Celebrate National Tutor Appreciation Week!

Get to know one of UMBC's fabulous Writing Center Tutors: 

Taylor Davis

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Taylor Davis. This is my ninth semester at UMBC, so that makes me a super senior! I'm pursuing a Graphic Design BFA, with minors in Creative Writing and Spanish, and I have plans to graduate this coming winter. Yay! 

Tell us about how you are involved on campus.

Primarily, I am a Writing Center tutor, a Writing Fellow for Eng 100 classes, and I've started appointment tutoring for SPAN 101, 102, & 103. I also co-founded a new student organization on campus: Retriever Design Club. Our mission, in short, is: "We create cool things, together." Essentially, we facilitate collaboration between any and all aspiring designers on campus, regardless of their major. We recognize that design is versatile, and what better way to enjoy its potential than by working with a bunch of creative minds all under one roof? I also recently joined the Caribbean Students Council, which has been an incredibly humbling experience as I've gotten more in touch with my own culture. 

How and why did you get involved in being a tutor?

I was offered the opportunity to take the Internship class for Writing Center tutors during the fall semester of my sophomore year. I've worked under the LRC ever since!

What is your favorite thing about being a tutor?

Definitely being able to offer my aid to students in need. I've always adored writing, both in the academic and recreational senses, so having that incorporated into a job is fantastic. I appreciate that we strive to be approachable peers, rather than figures of authority whom would otherwise make sessions seem intimidating or uncomfortable. We're all students; we've been there, done that!

Why should students utilize the tutoring?

It's a free service– that fits under the college student's budget! Plus, I find that it always helps to reach out, even when you're absolutely, 100% confident in your work. There's always areas that could be improved. With writing in particular, sometimes you just need that little bit of feedback from an outside, objective reader to help you progress forward in your draft.

What advice would you give students about how to prepare for a tutoring session? 

Breathe! Just come in and be ready to voice your concerns about the assignment, whatever they may be. You're more than welcome to return for more sessions/make more appointments. If it's for writing, bring a physical copy of your assignment if possible, so your tutor can make revisions on a separate paper that doesn't interfere with your note-taking. 

When and where can someone work with you through the Learning Resources Center?

I tutor at the WC from 2-4 on Mondays, and 1-3:30 on Wednesdays. However, I also take desk staffing hours on Friday– if you happen to see me in the area (which I usually always am) feel free to stop me with any questions, or to just say hello!