I hope to be the kind of writing consultant who enables her consultees to reach their full creative potential. North’s essay made me realize that writing is about so much more than just fixing grammatical errors and tidying up a few things here and there. The purpose of a writing center should be to provide an atmosphere of creativity and collaboration in which the writer feels free to let their thoughts flow and consider every possibility.

One of my favorite things about writing for the newspaper in high school was spending time in the publications lab, sharing my ideas with others and listening to their insight as well. I found that the environment—the “inspiration board” on the wall covered with newspaper clippings and intense photographs, sometimes even just words; the sound of people typing madly away at their keyboards and occasionally bursting into laughter over some blunder—provided a uniquely destined space for us to grow and flourish as writers and creators. There is beauty in finding spaces where it’s acceptable to be messy and a little chaotic sometimes. It’s all part of the creative process.

I think that environments like these are necessary in college. We are bombarded with schedules and calendars, counting minutes and trying to remain at a steady pace. I think a space in which time matters less than thoughts and ideas is vital to the wellbeing of students who hope to not only learn from others, but produce their own work and grow as scholars as well. I believe this is the core purpose of a writing center.

I think that having a conversation with the writer can be extremely helpful during a consultation. That way, the writer can raise any ideas that aren’t fully developed yet; ideas that might prove highly valuable in the long run. By challenging the writer, asking questions, and simply listening, a consultant can help them steer their train of thought in the right direction and organize their ideas. According to Rafoth, a “supportive tutor is not just a cheerleader—he’s a constructive critic as well. Ideas, arguments, and values are what writing is about, and students who come to a writing center need a real audience” (82). Oftentimes, students are driven to go to the writing center just to have another perspective on their work, so it’s important for that perspective to be one that’s thoughtful and comprehensive.

People can generally agree that the creative process takes time. So when a student is on a tight deadline, it can be hard to take a moment to breathe and tap into the ideas stored in one’s mind if you’re only thinking of the fact that your paper is due in twenty minutes (understandably so). The key to improving a paper in a short period time is not focusing on tiny details, but rather examining the bigger picture. “Experienced tutors don’t attempt to pick out every error they see. Instead, they look for error patterns” (Young 113). This way, the consultant can identify the areas the writer struggles with most and help them learn from their mistakes, instead of providing a quick fix.

I think being aware of the concept of growth mindset is essential so that consultants can help to instill the idea in writers that they have an influence over their progress and the grades that they make. I struggle with growth mindset sometimes because I see myself falling into the same patterns and having the same problems again and again. However, having a growth mindset enables one to continue striving, realizing that growth does not have to follow any kind of formula.

Seeking new possibilities and new ways of thinking is the key to growing out of error patterns and realizing our full potential as writers. As a consultee, I learned that accepting others’ input helps me to develop ideas and see new directions I might not have noticed before. What makes sense in my head may not always be communicable to others. This realization reminds me that while writing itself may be a solitary process, sharing your writing and spreading your ideas is not. Learning from others is an essential part of the writing process.