Why 'Write Here'?

When I was a sophomore at Seton Hill University, I'd spend countless hours in the computer lab writing papers for either my creative writing, literature, or other classes.  I used up a lot of time writing "perfect" sentences in my head that by the time I actually typed my ideas down, I'd lose my train of thought.  Then one day, a fellow English major told me about Seton Hill University's writing center.

At first I was afraid to go because I wasn't sure how talking about my writing for 30 minutes could help me out.  To my surprise it did; I got a chance to experiment about ideas in a safe place.  Over time I became confident and a firm believer of Writing Center pedagogy and the student-centered approach.

During graduate school at Utah State University, I continued learning more about Writing Center pedagogy as a writing tutor and composition instructor.  After graduation, I employed writing center techniques in various teaching and tutoring jobs I had.  I was reunited once again to a writing center when I became a writing assistant at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, where I did an independent research in Writing Tutor Training involving history and best practices.  I also learned other aspects of a writing center, such as operations and management.

I thought I would take a break from the Writing Center world as I pursue a Ph.D. at Ateneo de Manila University, but I realized that the savings I acquired from my former jobs could only last for at least 1 year.  In addition to this new expense, I still have to pay current insurance and undergraduate student loans.  So why not start a sideline of tutoring NOW.  Any profit gained from this venture will at least slow down the depletion of my savings until I find a steadier and stable part time job.  Maybe this sideline will literally put bread on the table, so I could complete my Ph.D. and be an even greater resource for present and future students.

Thus, 'Write Here Writing Center' is born on the 6th of June year 2013.  "Here" is the key word, I'm using in the hopes of replicating the safe space that is helpful for every writer, both newbie and veteran.  "Here" also emphasizes the importance of creating an environment that fosters motivation conducive for learning and mastery.  There's no time, but now.  There's no place, but here.  Write now.  Write Here Writing Center!

Michael Diezmos

Founder of Write Here Writing Center