For the longest time, I thought writing should be easy—the words should write themselves. With this false perspective of “effortless writing,” no wonder I was disappointed with myself every time I sat down to write. The words struggled to come together. I failed to display the eloquence and intellect I unrealistically expected would just appear from pen and paper. Fearing the empty page, my endeavor was doomed from the start. I didn’t allow myself to be a work in progress.

Somewhere my perspective began to shift. It could be the result of simply growing older, downloading a word-a-day app, or finally overcoming the intimidation of the writing process by becoming a Writing & Speaking Tutor. The Writing & Speaking Studio is where I learned that writing is not a linear journey. There is no singular path, no correct one either, to get from Point A to Point B. Writing is an ever-evolving expedition.

Initially, feeling unworthy of this newfound authority as a tutor, I approached my sessions with students as friendly conversations. This idea of approaching nerve-wracking interactions as just pleasant conversations has done me well in life, in my friendships, during interviews, and at work. In my conversations with students, I soon discovered that they too shared the same struggles. They equally feared the empty page. And that without the perfect words, they thought they could not begin.

Something I learned in my writing journey was to meet myself where I was. I apply this to my tutoring sessions. Meeting the students where they are means putting aside preconceived notions of writing certainties and expectations. By initiating a comfortable conversation about the assignment, the course, the student’s connection to the topic, and their goals, I can help students find their starting point. The evolution of thought and expression that follows is rooted in this simple, but meaningful grounding exercise of a pleasant, friendly conversation.

That once-feared blank page—now a welcoming canvas.