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. 

Alumna Rosemarie Dawkins enrolled in Walden in February of 2012 as a student in the Master of Science Education program and graduated in 2014 with a specialization in Mathematics Grades K-5. She lives in Jamaica and is currently a cluster-based mathematics specialist. She is also a member of the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics. Read on to learn Rosemarie’s tips and tidbits about her experiences with the Writing Center and with Walden.

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!

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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