I sat down on a chair and filled out the form. It asked me for my contact information (like my phone number and e-mail address). It also asked me to specify my class standing because the Writing Center works with both undergraduate and graduate writers.

The form also asked if English was my first language. I later found out that this question was asked because the Writing Center has a staff member who is specially trained in working with writers for whom English is a second or third language.

When I finished, Debbie told me that I should help myself to the pretzels, magazines, and other fun stuff that was in the waiting area.

After a few minutes of enjoying the magnetic poetry and pretzels, my writing consultant came up and introduced herself to me. Her name was Aisha, and she was extremely outgoing and friendly. Her kindness put me right at ease . . . perhaps having her read my paper wouldn't be so bad!