Writing and the Heart of Tutoring

     Today I realized why I avoid revision and peer critiques.  My feedback was mainly all good, but one thing Sarah said sent me into rewriting my entire paper.  She suggested I add more interpretation for tutors throughout my paper, instead of just at the end.  As i wrote new portions, I realized the direction of my paper had completely changed, and I would have to rewrite the paper.  I used large portions, but changed my interpretation.  For some reason, when looking at everything again, I found something large that I hadn't noticed or addressed before.  It is for this reason I prefer to change my grammar;  I had spent a long time on this paper, and had hoped not to spend many more hours.  I am glad I did though, I feel it is a much better paper now.  I also realize how people that come into the writing center must feel.  I would always be afraid I'd be told to rewrite when I worked so hard to do what I already did.

     Struggle is worth it, even if I don't know it at the time.  I had worked hard for many sessions with a particular student.  We struggled together to improve her paper, and each time the session left me feeling exhausted.  Today, she came to the writing center wanting to thank me.  She had received a good grade on her paper, and said it was all because of my help, and she wanted to thank me for that.  It's moments like this that are at the heart of tutoring - knowing you've helped someone.