One Step At A Time September 26, 2013

Good morning, UCWbLers and other writing-loving friends! Now that the autumn quarter is in full swing, we asked one of our new UCWbL writing tutors and graduate assistants, Marcela D., to write a little about her experience so far with the UCWbL!

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First I was afraid, I was petrified, I thought I’d never understand what the UCWbL’s all about, the amount of things that it involves and how many people it helps through such different paths.

It was an overwhelming and full of excitement beginning indeed. I have never been a tutor, until now, except for teaching my daughter, which I never considered as a tutoring task but one of my maternal duties, so you can imagine how I felt as I began to dive into the UCWbL’s mission and believes.

Thankfully, now that I have been able to see below the surface and start to put into practice all the things we’ve been studying and reading, my fears are changing into joy, not only because I finally understood it, but also because it is an amazing experience to collaborate and work together with all kinds of writers in all kinds of writing projects.

One of the things I’m very happy about is the continued learning opportunity this represents, not only for writers, but also for tutors. Each meeting is a collaborative job between both of them, where an interchange of knowledge takes place.

The fact that the tutoring sessions are held in such a friendly environment helps the writers feel comfortable and open to suggestions, but at the same time invites them to come up with their own conclusions and, therefore, leads them to trust their writing process.

At the same time, the tutor learns that every writer is different, although most of their concerns might be the same, and this will improve its teaching skills as he would have to find the best way to reach out for each particular writer so they both find the path to improve not only the writing task in front of them, but the writer skills too.

Over these couple of weeks as a new UCWbLer I have found myself submerged in a lot of information and I can say that I’m very impressed about how well organized and practical everything is, but I’m even more impressed about all the good nature people I have found. It’s not easy to find people willing to guide you in every step of the road and even wait for you while you tie your shoes or need to make a pause to take some air.

Welcome Back! September 19, 2013

The UCWbL is BACK!

It’s a new quarter at DePaul, and we just wanted to take a moment and remind you of a few items as we start getting ramped up for autumn!

-Appointments at the UCWbL are for everyone! Whether you are working on a resume, a poem, a research paper, or anything in between, the UCWbL wants to help you with any kind of writing you have.
-Appointments at the UCWbL aren’t just for struggling writers. We are happy to help even writers who feel confident in their work. It always helps to get another pair of eyes on a piece!
-Appointments at the UCWbL are for creative writers too! Believe me, there are so many people here who would love to get their hands on a poem, short story, or memoir!
-Get involved at the UCWbL! There are so many great opportunities for everyone at the UCWbL. Join a writing group, attend a Walk and Talk with the collaborative for multilingual writing and research, and check out Scrawl Radio every Friday starting next week! Really, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

If you have any questions about the UCWbL please visit depaul.edu/writing or leave a comment here! If you’re new, welcome to DePaul, and if you’re coming back, we are glad to see you again. You look great today, everyone.

Get Busy This Friday, Next Friday, and the Friday After Next October 17, 2012

This Friday, you might actually get some work done.

The Writing Center is now open on Fridays, in the Loop, from 12 to 5.

Come visit us in the Loop Campus, in Lewis 1600.  Or make an appointment in advance.

Life at the UCWbL: The Before, the After, and the In Between October 15, 2012

People, papers, and red pens. This is what we new tutors envisioned going into the application process to become a Writing Center Tutor. Because the application process consisted of correcting a sample paper, we naturally came to the conclusion that we were going to be doing just that. We received an email from the UCWbL urging writers from all across the University to apply for a tutoring position. The rest, as the tired and true saying goes, was history. As we wrote our essays and reached out for recommendations, we questioned what we were getting ourselves into. We didn’t have the time or the energy to take on this job — or did we?

Tales of a New Tutor September 21, 2012

Meet Allana. 23 years old. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Completely terrified, yet totally excited about becoming a tutor here at DePaul University’s Center for Writing-based Learning.

Scrawl Season 4 Episode 5: Forgot About S.C.R.A.W.L. May 15, 2012

This week on Scrawl, your boys discussed the evolution and evaluation of rap music; why it gets a bad rap (I know it’s a pun, ya wanna fight about it?) and why it’s one of the last true forms of lyrical music. Tom also gives his two-cents on his former namesake, Against Me! vocalist Tom Gabel, who recently came out to Rolling Stone as transgender.

Respek, son. (*pours out brass monkey for MCA*)

Air Date: 5-11-12

CMWR’s Friday Forum is Back! February 24, 2012

The CMWR’s Friday Forum is up and running for Winter Quarter, and this conversation-based group reads through a short text on different aspects of American culture and analyzes it together. Last week we read an article from DePaul’s student newspaper called “G8/NATO summits, security could cost up to $65 million,” a topic that is especially relevant for us Chicagoans, and invoked great discussion on the impacts that the summits will have on the city.

Resume Advice: Should a Tutor Push the One-page Rule? February 19, 2012

In the process of an overwhelming internship search, I have been updating, rearranging, and tailoring my resume to fit the perceived expectations of prospective employers in both the film and editing/publishing fields. This is also the second week in a row that I have commented on resumes at the Loop Campus outpost, so it seems appropriate that I write a post reflecting on a specific challenge related to this highly-structured form of writing.

Outpost and Short Tutorials: Challenges, Strategies, and Pitfalls February 13, 2012

While it’s nice to finish a conference in under thirty minutes and return to meebo until the next student arrives at the outpost, short tutorials take a certain degree of skill to lead effectively. I’ve been working at the Loop campus outpost this quarter and while business is slow at times, the short conferences that do happen can be challenging. 

Calling all Writers and Readers – Join the Guild! February 1, 2012

If you’re a creative writer or reader of prose, poetry, screen or stage plays, come check out the DePaul Writer’s Guild led by UCWbL tutor and creative writer Sarah Hughes.