‘I’m not a good writer.’ ‘I don’t need writing for what I want to do.’ ‘I’m a math person.’ ‘I don’t like to write.’ These are some common responses you’ll hear when you ask people how they feel about writing.  The reason why so many people respond this way is because writing often falls under the vein of being too hard.  But is that really true?  Yes, some forms of writing –like academic styles – are intended to be difficult because they require you to use critical thinking skills and devote much time and effort to your assignment.  Then there is creative writing which has a bit of structure and often requires a little bit of ingenuity.  But it is often meant to be a very relaxed form of writing where you can express yourself in your own unique way.  And then we have general writing.  This is the kind of writing we do on a daily basis: sending texts, emails, taking notes, etc.  Wouldn’t you say that writing an email to your instructor is a lot easier than writing a paper?  But for some, it’s easier to write an academic paper than it is to write an email or take notes during lecture.  No matter what your struggle is, Kentucky Wesleyan has the resources to make writing thrill not kill.

The Greenwell Library:

If you’ve never browsed the book shelves in the library, you are sorely missing out.  The library is filled with writing resources.  The staff at the front desk can help you find what you need in the library and through the databases.  Jordan Sprunger is an expert on all things research.  Dr. Shane Armstrong is always ready to help students improve academically.  But the books are the real showstoppers.  At the library book drive, you can find old textbooks and writing manuals just to keep for yourself.  (You can also just as easily check them out right off the shelves).

The SSC:

If you’ve read any of my other articles you probably know what I’m about to say: go to the writing tutors.  If you don’t know where to start, go to a writing tutor.  If you started but got stuck, bring it to a writing tutor.  If you’re almost done but want some advice – writing tutors.  Honestly, you can’t go wrong by asking a writing tutor for help with your writing.  Alongside them, the SSC also keeps paper handouts free for the taking.  These can range from citation guides, to writing style guides, to little grammar tips and tricks.  They are so helpful if you just need a little reminder as opposed to a whole tutoring session.  Plus, the SSC also has several bookshelves filled with textbooks and writing manuals.  Only you can’t check these out, so if you pick it up to read, make sure you put it back so others can read it, too!

Your classes:

All freshmen are required to take KWC 101 and Writing Workshop.  I remember my KWC 101 course taught me how to write an appropriate and professional email.  In my Writing Workshop class, I learned how to write basic versions of the different kinds of papers I would continue to write throughout my years at KWC.  In addition, each discipline at KWC has a designated writing course that teaches you the basics of writing for your major or minor.  Business Administration has a business writing course, Communications has a media writing course, for science majors this class takes the form of Junior Seminar, etc.  Many of the courses are required, some are not.  If you are really dedicated to improving your writing and to learning a specific style for your field at the same time, consider taking one.  They are designed to teach you exactly the writing techniques you’ll use every day in your career.

Now that I have equipped you with the tools, it’s up to you to use them.  Don’t fool yourself into thinking that writing is unnecessary.  Unlike algebra, you will use it every day of your life.