Tutor of the Week: Anna Paling

Our next Tutor of the Week is Anna Paling, a  graduating senior with a Professional & Technical Writing major and a Creative Writing minor.

Anna Paling

Anna has been a tutor at the writing Center for three semesters. Here is what she had to say about her time as a tutor:

"What I like most about working at the Writing Center is how much I’ve learned from the students I work with. Most, if not all, of the work I do involves around communication in one form or another, and I believe that writing as a form of communication has real power. I love working here because I get to see that power in action. I love helping writers gain more confidence in their writing, and I love the moments during brainstorm sessions when everything seems to click. Of course every session is different, and academic writing is only one form of writing (that comes steeped in its own issues), but what I value most out of all of my work here is those moments of connection. Sitting down with someone and talking about their ideas, their writing, and even language itself is powerful. I’m grateful to have been a part of that."

Outside of her work in the Writing Center, Anna has been heavily involved in other on-campus work through the PTW program and Cardinal Sins:

"Besides tutoring at the Writing Center, I’ve done a lot of work related to communication, writing, and design during my time at SVSU. For about two years now, I’ve served as a research assistant for the PTW program’s Center for Usability Studies & Universal Design. Through working with them and various clients, I’ve realized how much I value the importance of accessible design. I also served as the graphic design intern for Cardinal Sins last semester, and have been on the journal’s writing committee since I was a freshmen four years ago. Community work is also important to me; I’ve been a member of SAGSA (the Sexuality and Gender Spectrum Alliance) since its start last semester, and over the course of this semester I’ve been thinking of all the ways I might combine my love of writing with activism."

Tutor of the Week: Victoria Phelps

Our next Tutor of the Week is Victoria Phelps, a graduating senior with an English major, and history and creative writing minors.

Tori Phelps

Tori has been a Writing Center tutor for nearly three years. During her time as a Writing Center tutor, Victoria has served as a senior tutor, a mentor tutor, an online tutor, and a grad tutor. She has created two workshops and co-led three workshops for the Writing Center: a Short Story Writing Workshop for high school students, an artist's statements workshop, and a writing for creative publication workshop. The Short Story Writing Workshop was preceded by a trip to Interlochen's Creative Writing Retreat, funded by an SVSU Foundation grant.

Here is what she had to say about her work at the Writing Center and writing in general:

"A good number of my sessions begin with the writer claiming they're "not a good writer" or even that they're "a bad writer." Maybe writers think poorly of their own writing because it's challenging to write or because they've received poor grades on past papers. Whatever the reason, I don't think it exists. This is the point most people say/think "yeah, well, you haven't read my writing." But honest to god, in the three years I've worked at the center, I don't think I've ever met the mythical "bad writer."
"What is a bad writer, anyway? Writing is incredibly subjective and varies from form to form. What may make for so-called "bad writing" in one discipline is entirely appropriate "good writing" in another. Does "bad writing" hinge on grammar? I don't think so, since grammatical rules are themselves problematic, and the real purpose of writing is to communicate ideas, which can be done with total disregard for "rules" of any kind. No, I think perhaps a "bad writer" is a writer who has given up entirely on communicating. Writing is an act of persistence, and the act of coming into the Writing Center is itself an act of persistence, which may explain why I've yet to meet a "bad writer." So you may want to become a stronger writer in your discipline or in the ease of the craft, but don't consign yourself to the fate of a "bad writer" and claim a label that's beneath you. Writing is perseverance, and you own it."

Tori is also heavily involved outside of her work at the Writing Center:

"In addition to tutoring, I'm Editor-in-Chief of Cardinal Sins and a staff writer for the Valley Vanguard. Last year, I co-chaired SVSU's first Human Library. I'm a member of the honors program, and completed my thesis on disabilities in Victorian fairy tales last year. I also serve as vice president of SVSU's Sigma Tau Delta chapter and an officer of Cardinal Readers. Since I read all the time, in my down time, I like to watch TV and movies. I'm currently working through Hayao Miyazaki's films and watching the latest season of New Girl. I also enjoy listening to TV and movie scores while working; my favorite composer is currently Ramin Djawadi, who composes for series like Game of Thrones and Westworld."

Tutor of the Week: Kelsey Hyde

Our next Tutor of the Week is Kelsey Hyde, a senior currently studying a second bachelor's degree in French.

Kelsey at Montmorency Falls during his studies in Québec. 

