Finals week is coming up. Having trouble finishing a paper? Need someone to edit your work? Do you have no idea how to even start your essay? The Writing Center located on the second floor of the Olin Library is here to help!

Nia Damgova, head writing consultant since 2016, explains how beneficial the Writing Center can be to students if they take the time to reach out.

“The Writing Center aims to help students across all majors become better writers by offering one-on-one sessions, typically lasting about an hour. Although students most often bring in an essay that they are working on, we can help with all stages of the writing process whether it is brainstorming ideas, looking at organization, or polishing a final draft. Although we love it when students return to the Writing Center, our goal is to give them the tools, resources and confidence that they need to be able to produce high level writing on their own,” said Damgova.

Dr. Patrick Moser, director of the Writing Center, highly praises the Writing Center staff and advises all students that need additional help on assignments to stop by and see what the Writing Center is all about.

“Our writing consultants are the most experienced and encouraging writers on campus. They can help anybody feel better about their writing. The Writing Center will ease your stress about final papers by having an experienced writer look it over with you,” said Moser.

The Writing Center is not a place of judgement. Students should expect an honest but helpful critique of their work.

“Sharing your work with someone else can be scary or awkward at first, but we understand that. I like to remind students that all of the people who work at the Writing Center are students too, and we understand where they are coming from. The Writing Center is a resource for students, and we are here to help with any questions, not to evaluate papers in any way. Feel free to come in with a buddy if you are nervous about your first time,” said Damgova.

The Writing Center is open all evenings Sunday through Thursday. During finals week, they are open by appointment only so make sure to schedule one 24 hours in advance. The best part about the Writing Center? It is completely free, and you will leave feeling more confident in your writing abilities.

“Don’t wait until the last minute! I know students probably hear this from all of their professors but figure out your schedule so that you can start on assignments early and revisit them with fresh eyes a little while later. Students should feel free to stop by the Writing Center at any phase of the writing process, so they don’t need to wait until they have a final draft to bring in to the Writing Center. Coming in early is the best way to make the most of the service offered by the Writing Center,” Damgova said.

To learn more or to set up an appointment with the Writing Center, visit their website https://www.drury.edu/writing-center/the-writing-center-schedule-your-appointment.

Article written by Kate Bequette.