November 26-30

         This week was the first back from break, but was also, understandably, lighter than the Monday, and week, prior to Thanksgiving Break. It would seem that the majority of people who found use in the services of the writing center, did so before the break so they could work on their assignments during that time of feasting and festivity. However, I still found a few appointments this week - at least one appointment with the ELL I have described in earlier blogs, as well as a friend who came in on Friday with questions on an English paper. Nothing particularly interesting occurred in either of these sessions as far as questions go, but I will cover them nonetheless.
          The session I had with the ELL student was standard as to how we have been running our sessions the past three or so times they have come to see me. They give me a quick synopsis of their paper, usually communications, and I read through it, noting errors I find in the English or grammar. Here, instead of simply correcting the mistakes, as an editor might, I would point them out and the student and I would discuss them. This frequently leads to me sitting back for a moment as the student adjusts their writing, as they always bring in their work on a word document. The student always leaves with relief clear in their brow and kind words with a promise of a return visit the next time I'm available. 
         In regards to my other session, it was a simple affair. The student brought in a six page paper that needed to be shortened to five pages before he turned it in at 5:00 PM. They also expressed an interest in having me read the paper to check if they stayed on the mark for their thesis statement. I did so and pointed out a few things to work on in the process: shortening paragraphs to avoid cluttering ideas, removing filler words, etc. I found their thesis well developed and supported, and they left with a small list of things to fix before they turned in their work that day. They also expressed how helpful I had been. This was also their second trips to the writing center to see me. It's very reassuring as a writing consultant to get repeat visitors as often as I do. It makes me truly believe that when someone says, "Thanks a ton, this has been super helpful," that those words mean something and aren't just said out of kindness.

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