Statement Season

June 09, 2015 by Thomas Spitzer-Hanks

At the writing center I help staff, we've just re-opened for summer, which means one thing: weeks upon weeks of personal statements and applications, mostly (so far) for med school. I think this may be my favorite genre, even though it is probably the most difficult and confounding genre of writing I can think of. After all, where else does a writer have to brag, be modest, and show professionalism and ability while gesturing modestly toward their relative lack of both, all while asking for something they desperately want?

A Look Back and Continued Commitment to "Community Building in Online Writing Centers"

June 02, 2015 by Beth Godbee

Thanks to Thomas Spitzer-Hanks and the Praxis editorial team for inviting me to look back at one of my first publications, “Community Building in Online Writing Centers,” which was published a decade ago—in 2005. When I wrote this short essay, I was early in my graduate studies and new to thinking about online writing center work. I was also enthusiastic about the possibilities and personally engaged in the use of online chat forums, wikis, and Skype. More importantly, I was committed to equity in education and community building as a way to prioritize relations and the people who are often ignored when talking about technology.