All too often, students are detached from their writing, simply jotting down notes and examples to back up a thesis or argument that they aren't passionate about. As a tutor, I help students find this passion, become invested in their subject matter, and write more compelling, thoughtful essays and papers that serve to empower and build their confidence as writers. Because when these students become more self-assured writers, they become more invested learners. These writing and analytical skills invariably translate into other subject matters, allowing students to approach problems in new and creative ways.
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in creative writing from the University of Maine and a Master's degree in writing and publishing from Emerson College. With more than eight years of professional writing and editing experience in the publishing industry and prior teaching experience at the college level, I bring a highly trained, effective eye to help guide students to better understand not just how to complete an assignment, but how to become more invested in their coursework. My writing guidance experience comes from being a student myself and participating in numerous English workshop classes. It also comes from managing writers in my publishing career and from formal educational training. While attending graduate school at Emerson College, I took a class geared toward teaching college freshmen the art of writing. The coursework centered on academic and intellectual writing and a practical rhetoric of contextualizing issues relevant to a college level writer. Through peer-to-peer teaching exercises, and in-classroom work with Emerson freshmen students, I learned how to guide students through in-class discussion and exercises as well as homework assignments.
Working one-on-one with students to craft meaningful and effective tutoring sessions, I help students tackle tough subject matter at a pace they are comfortable with. I listen to students concerns with a thoughtful and compassionate ear, but also push them to work harder and challenge themselves. But most importantly, I help students find their voice and empower themselves so they not only pass this one difficult class, but excel in their future educational careers to become more involved, avid learners.