As the new semester approaches, I have been thinking about the work of the writing center and how it fits into the campus as a whole. Honestly, I always think about this. But over break is when I have time to read and look around at what my colleagues across the country are doing.
I recently came across this gem of a YouTube video while conducting serious writing center internet research:
This ecstatic, fun video captures part of the essence of the writing center world and reminds me why I love being a part of it. A quick YouTube search will turn up hundreds of these WC videos from all over the country. There are serious instructional videos, but mostly you will find funny parodies of popular songs, grammar themed spoofs of the Harry Potter series, or dance videos like this one. They are all produced by the peer tutors in each center to share with their fellow students. There is a mixture of professionalism and play in these videos that shows at once the dedication of these writing centers' staff members along with their ability to engage with other students as equals.
There are few spaces in the "real world" where these two elements are balanced. The writing center as a workplace allows writing tutors to become professionals, improve communication and social skills, and to have fun. I hope this is how we present ourselves in the Cedar Crest Writing Center. And I hope that any members of the campus community who visit us will be as happy to be there as we are.