Kelsey's first bachelor's degree in chemical physics, which he sought at SVSU, was completed in May of 2015, about one year before Kelsey joined the Writing Center team, where he has remained for the last two semesters. Here is what Kelsey had to say about his time at the Writing Center:

"In my short time here at the Writing Center, I have had the opportunity to be a CWC tutor in both Saginaw and Bay City.  Work in both of these communities helped to inform my work here on campus, as it gave me my first opportunity to serve as a writing tutor.  This opportunity working in the CWCs not only allowed me to get my feet wet as a tutor, but it also presented me with the chance to serve as a poetry judge for the inaugural edition of “Still Life”, a collection of poetry from local Tri-Cities writers from varying age groups. Philosophically, what I enjoy about being a writing tutor is the chance to help others become more confident communicators.  I feel that each writer that comes into the center has a unique voice that deserves to be expressed and heard.  I see my position as a tutor as a chance to give writers the tools and encouragement they need to best express this unique voice."

Outside of his work at the writing center, Kelsey enjoys travelling and has been working to solidify plans to continue his education after he graduates in May of this year: "I thoroughly enjoy travelling internationally.  I have studied abroad the past two summers in Québec and France studying French in intensive summer programs.  I hope that I can continue my travels to see more francophone countries in the not too distant future.  After graduating this May and concluding my work at SVSU’s Writing Center, I will start my graduate studies at Eastern Michigan University this fall, where I will be pursuing my MA in speech-language pathology.  Luckily, I will also be able to continue working as a writing tutor this fall, as I have recently accepted a graduate assistantship at the EMU Writing Center."

Tutor of the Week: Yi Hua Tsai

Our next Tutor of the Week is Yi Hua Tsai, a graduating senior with a dual master degree program in Teaching and Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language. 

Yi Hua with President Bachand

Here is what Yi Hua had to say about her work in the Writing Center: 

"This is my second semester working at the WC. I always have passions for teaching. As an international tutor, I sometimes need to work harder in order to keep up with other tutors, but I absolutely enjoy working at the WC! I might not be a perfect tutor, but I always try my best to help the students. For me, tutoring American students English writing is challenging, yet very rewarding. Whenever I see students learn something from me, the sense of the achievement is always beyond any description. Although I haven't been as involved in the conferences the other Writing Center tutors attend and the community writing centers, I do my best to help the Center whenever I can."

Yi Hua is also very engaged outside of the Writing Center:

"Outside of the Center, I work as a Mandarin teacher, teaching and promoting Chinese Language and culture to SVSU students and the people in this area. I have lived and worked in different countries before, but working at the Writing Center is undoubtedly one of the greatest experiences for me not only because of what I do, but also because of the excellent and supportive supervisors and tutors."

Yi Hua will be graduating this May. After graduation, she plans to take her tutoring experience from the WC, along with her passion for teaching, with her into the 'real world' where she hopes to find a positions that allowed to her capitalize on these skills further. 

Tutor of the Week: Alexa Foor

Our next Tutor of the Week is Alexa Foor, a senior with a major in English and minors in Creative Writing and Gender Studies.

Here is what Alex had to say about her time at the Writing Center:

Alexa speaking at the Queer Monologues last semester
(Photo credit: The Valley Vanguard)

"I will be completing my fourth semester at the Writing Center before graduating this May. Outside of regular tutoring, I’ve also presented at the East Central Writing Center Association conference as well as at the Michigan Writing Center Association conference and I’ve tutored at the Saginaw Community Writing Center as a facilitator of the creative writing workshops. I’ve had the opportunity to attend the Bear River Writer’s Retreat at Camp Michigania last June, where I participated in Thomas Lynch’s memoir writing workshop. I then co-facilitated a memoir writing workshop in the Fall for members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. I believe that writing is important because it allows people to connect with one another in communities that bind people together through both their similarities and differences."

Alexa believes that tutoring writing is important because it allows her to build connections with people that are different than her. She writes: "Language is ever-evolving and changing, and tutoring at the Writing Center allows me to constantly learn and evolve along with it. I’ve learned a lot about myself in my work at the Writing Center and I’ve been able to grow both professionally and personally in the time that I’ve been here."

When she's not in the Writing Center, Alexa is also heavily involved in other activities both on- and off-campus: "Outside of the Writing Center, I’m also a member of the Sexuality and Gender Spectrum Alliance at SVSU and I’m a victim advocate at the Sexual Assault Center in Saginaw. I’m also the poetry editor of Cardinal Sins, SVSU’s literature and art publication. After graduation, I plan on attending the University of Oregon’s Environmental Sciences, Studies, and Policy PhD program with a focal department in English."

Tutor of the Week: Madison Martin

Our next Tutor of the Week is Madison Martin, a senior with double majors in Literature and Creative Writing and a minor in Theatre.

Madison Martin

Here is what Madison had to say about her work in the Writing Center:

"My freshman year, ever since I heard that there was a writing center on campus, I knew I had to work there. Cut to seven semesters later, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Working at the Writing Center has given me so much confidence in my own writing, as well as my abilities to help people. When I think back to how I was in my first semester at the Writing Center versus now, I can definitely see my growth and I wouldn’t be able to experience that growth without working here. Besides writing and tutoring, I have been able to develop myself professionally. I’ve presented at four conferences, one being an International conference, sharing my research on students’ perceptions of our center. In addition to these conferences, I also had the opportunity to work at our Community Writing Centers running the creative writing groups. This is by far one of my favorite opportunities I’ve had because I was able combine my tutoring skills with my creative writing skills, which is something I’m not able to do often in sessions."

