The moment I walk into the session room, I immediately close the door.
The day might have been filled with stressful exams, exciting updates from friends, or a generous meal that can make anyone sleepy. That’s why it’s critical for me to have a routine when entering the workplace. I use the first few minutes to soothe my nervous system and ground myself in the present moment. For I cannot be helpful to those I serve if my mind is somewhere else.
First, I place my backpack next to the swivel chair. Then, I raise the window shades. I have a clear view of the bright green quad outside and watch as people weave through the paths, buildings, and trees. Having the window open makes the room feel bigger. I give myself permission to take up space by letting out a deep breath.
Next, I sit on the chair to the left of the door. Always to the left. I remove my laptop from the bag and place it on the table. Opening the computer, I browse through the Writing Center directory page. With feet firmly planted on the ground, I take deliberate deep breaths, and allow the events of the day to take a backseat. Breathe in, I am in the session room. Breathe out, nothing is urgent. Breathe in, read the number of booked sessions. Breathe out, turn off my phone. Breathe in, grab my stack of scrap paper to take notes. Breathe out, pick up my pencil.
In the Writing Center, we pride ourselves on working with any writer at any stage in the writing process. Whether you need to brainstorm, or whether you have a “perfect” final product, we are there to offer support. For me, I support a writer best when I feel calm and peaceful.
Writing is a vulnerable task. Without a spirit of openness, I have a greater risk of negatively affecting a person who is seeking assistance. In my own experience, I was deeply criticized for my writing. Teachers would return my essays with bright red C’s and comments about my underdeveloped ideas. As a result, I became more and more terrified to show my work to anyone. Once a paper was assigned, I would write the first thing that came to mind, usually the day before it was due, and submit it without looking back at my mistakes. I trained myself into believing I was a terrible writer and chose to remain silent even when I needed help.
It wasn’t until my freshman year at university that I began to seek guidance for my writing. In my Foundation Seminar class, our professor told us to book a Writing Center appointment. At the time I didn’t even know what a Writing Center was. But, had she not suggested it, I might have continued my very stress-inducing writing habit.
Truthfully, I don’t remember my first session or even my second, fifth or tenth session. What I do remember is that I kept coming back. Despite my absolute terror of having another person, especially a peer, read my writing, I remember being listened to with patience, kindness, and understanding. The consultants made suggestions on where a paragraph could fit better, or explained what they understood based on my word choice. I read my papers out loud and was able to catch my own mistakes instead of avoiding them completely. Instead of submitting my first draft, I would miraculously have one to two drafts prior to the final one. Over time, I began to develop a writing process that was collaborative and enjoyable.
After my first year, I knew I wanted to work at the Writing Center. I want to help students like me who didn’t grow up with positive writing experiences. I want to pass on the kindness that was shown to me and encourage all writers to keep coming back. They could have inner voices that say, “Your writing is terrible.” “Why even bother.” “No one is going to like it.” On the flip side, they might be confident with years of experience sharing their work. Either way, my intention is to welcome anyone who comes to the Writing Center and help them as best as I can. While my prerequisite class (Working with Writers) and my weekly staff meetings have formally prepared me for this job, my routine is what enables me to apply what I have learned.
A gentle rasp on the door breaks the silence in the session room. With a pencil in my hand and a smile on my face, I take one last breath. I am present. I am grounded. I am ready.
“Come in.”
About the Author
Sophia Spears is a Bucknell University graduate who worked as a Writing Consultant for her junior and senior year. During her time as an East Asian Studies major, Sophia worked as a peer mentor and student farmer. In her free time, Sophia loves to cook, read, and practice Mandarin Chinese.
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