The Writing Center welcomed four new staff members in 2014. Earlier this week, we introduced you to dissertation editors Basil and Dayna. Today, we're welcoming writing instructors Amy and Ellen. If you're a Walden student, you'll likely meet Amy and Ellen again through paper reviews, webinars, and residencies.
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How long have you been working at Walden?
Almost 1 year.
What were you doing professionally before you started at Walden?
I was teaching in a university Intensive English Center where I taught beginner to advanced English language learners from all over the world.
Could you talk about a particular writing challenge you faced and how you overcame that challenge?
I struggle getting started. Whether it be a blog post, a paper for school, or a card to a friend, I always pause and feel like I don’t know where to start. Many times I tell myself that I just need to get some of my ideas out first, so I start writing anything that comes to my mind on a separate sheet of paper or a different document on my laptop. Then, once I get some of my ideas down on the page, I go back and decide on a general outline for my draft. Many times I will tweak whatever I initially wrote or move some sentences around. I need to remove the pressure to write it perfectly the first time and just allow myself to write. It’s all mental.
What do you find enjoyable about teaching or editing writing?
I enjoy seeing the students I work with progress and gain confidence in their skills. In my experience, when I write something I feel good about, I feel a great sense of accomplishment. I want others to experience that sense of accomplishment as well.
Describe your approach to writing in 3 words:
Yoga, coffee, write. (In that order.)
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How long have you been working at Walden?
I joined in July of 2014.
What were you doing professionally before you started at Walden?
I spent the last two years earning my Master’s degree in English Studies and teaching first-year composition at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
What’s the best writing advice you were ever given?
“Just do it.” Yes, that is the Nike slogan, but when applied to writing it means just write something down on paper. It doesn’t matter if what you write is poorly constructed or goes off topic. What matters is that you have something to work with, think about, edit, and revise.
What do you find enjoyable about teaching or editing writing?
My favorite thing about teaching is seeing my students have “ah-ha!” moments. As a Writing Instructor at Walden, I may not be able to physically see the students I help have “ah-ha!” moments, but I know they happen. Walden students will often make revisions to their papers based on the feedback they receive from a Writing Instructor, and then come back to the Writing Center for additional guidance on the same essay. When we see that the student has made informed revisions, it is clear they had an “ah-ha!” moment at some point during their revision process. It is such a rewarding feeling to help students better comprehend writing and achieve these “ah-ha!” moments!
What’s one writing accessory you can’t live without?
A highlighter. Whenever I read or write anything, I use a highlighter to indicate areas that I want to find quickly and key words I want to remember.
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Beth Oyler, a writing instructor and the coordinator of webinar writing instruction at the Walden Writing Center, conducted this interview.
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