Have you spent hours staring at a blank screen waiting for your paper to write itself? If so, head over to the greenhouse and visit your friendly writing consultant. Next to the flowers blooming in the greenhouse, an A paper might just grow.
Hopkins, having one of the ten best writing programs in the nation, expects a high caliber of work from its students on written assignments, particularly essays and papers. If, however, you are uncomfortable with your writing skills, or you just want to ensure your argument is sound, the Writing Center, will provide you with the necessary assistance.
The Writing Center, founded in 1995 by a combination of graduate students, undergraduate students, and faculty, provides one-on-one help for students wishing to improve upon and hone their writing skills.
Center staff members, who earn a part-time wage for their time, are available to read over assignments ranging from Introduction to Fiction and Poetry works to senior theses.
According to graduate student staff member Tom McCray-Worrall, "mainly humanities papers are given in for review, but we get our fair share of other assignments as well." Their support focuses on a content-based criterion, including how an argument is structured and whether or not a clear thesis idea is presented within the body.
As freshman Allie Schindman states, "I wanted to make sure that my History of Latin America paper had the correct flow for my argument, so I went to the Writing Center. They definitely helped me, and I think I did a great job on that essay."
The Writing Center makes it clear that it is at students' disposal, not as a proofreading mechanism, but as a haven for those wishing to transform their level of writing. For instance, when a student brings a draft of a humanities paper, the staff member working with the individual will analyze the writing, looking at the content, the coherency of the argument, the clarity of the thesis and the flow of the paper.
Additionally, some students will work with the same staff member repeatedly in an effort to advance their writing style even further. Although the Center stresses proofreading prior to entering the review process, members will point out chronic grammatical problems and controversies with the overall style of the paper.
If you are experiencing detrimental writer's block, the Writing Center can and will accommodate you. Although they will not provide students with an argument, members will brainstorm with those seeking help and go over any notes or thoughts already put on paper. In fact, the Web site states that even thoughts on "a back of a napkin" will be helpful in guiding a session.
One of the more unique services provided by the Center is its dedication to improving the level of writing for those bilingual students here at Homewood. Members approach ESL students' papers in much the same way, except that they will focus on GUMS (remember this acronym from elementary school? Grammar. Usage. Mechanics. Spelling.) more in order to provide a comprehensive overview of works submitted.
Another fantastic aspect of the Writing Center is its offer to review personal statements for graduate school applications, specializing in those terrifying medical school essays.
Although there are undergraduate staff members, grad school personal statements are often left to those already in graduate school to discuss and revise. As McCray-Worrell said "members are apt to be more frank with personal statements" because there is more then just a grade at stake.
In order to become a member of the Writing Center staff, graduate students must go through an application process. Undergraduates must be nominated by faculty members. Once accepted, members undergo an intensive training process before they can assist others with writing. However, the training is well worth it, as it is an invaluable service to aid a student with an assignment.
The Writing Center is located in the Greenhouse behind Gilman. Although it takes a bit of sleuthing to find the offices if you are unfamiliar with the Greenhouse area, the search is definitely worth the time if you need help on any form of writing task presented by professors and assorted faculty members.
The Center is open on Sunday - Thursday from 2-6 p.m. and 7-11 p.m. and is closed on Fridays and Saturdays. They do accept drop-ins, but appointments are recommended. To make an appointment with the Writing Center, call 516-4258.
For more information on the Writing Center and its mission, visit http://www.jhu.edu/~english/writing_center/index.html.
