By: Gabriella Gayoso

   As a tutor, it has been very rewarding being able to help students with their academic writing. What I have continually found throughout each tutoring session is that students WANT to become better learners. They all work very hard to make sure that the messages they convey throughout their writing are descriptive and thought-provoking; both key elements towards becoming a great author. It has become increasingly satisfying to work with students who are voluntarily striving for better academic achievement. 

   From these service-learning experiences, I have become increasingly aware of the skills required in teaching developing learners the art of writing. Teaching is more than telling students what to do or how to learn; it is recognizing their academic abilities as a whole. For instance, not all students are going to comprehend the information you give them, which is why it is vital for tutors (like me), to teach every student individually in a manner that best fits their learning style. The writing process is different for everyone, and therefore must be treated in an appropriate manner that allows for either the teacher or tutor, to communicate with the learner without barriers/miscommunication. 

   For the future, I hope that students at Asheville High School are able to take away new ways of approaching difficult writing challenges. Oftentimes when I am working with students, many are unsure of how to approach new assignments; never finding their “starting line”. But as I continue to cultivate my service learning skills, I want these learners to visualize how to begin an assignment without the fear of failure or confusion. It is ok to be afraid of bad writing, but it’s not ok to use it as an excuse for not working on it. Overall, I want these kids to recognize how to handle new writing tasks even when it may appear impossible. 

    From this experience, I have learned that I can help others improve upon vital skills I never thought I had. Throughout my academic career (thus far), I have worked hard to enhance my writing skills both inside and outside of the classroom. Taking every opportunity to prove myself as a “good writer”. But now that I have been able to help others become better writers/learners, I want to further my teaching skills and give students the opportunity to find a new part of themselves within their writing.