She added that her beliefs about writing are part of what drive her work here at the Writing Center, as well as her passion in her chosen field of study: "Writing, to me, is the most freeing form of expression. You can write just for yourself, or you can write for others. The possibilities are endless, from song lyrics to books to essays. I feel so honored that, through the Writing Center, I’m able to help people express themselves and share their voices and their writing with me."

When Madison isn't in the Writing Center she spends her time working, studying, and participating in a number of different groups on campus: "When I’m not at the Writing Center, I spend most of my time at Student Life where I also work. I am also part of Cardinal Sins, Cardinal Readers, and the Sexuality and Gender Spectrum Alliance. The few hours a week that I’m not on campus, I avoid going outside and I basically inhale Netflix and Youtube. Currently I’m gearing up for the next Avengers movie because I am also a huge nerd, in every sense of the word. Hopefully after graduating I’ll be able to binge more Netflix, since I’m not sure what I want to do when I “grow up.” Once I do grow up, I hope my career has to do with helping people since it seems like that’s something I’ve grown into through the years."

Tutor of the Week: Renee Okenka

Our next Tutor of the Week is Renee Okenka, a secondary education student with a concentration in English and a minor in English as a second language.

Here is what she had to say about her time at the Writing Center:

Renee (right) hanging out with a friend.

"This is my fourth and final semester working at the Writing Center, however I cannot say enough how much this experience has and will continue to impact me. The Writing Center has not only taught me strategies to work with all types and levels of writers, it has also taught me how to be a better writer. In addition, the Writing Center has presented me with so many valuable opportunities, such as traveling to Japan and tutoring at our sister university in Tokushima, Japan. From that experience, I was able to present at different conferences about research that I co-conducted while there. I have been able to travel to a regional and international conference to present findings to others in the field across the nation. The conferences I attended not only helped develop my public speaking skills, they also broadened my view on what writing centers are and can be."

Renee also spoke to us about her beliefs about writing:

"I believe that writing is a skill and a powerful tool to communicate. It takes practice and commitment and good writing doesn’t happen overnight. In my four years at SVSU, my writing process has evolved and become better, but is still not perfect. My years at the Writing Center have not only allowed me to help others with their writing, but have improved mine as well through me teaching the concepts and being surrounded by writing every day. Writing also doesn’t have to just be essays, it can take any form and can be used to spread ideas around the world."

In addition to her work at the Writing Center, Renee is also highly involved in other activities on campus:

"I’m a person who really enjoys staying busy. I also work as a tour guide on campus and a Resident in the First Year Suites. Although most of my time right now is being taken up by fieldwork, I like to relax by going outside, travelling, binge-watching Netflix, accumulating plants and then accidentally killing them, and continuously learning new things. After I graduate, I hope to move to a larger city somewhere and teach English. As of right now, I have no idea where that will be, but that excites me rather than scares me."

Tutor of the Week: Sam Geffert

Our next Tutor of the Week is Sam Geffert, an fourth-year Secondary Education student with a concentration in English and a minor in Japanese and English as a Second Language. 

Sam holding baby chicks in Kyoto, Japan.

Sam has been a tutor at the Writing Center for four semesters, and has plans to remain a tutor until her anticipated graduation in May of 2019. Sam is currently involved in several aspects of Writing Center work in addition to everyday tutoring: "Currently I’m tutoring on campus and at the Saginaw and Bay Community Writing Centers. I also co-lead creative writing workshops at the Saginaw Correctional Facility." This semester, Sam also plans on presenting in the upcoming ECWCA conference this March.

Last semester, Sam attended the MiWCA and IWCA conferences where she presented independently regarding her experience tutoring abroad at the Writing Center's sister university in Japan, Shikoku University. While, there Sam worked alongside another writing center tutor to prepare native Japanese-speaking students to use English orally, through conversation hours and one-on-one conversation practice. She also assisted in English-speaking camps put on by the professors at Shikoku University, and middle and high school English-speaking workshops alongside assistant language teachers through the Japan Exchange and Teaching program. Of her time in Japan, Sam writes: "One of my best experiences working in the Writing Center was being able to tutor at Shikoku University in Tokushima, Japan. This opportunity to travel has shaped my goals for the future. I would love to teach English abroad after I graduate."Additionally, Sam has also worked as a social media coordinator, led Friday workshops, and judged several creative writing contests through the Writing Center.

