More than just providing writing assistance, the Writing Studio helps to build community on MSJ’s campus. Two current Writing Studio tutors, Zakary Smith and Isabelle Snyder, show how impactful the program is beyond academics.
Junior Zakary Smith is an Education major who began in the Writing Studio at the start of this school year. He has also been involved with MSJ’s fraternity for two years. This year, members from the fraternity have requested writing assistance from Smith. Smith has met with fraternity mates several times, collaborating to strengthen their writing.
These sessions are more meaningful for both the tutor and the student, because both feel more comfortable during the tutoring. A student considering writing assistance may be encouraged to go to the Writing Studio if their tutor is someone they know; when Writing Studio tutors are embedded in the MSJ community, students are more comfortable pursuing academic assistance and openly discussing their writing. The Writing Studio draws on and reinforces the existing connections between students, decreasing the stigma against asking for help and supporting academic success.
Another tutor, Isabelle Snyder, is a senior double major in Behavioral Science and Liberal Arts (history). She started in the Writing Studio this fall and is a writing tutor as well as the senior assistant for the Writing Studio. Beyond tutoring students, Snyder also reaches out to professors and adjuncts about the Writing Studio’s services, contributes to the training curriculum for tutors, and works behind the scenes to help the Writing Studio run smoothly.
Through her time at the Writing Studio, Snyder has found greater involvement in MSJ’s community. When she transferred to MSJ, she did not know many people. However, as a Writing Studio tutor, she came to befriend other tutors like Elizabeth Keller and Casey Tinsley.
Last semester, Snyder had one student she frequently tutored. They met almost weekly, but when the tutoring session was finished, they would keep talking and socializing. Through this relationship, Synder even learned about various internship opportunities with Hamilton County courts.
As a peer tutor for the Writing Studio, Synder discovered connections and community on campus—and further developed of her own skills as a writer. Through helping other students grow more confident in their writing skills—which is rewarding in and of itself—Snyder has also become more confident in her own academic and creative writing.
The Writing Studio provides writing assistance for students but also enriches peer relationships at MSJ.
The Writing Studio is located in Seton 139, connected to the Learning Commons. Daily drop-in hours and appointments are available. Visit the circulation desk in the Learning Commons or email writing.studio@msj.edu to learn more or request an appointment.