Take a step in the 'write' direction

It’s 3 a.m. The computer screen flashes a blank page and no thoughts register. Panic sets in immediately. The research paper is due today.

Have you ever been in this uncomfortable scenario? Fear not, as help has arrived.
SCC has some resources and qualified people that can relieve the stress of writing an assignment.

Instead of pulling an all-nighter scratching down thoughts, an SCC tutor offers some useful advice.

“I would advocate… to create a to-do list or an agenda,” Erin Vonnahme said, English tutor at SCC’s Writing Center. “Compartmentalize your goals. Know what you have to get done when. Make a series of baby steps.” According to her, procrastination never serves a purpose.

“We provide help at any stage of the writing process with any assignment here at SCC,” Vonnahme said.

The Writing Center, located in LC-379, offers computers, reference materials and tutors. Students are encouraged to make appointments with tutors ahead of time, but walk-ins can often be accommodated. Each tutoring session caters to providing students with unique insight on how to improve their specific writing struggles. From that point, Vonnahme advises they meet with their instructor.

Cameron MacElvee, SCC English professor, says, “You can’t teach writing through lecture. It has to be coached.”

MacElvee says training a student in writing is akin to a track coach directing an athlete. For instance, she refers to how coaches assist runners by identifying weaknesses, such as racing a poor time or falling over hurdles. Similarly, professors can lend a hand in strengthening students’ word choice, organization and content.

“Because it’s (writing) a skill, there are incremental steps that have to be built upon. You have to know what those are,” MacElvee said.

The way she measures writing is based on five standards: accuracy (adhering to directions); clarity (following an understandable structure); depth (presenting detailed information); precision (avoiding ambiguities); and style (using strong vocabulary, for instance). With practice and perseverance, she says that poor writers can gradually progress.

Moreover, students can apply several valuable, simple tips.

“I think… being engaged in literacy everyday is helpful because the more you see (writing) that’s modeled for you, the more you’re familiar with it,” Vonnahme said. “You can’t be an amazing writer without being an active reader.”

MacElvee says that talented writers “expose themselves more to literature and current events.”

“I would suggest to write everyday about anything, like in a diary,” says SCC student Jordyn Aadland. Aadland, who also recommends taking advantage of the library’s resources and databases, such as Opposing Viewpoints.

“I think a lot of students have more potential than they think they do,” Aadland said.