Who are Writing Consultants?
Consultants are students, just like their peers, but they are asked to perform a challenging and rewarding task: Meet one-on-one with another human and try to help that human communicate their ideas. Good consultants, above all else, do three things well:
- They listen to and dignify the needs of students.
- They adapt readily and warmly to uncertain situations (for, they never know what type of writing or writer they might be working with).
- They care about strong communication skills as a matter of intrinsic value.
While consultants are usually strong writers, these three skills are the skills of strong revisers and collaborators, which not all strong writers possess. Therefore, consultants receive extensive training across two 2-credit English classes (English 270 and English 275) to help them develop excellent interpersonal and rhetorical skills.
Interested in becoming a writing consultant? Applications are rolling. Read the job description and email your materials to Colin Payton, the Writing Center Director.
Current SWC Writing Consultants
The SWC is excited to work alongside the following consultants.
Chance Bender
"I am in my senior academic year! My major is English, with a minor in Secondary Education, as well as an endorsement in Speech/Theatre. My college experience started at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, IA. I completed my Associate of Arts degree and then transferred to Simpson College my junior year. I chose to become a writing consulatant because as a future educator for secondary levels, it enjoy learning students perspectives and writing styles, because it shows me ways and modes of writing that I have never even considered."
Macie Bopp
"Howdy, my name is Macie Bopp, I am in my second year here at Simpson College. I am a psychology major and a Women and Gender Studies minor. However, I also have an interest in Religion and English courses. I am a student athlete and know that juggling sports and other on campus activities with classes can be difficult. I am willing to work with peers on everything from final mark-ups to developing an initial outline. Whether you need some quick feedback, an extra pair of eyes, or just help getting the ball rolling don't be afraid to reach out."
Lucy Cockrell
"My name is Lucy Cockrell, I am from Burlington, IA, and I am so excited to be working with the CARs team this semester as a Writing Consultant! I am an English Major with a Minor in Secondary Education. My professional goals are to become a Secondary English teacher and possibly go into administration at the high school level. I am passionate about reading, writing, music, and my two adorable dogs back home. I am so grateful for the opportunity to help others along their educational path, and I can't wait to get started!"
Megan Hall
"Hi! My name is Megan Hall, and I’m from Waukee, Iowa. I’m a sophomore majoring in Elementary Education. I am getting endorsements in Reading/Language Arts, and I am super passionate about education and helping others pursue their goals relating to their education! On campus, I’m a member of the dance team and in my free time I love listening to music, reading, and painting! I really enjoy getting to be a Writing Consultant as well as getting to opportunity to help others!"
Will Keck
"Hello! My name is Will Keck and I am originally from Waukee, IA. I am a second-year student majoring in Political Science and minoring in Business Management with a focus in Pre-law. My future goals are to attend Law School after graduation, and I am excited about the opportunities in the writing center. On-campus, I am involved in Pre-Law Society, Student Government, Culver Center, Honors, and more. I am excited about the opportunity to serve as a writing consultant and help students improve their writing."
Allie Tubbs
"My name is Allie Tubbs, and I graduated from Johnston High School in Johnston, Iowa. I am a junior, and I am double majoring in history as well as disability studies and law. At Simpson, I am involved in speech and debate, the Iowa History Center, and work as the Undergraduate Assistant for the mock trial team. I am in my first year as a Writing Consultant after serving as a Writing Fellow for first-year students last year. I have enjoyed reading and writing from an early age with my mother’s encouragement, who is a children’s book author. I have already genuinely enjoyed my time as a Writing Consultant and look forward to assisting anyone who comes into the Writing Center. I welcome anyone to meet with me regardless of where you are in your writing process, as I find joy in brainstorming, strengthening ideas, or getting to the nitty-gritty of an assignment. I have focused on various concentrations within the humanities throughout my time at Simpson: history, political science, and psychology. I would love to support students within these areas. As a history major, I spend the vast majority of my time researching, analyzing evidence, and creating arguments. If you are looking for help with any of these types of writing support, I am very excited to work with you at the Writing Center!"
