marquette's Jesuit values. I now have
taught specific classes about methods for their writing projects; I have also led several
workshops on writing styles. These experiences have enhanced my knowledge of tutoring and
allowed me to not on give a more holistic approach to my students, but also to gain a more
complete knowledge of the forms writing can take.
Helping peers as well as students in other majors continues to teach me ways of encountering
both writers and their processes for creating work. Tutoring is a wonderful experience and one I
feel that I truly "lucked" into. There is nothing quite so satisfying as seeing a student who was
struggling with his or her writing achieve success on paper after paper by implementing what
you have discussed in tutoring sessions. Being a part of helping others reach their potential is a
wonderful gift that tutoring gives to not only the writer but also to the tutor.
I appreciate the opportunity to be considered for a position at your company and thank you for
your time in reading my application.