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Health & Fitness

Our Day at UConn Conference -Anusha Atique

-Written by one of the peer tutors of the BHS Writing Center

          On October 18th 2013, my peers and I went on a Writing Center field trip to the UConn (Storrs) campus. We attended the 6th Annual Secondary School Writing Center Conference with our advisors, Mrs. Zinser and Mrs. O' Connor. We arrived that morning and after checking in and receiving name tags, we sat down in the Student Union, which was filled with various people from different schools. There were introductions and then three presentations, one of which was given by two of my classmates about our very own Brookfield High Writing Center.  (This presentation was very well received, I must say.)  I was blown away at the level of dedication and respect all the presenters had for their program and faculty advisors.  

          When we split for break, we were on a mission to learn more about the tutors from other schools and to possibly befriend them. A comforting environment and scrumptious breakfast led to easy conversation and an exchange of ideas between young writing center tutors, as well as aspiring tutors, that attended the conference. Why did you decide to become a writing center tutor? I remember one of the students from Berlin High ask me. I told them about my love for writing and satisfaction that comes out of helping others. We learned that we had a lot in common with each other. This exchange brought me happiness, as well as peace, to know that I had reached a special connection with someone I probably would never have met had I not chosen to attend the conference.

          After the break we returned to the auditorium and then were divided into breakout groups.  Each group was assigned a leader (a UConn Writing Center tutor) and led off into a conference room.  During breakout time, we discussed ways we could improve our school writing centers, the importance of being a tutor and helping others, as well as what it meant to be a successful writer. On the way home, I reflected on the day's experience with a smile on my face, content that I had made new connections and had received an opportunity to strengthen and improve my school. 

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