The Apprentice ...?

 When I think of apprentices I think of adolescent boys in knickers pants and aprons slaving over a smithy fire, or carving furniture in a wood-shaving scattered room. I imagine Johnny Tremain, not myself. But the rumors are true; I am an apprentice, a writing consultant’s apprentice. So how did my first day go? It went. The room reserved for consultations in the Writing Center was neat and functional. In the corner: a couple computers, dictionaries, thesauruses, and the works. However, nobody came to use any of it.

            

“This is normal, for this time in the semester. We don’t get many walk-ins now” my writing consultant assured me.

            

While I was ready to tackle problem that might pop up, it’s good to know not every meeting is a series of serious problems involving tears, F’s, and angry teachers. 

I took the time to ask the writing consultant I’m shadowing if she had any horror, or great success stories.

“My first consultation was with a student who wanted to go over transfer application essays (a bit awkward, I know).  He came in knowing what things he wanted me to look at, and I was able to make some suggestions. At the end of the consultation he kept thanking me and telling me that I helped him out so much, which was the best thing I could have hoped for.  The next week, he even scheduled a follow-up appointment with me!  So that was my success.”

I was surprised to hear that application essays are brought into the writing center. I am currently writing application essays for summer internships, and was completely stumped writing a cover letter, even the format was laid clearly and simply right before my eyes on the Career Center website. I guess it was a simple matter of tone. I’ve learned I can write conversationally, as on this blog, I can write academically for teachers, but a business audience was entirely new to me. My writing consultant’s story gave me the brilliant idea to bring my application essay into the Writing Center, so that I could get some help writing in the new uncharted waters of business. Honestly, sometimes I think I get more out of the Writing Center than I’ll be able to give back.