What My Expectations Were

         I have to admit that my expectations for English 242 were a lot different than what I’ve experienced/ learned as a result of the class.  I have been pushed out of my comfort zone on several occasions, and continue to learn more about myself as an individual and as a writer.  To me, English 242 is more than a starting point for our future Writing Center sessions; the class is designed to challenge you, to make you think critically, and to help you grow.  Who knew a single class could have such an impact?!

When I first applied to work in the Writing Center, I thought that English 242 would be like an informational lecture that met biweekly.  In my mind, there were a strict set of guidelines/procedures that each advising session must adhere to.  In essence, there seemed to be a formula for successful peer-tutor interaction.  I soon discovered, however, that there is no Writing Center manual that depicts every possible scenario that might occur in a session.  I began to read our assigned texts and was overwhelmed by various opinions about Writing Center pedagogy, all of which seemed to emphasize the point that one ideal tutoring style does not exist.  This concept scared me; I am the type of person that likes formulas and straightforward answers.  I guess the straightforward answer is: there is no straightforward answer.  I am learning to accept this concept as I seek to formulate my own ideas about Writing Center pedagogy. 

In continuation, English 242 has allowed me to grow as an individual.  Various improv sessions have forced me to set my fears and anxieties aside, and make myself vulnerable to the rest of the class.  As nervous as I may get for some of these exercises, I think it is important that we (as members of the class and the Writing Center) learn to be comfortable with one another.  I think that each activity is not only enlightening for us as tutors, but helps us understand some of the fears that the writers may have.  It is important that we understand how a writer may feel vulnerable and/or unconfident about their writing or another situation, and learn to help them feel comfortable.  Lastly, I liked the timing of improv day in relation to the semester.  I think it brought us closer as a class, and will help eliminate future anxieties.     

All in all, I am thoroughly enjoying English 242.  To me, it is a very unique course that engages me more than any class I’ve had at Wittenberg.  I am thankful that I continue to be pushed out of my comfort zone, and hope that some of the fears I listed on that pink index card will eventually disappear.  For now, I look forward to seeing what fun and challenging activities are to come.