Academic centre fosters sense of community for students
When Mercedes Settle joined the Writing Centre in 2022, she had no idea just how transformative her experience as a tutor would be. “Not only did I gain work and educational experience, I saw a dramatic increase in my writing ability and quality of work. I also found a work family that prioritizes compassion, empathy and consideration in the workplace. After the first month of face-to-face tutoring, the centre became my favourite place on campus.”
Mercedes Settle’s specialties are MLA, academic writing, creative writing, presentations and resume design.
After the pandemic, Settle felt disconnected from her peers and reclaimed the Writing Centre as her place of belonging. “I made friends and found a community there. The tutors, staff, Creative Writing Friday participants and even some students I tutored became some of the most important people in my day-to-day life.”
Jenna Goddard, Writing Centre co-ordinator, said, “The longer I work here, the more I see the need for third spaces where students are welcomed, recognized, listened to, validated and encouraged. University can be challenging and lonely. Being part of a community means everything to that sense of belonging.”
The centre’s training processes focus on students’ learning experience over cold-hard facts, Settle said. “Through this student-first approach to learning, I’ve spent two years helping students unlock inner talents and confidence, which helps stressed-out students leave feeling motivated to finish their papers.”
The beauty of working with students and mentors is in exchanging knowledge. Everyone has an opportunity to develop skill sets and learn about themselves. “Being exposed to wonderful people and such methodologies has unlocked greater confidence within myself,” Settle said. “Anyone who’s known me from my first day at the centre would confirm that through this process, they’ve seen an immense transformation in me.”
“One of the best parts of my job is witnessing transformation, whether in students accessing the centre and becoming more confident in their voice, or tutors supporting their peers,” said Goddard. “Tutors often apply to work in the centre because they’re strong writers. However, they often discover and nurture other facets of themselves: empathy, advocacy and confidence. Mercedes is a beautiful example of this; over two years, she discovered and developed her own voice as a tutor and teacher, often encouraging students to take risks and believe in themselves — just as she did.”
Goddard (left) showing a student how to book an appointment online.
Goddard shared some student feedback that captures how Settle’s tutoring helped them see themselves as a researcher and an important part of the academic community: “I appreciated Mercedes’ recognition of my passion for English romantic poetry and her suggestion to conduct independent research. As a result, I’m applying for the TRU Research Rookies Award.”
“I never thought I’d have so many life-changing experiences in an office of all places,” Settle said. “But working as a tutor has been the best experience I’ve had since starting college. And I would advise anyone wanting to maximize their university experience to try the same.”
The Writing Centre can help with every part of the writing process, from brainstorming to citations. Connect with a tutor in person (face-to-face) or through online appointments, synchronous (video call) and asynchronous (email feedback) from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To access resources, check out the FAQs or book a timeslot, pop by OM 1411 or online at tru.ca/writingcentre.