Writer's Room experience.

When I enrolled in First Year Writing, I did not know that I was enrolling in a service learning section. I chose Professor Stockman as I had friends who learned from him last semester and recommended him to me.

I was unsure of what service learning would be like. I have never officially tutored people, especially not those younger than me. Naturally, I was hesitant and a bit cynical about the whole thing. I immediately thought the worst of it. What if they hate me? What if I am not good at it? 

I still do not consider myself qualified to do this and I have had so many experiences with students I think are much better at me at writing, especially research papers. My writing background consists of years of English Language, GCE A Levels and Cambridge IGCSE. So I am not sure how to assist students doing AP English sometimes. But I think I have learned more through experience. 

My experience in the writer's room at John D. O'Bryant School has been interesting. I go two times a week for one hour at a time. I have worked with quite a few students now, and I have to say that they are very impressive. I often do not think they need the help but I'm sure they appreciate it as I remember being just as clueless at their age and even now sometimes. I think sometimes it is easier for students to learn from tutors that are other students as they can relate to them more and might feel less intimidated to talk to them. I personally feel that way because I know that I very recently went through what they are going through. 

 I think I learned a lot through my interactions with students. Not just about writing, but about the importance of collaborative efforts. I remember one such instance, that particular stands out to me. A student told me about what she was working on and she wanted to rephrase some parts of her writing and add more content. Initially, I did not know what to suggest or how to help. So we simply had a conversation. In doing so, we collectively came up with ideas and it helped her writing. 

826 Boston is a great organisation that helps students to learn in a comfortable and open-minded environment. I think it is very important for students to feel safe and secure, especially at a young age. It's a good thing that they provide that to various schools at such a pivotal time. I am glad that I was a part of it this semester.