Departing Words From Our Seniors | Part 2

Hey there Writing Center family! It’s Annie and I’m checking in one last time before we all head off on our summer vacations! I’m so excited to kick back and relax a little after this long semester, but I and the rest of the Writing Center tutors and receptionists will miss seeing you all in the Writing Center! We will be counting down the days until we can all be back together again! In the meantime, I wanted to send you off with one last blog post! I introduced you to a few of our graduating tutors and receptionists in our last blog. They not only offered some really helpful advice on college and writing, but also highlighted some of the best parts of the Writing Center. So, I thought it would be great to introduce a few more of our senior tutors and receptionists!

Kaylynn Welch is a Modern Languages major with a minor in TESOL. Her post-graduation plans are to be an English as a Second Language Teacher state side for international students for one year, and then go abroad for a Masters in Hydrology! The goal with my masters is to create sustainable farming for drought stricken areas and practice water conservation.

What advice would you like to pass onto other college students?

Advice I would like to pass on to incoming and current students is to be sure of your own identity. It can be easy to lose sight of yourself in the midst of making friends, keeping up with classes, and preparing for a future but remember to prioritize yourself!

What has been your favorite part of working in the Writing Center?

My favorite part of working in the Writing Center has been the supportive community! People from different backgrounds are able to come together and have allowed me to create lasting friendships. I love that all personalities are welcome and valued in the WC!

Brandon Blair is majoring in English Writing and Spanish and minoring in Political Science. After graduating, he will begin a masters program in October studying diplomacy at the University of Malta in Valletta, Malta.

What advice would you like to pass onto other college students?

Study hard, go to church, and be friendly. Embrace change. Challenge yourself to do big and small things alike. Don't be anxious. The future is tomorrow.

What has been your favorite part of working in the Writing Center?

I've enjoyed the great conversations and friendships I've made with both students and tutors. I really believe some of the most challenging, creative conversations are held there. I've learned a lot from everyone who I have interacted with there. It's been fun and rewarding.

Abigail Lake is an English Writing major! Her dream is to become a fiction writer and is excited to see where life after college will take her!

What advice would you like to pass onto other college students?

Don’t be afraid. Seriously, if you see a unique opportunity, go for it. If you want to get to know someone, invite them to coffee. If you have something to contribute in class, raise your hand. As an introvert with social anxiety, I know how difficult this can be. But trust me, when you look back at your college career, you’ll be impressed with all that you accomplished.

What has been your favorite memory from working at the Writing Center?

This was actually before I started working at the WC. But I remember going in for an interview with one of the tutors for the 398 profile of the WC project. As we were wrapping up, two other tutors dragged us into a conversation about Chick-fil-A nuggets VS chicken strips. One of them was very adamant that the chicken strips were superior. It was just such a funny conversation! And I remember thinking, “oh yeah, this is where I want to work.”

Anna Antrim is a Research Biology major with a minor in Computer Science. After graduating this semester, she plans to work as a biology researcher.

What advice would you like to pass onto other college students?

My advice would be to embrace every moment, even the mundane. It all goes by so fast.

What has been your favorite part of working in the Writing Center?

My favorite part of working at the writing center has been helping people and meeting people I wouldn't normally have had the opportunity to meet.

Allee Paxton is a Biology (Pre-Med) major. After she graduates, she will be attending medical school at University of Mississippi Medical Center.

What advice would you like to pass onto other college students?

My advice would be to do your own thing; if you focus on what others are doing, you will never do what you really want to do.

What has been your favorite part of working in the Writing Center?

My favorite part of working at the WC has been the friends I have made - tutors and writers.

We are so proud of our graduating seniors! While we loved having them be a part of the Writing Center family, we are so excited to see where life will take them next. We hope that everyone has a great summer, and we look forward to seeing you next semester!