Sam believes that writing is a skill that takes practice and dedication. She writes: "I believe that writing and tutoring is like anything else—skill comes over time through practice and dedication. One of my favorite parts of working at the writing center is being an active part in that process for others." When Sam isn't in the Writing Center, you can usually find her studying or working on homework on-campus. Sam loves rollerblading with her dog Coco and reading horoscopes in her free time, and looks forward to getting outside and gardening this spring.  Sam doesn't know what she plans to do after graduation just yet, but she is considering teaching abroad or travelling for awhile before settling on one dream. Whatever she ends up doing, she hopes to someday settle down in Massachusetts: "I love tours and museums, and there are so many to explore in there - I'd like to travel, but I want to end up in Massachusetts someday."

Tutor of the Week: Emma Kirsch

Our next Tutor of the Week is Emma Kirsch, an Early Childhood and Elementary Education major set to graduate in December of 2019.

Emma with Coop the Cardinal

Here is what Emma had to say about her work at the Writing Center:

"Here at the Writing Center, I tutor fellow students in a variety of disciplines and assignments. Outside of the Center here on campus, I also serve as the coordinator for the Saginaw and Bay Community Writing Centers. These Centers each operate twice a month, serving residents of Saginaw and Bay Counties. As coordinator, I am responsible for marketing the centers through email blasts, our websites, and fliers as well as facilitating writing workshops, tutoring in the centers, and making sure they operate smoothly. In addition to these two roles, I have co-presented at a Michigan Writing Center Association Conference and will be presenting in March at the East Central Writing Center Association conference at The Ohio State University. I have enjoyed each opportunity I have had, and look forward to the future!"

Emma is also a strong advocate of improving one's own writing and really enjoys being able to assist other students and community members with their writing, through the Writing Center:

"Writing is such a valuable skill to have, and being a tutor allows me to help others improve upon this skill. Every profession includes writing in some form or another, so being able to clearly communicate ideas through written word is crucial. I like tutoring because it allows me to interact with people I wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to talk to. Connecting with others through the words they have written and the reasons behind their words is really special. I like to help others. I like to hear other people’s perspectives. Tutoring allows me to do so."

When she isn't working in the Writing Center or the Community Writing Centers, Emma is highly involved in other activities and groups on campus:

"In addition to working at the Writing Center, I am a member (and future Board of Directors member) of Forever Red, the Co-president of Pie Club, an Orientation Leader, and a Foundation Scholar. SVSU has given me so many opportunities to grow academically, professionally, and personally, and I cannot stress my love for this university enough. This is truly a special placed filled with faculty who care and so many ways for students to get involved and find their passions. It’s always a great day to be a Cardinal!"

Tutor of the Week: Sara Houser

Our next Tutor of the Week is Sara Houser, an Elementary Education and English Language Arts senior seeking a minor endorsement in Teaching English as a Second Language (K-12).

Here is what she had to say about her work at the Writing Center:

Sara Houser (and Akira)

"I started working as a tutor in the Writing Center about three and a half years ago, just after transferring to SVSU. Even before transferring here, I knew that I wanted to work in the Writing Center. I wanted to combine my two passions – teaching and writing – and I knew that this would be the best place to do so, even though I struggled with confidence in my own writing. Working here has allowed me to do this and so much more. Because of my experiences in the Writing Center, and my collaboration with students and faculty, I have become a better researcher, writer, listener, teacher, and individual, and I have become exponentially more confident in my writing and teaching abilities. I have had the opportunity to be involved in research projects, and presented my own research at a handful of conferences from the state to international level; facilitated a creative writing camp for middle and high school students; and have even presented workshops to prepare future educators for the College of Education Professional Readiness Exam during my time here. Currently, in addition to the tutoring I do throughout the week, I am also serving as a mentor tutor and as the social media coordinator for the Writing Center and our two Community Writing Centers in Saginaw and in Bay City. I have been challenged to become a better writer and thinker by my peers, both students and other tutors, and continue to push myself in this regard each minute I spend in the Writing Center. I have learned how to genuinely listen to the concerns of others, and use my passion for teaching to help them, and myself, grow. All of these experiences, facilitated by my work in the Writing Center, gave me the courage to take on bigger challenges: it is where I found my passion for working with ESL students and decided to work for the minor endorsement. It is where kept my passion for teaching alive on a day-to-day basis, and it is where I made the decision to student teach abroad in Costa Rica to further these passions.

"When I am not in the center, I am usually working on homework, working my other part-time job (I have to save up for after graduation, after all!), or spending time with my friends, fiancé, and our dog, Akira. I will be starting fieldwork for my ESL endorsement this semester, and am currently preparing for this new fieldwork experience by writing lesson plans and reflecting on my teaching practice, especially in relation to working with English learners. My goal is to teach elementary level English language learners here in Michigan, after graduation this spring. In my free time, I like to play video games with my friends (especially Borderlands and Minecraft), exercise, and spend time walking Akira while daydreaming about my upcoming wedding."