by Madi Hickman

When I signed up for LANG 120, I was honestly signing up because it was a requirement that fit my desired schedule. Upon realizing that it was a service-learning course where I would be tutoring high school students, I grew a bit concerned. In one instance, for as long as I can remember, I have grown disgusted at the thought of becoming a teacher. Teachers are amazing! They endure so much just to get paid so little (compared to other fields). I appreciate teachers in all aspects, but I personally would never want to become one. However, this experience has been better than I anticipated in every way! I still do not love the idea of becoming a teacher, but I am definitely less disgusted at the thought! I do not mind helping people; that is my favorite part, in fact. I just hate the thought of feeling as if I am going through high school or college all over again. Either way, I have learned that I am not as set in my ways as I thought I was!

While I have shifted in those aspects, I still find it frustrating that I question myself and how I address the tutoring. What I mean is this: I want to share my revision ideas with the student without sounding harsh or making it seem as if I think the paper is horrible. I have been attempting to do better by finding the happy medium that compliments the strengths and gives suggestions for the weaknesses. 

Although I do not personally want to invest in becoming a teacher, I have learned that I might not mind getting an actual job at the writing center! While I decide on that, though, my goals are to continue giving helpful tips and feedback to these high school students and create a comfortable environment where they will want to come back!