by Amanda Thach

What stands out to you the most from your work as a tutor so far? What stood out to me was how I was able to help the students in my own way even though I’m not a great writer myself. The small tips that I gave to the students didn’t seem very helpful but to them it was kind of like a lot because they were able to use those tips to better their paper and that was what stood out to me, that in writing there’s always room for improvement even if the paper seems perfect. Another thing that was interesting was how working with each student was a different experience and it is both a learning experience for the student and also myself because I’m met with different viewpoints and different topics but it is also rewarding at the end of the day. 

How was your service learning experience influenced by your understanding of writing? My service learning experience influenced my understanding of writing because I understand now that writing can never be perfect but with little revisions built up it can become a better piece. I have learned many things throughout my experience working with students. My experience has also influenced my understanding of teaching because I can now see how tutors who work at the writing center what they are presented with, that it’s different every time and it can be challenging so I respect what they do and also the teachers. We gotta give it to the  english teachers because they are dealt with so many different students and perspectives and the teachers have to cater to their unique writing style but also provide room for improvement and make comments and revisions.

What are your service learning goals for the future? My service learning goals for the future is to help more students online because it feels nice to help people but also I have used some of the tips from their writing to better my writing. My other service learning goals for the future working as a tutor for Asheville high school is to become more better at my own writing as well while tutoring the students by picking up many skills and knowledge through that experience.

How has your service learning experience influenced your personal growth? My service learning experience has influenced my personal growth because when seeing the students writing, I noticed that there could be a lot of things to revise even if their paper seems like it’s perfect. I also look at my own writing and it may seem perfect to me but having another set of eyes read my paper is helpful because sometimes I might miss something or something doesn’t make sense in my writing.