When I first walked into the writing center at Asheville Highschool, I didn’t know what to expect. I found myself pleasantly surprised by the cozy environment, filled with the school’s history. There was something about the writing center, a smell, some effect of the lights, or perhaps it was caused by the countless displays, but the writing center gave off this presence that is only found in libraries and museums. It was quiet, contemplative, peaceful even. I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t that. I didn’t expect it to feel like home.

While I haven’t really had any interaction with students yet, meeting with experienced tutors and preparing to become a tutor provided a new perspective on writing and teaching. I never considered teaching others, I never thought myself knowledgable enough to be able to even think about such a task, but I’ve come to realize that I don’t have to know everything about writing. I don’t have to be an expert to help someone. I keep thinking back to my dad, recounting his first experience teaching a community college class, “You only have to be a week ahead of the students.” He right, one of the best ways to learn is to teach, and I’m ready for that.

Such realizations have really shaken me, however. I was nervous to begin tutoring, and I still am, but I’m also excited. I want to teach others. I never thought I’d say that in a million years, but now, more than ever, I know its true. That has been a key part of my own growth from service-learning so far. I hope to continue to grow in this experience, improve my own writing, and I hope when I finish this course that I helped other students grow into better writers too.