Alumni Spotlight on Rosemarie Dawkins, MS in Education Graduate
This month on the blog, we're spotlighting Walden students, staff, alumni, Writing Center services, and faculty.
Why did you decide to use the Writing Center’s services?
I enjoy writing and once I
found out the role of the Writing Center, I began perusing its website and
webinars. I desired to excel as an academic and teacher and this needed to be
evident in my writing. This prompted me to use the facilities of the Writing
Center. I believed that my writing could improve significantly, but only if I
received help from experienced writers.
How did the Writing Center help you advance your writing skills?
When I was enrolled in my
first course—Teacher as Professional—I learned a lot when I started using the paper review service. I had several weaknesses in my writing, which included the use
of passive voice, using transitional words or sentences to provide coherent
reading, designing a firm thesis statement, cohesion and flow, and punctuation
(I tended to use colons and semicolons interchangeably). Prior to Walden, I was
only required to use APA in my research so I did not have much experience with
it. Knowing my shortcomings, I solicited the assistance of the writing tutors
and I must say my writing improved.
Grammarly is another gem
provided by the Writing Center. I refused to submit a document before reviewing
it with Grammarly. I learned to identify errors in my writing as a result of
this software. I think it is priceless, and I still rely on it today!
Also, the webinars contain
valuable information for all students. I desired to excel, and as such I watched
and re-watched any webinar that provided the skills I needed to be a competent
scholarly writer.
What was the result of your experience with the Writing Center?
I received my reviews
in a timely manner. No matter how horrible I may have thought my paper was, my
reviewer always found something positive to commend me on, and that helped.
I became more conscious of my
writing. The following includes some of the changes in my writing: When I write
a paragraph I mentally check for a topic and closing sentence; I now check my
sentences for introductory statements or where to place that infamous comma; I
check for the passive voice. My experience with the Writing Center has made me
more aware. The Writing Center was not an option for me but a necessity.
What would you tell a prospective student who didn’t know anything about Walden?
If you are serious about
excelling, passionate about making a change, and committed to following through
with your decision to further your studies – Walden is the place for you. I was
a bit apprehensive about studying online because of the stigma attached to
studying at a non-traditional school. My previous educational experience pales
in comparison to my Walden experience: It lacked community. I feel as if I am a
part of a family and I would encourage anyone who desires more than just
knowledge to enroll at Walden. I have evolved as a professional since my
enrollment. Yes, I have garnered valuable knowledge, but it is the change, the
new-found habits that I treasure the most.
We at the Writing Center wish Rosemarie the best as
she continues developing as a professional and living out social change in her
communities beyond Walden!
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Walden's Office of Alumni Relations and Rachel Willard contributed to this post. Rachel is a writing instructor and the coordinator of student messaging at the Walden Writing Center.
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Rosemarie, your focus on developing strong writing habits while studying math (not a topic people typically associate with writing) is impressive. You have a great way with words, too: I love your mention of "that infamous comma"! Thank you for sharing these tips for prospective students. Congratulations on your graduation and best wishes on your future teaching, research, and writing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and for your kind words, Anonymous!
DeleteHI Rosemarie;
ReplyDeleteFirst of all i am happy and Congratulating for your Successful achievement of graduation from Education department.
I am Asfaw Fantaye an Ethiopian Citizen,married a father of two kids one son and daughter.Academically i have an experience of both social and natural science in BA and BSc level.Primarily i was graduated from Addis Ababa University in Educational administration and lately i was graduated from Alkan University College in BSc program of Public Health.Now i have been working as program officer of Private health clinics net work in addis Ababa area office as an employee of Marie Stopes Ethiopia.MSIE is an organization that is globally known as provider of FP/RH services at grass root level of local community.
Currently,as i have rich exposure in health and education fields Waldem University was my favorite choice after passing different notorious route i was formally accepted in its Online program of Health education and promotion of Sept,2014 batch.But now due to personal problem and strong financial challenge i am forced to formally withdrawn as of Nov,17,2014.Sorry, in writing such personal case, but as i feel that you can share me your rich experience how can i manage in my future Carrier not to miss this wonderful life experience.Again,i would like to appreciate your unreserved effort to accomplish your Objective.Please let we in touch i need your support and advice.
Best Regards,