How to Build Your Own CWC Space

For the past year, the consultants at the CWC have been working at least partially online. The Writing Center itself has been limited to only a couple of people in there at a time, making it difficult to fit everyone. While it may not replace the actual Writing Center, here are some tips that I’ve used to create my own Faux Writing Center space.

1. Ditch the Desk

While you may feel more productive working at a desk, you’ll soon find that working at a desk is extremely boring. We are not thirty and working 9-to-5 shifts in boring cubicles; why should we act like it? 

Make yourself comfortable! If you’ve chosen to do your virtual conferences from a different room around campus, don’t be afraid to make the space (temporarily) your own. 

(In other words, no one’s stopping you from sitting on the floor…)

If you’re doing your virtual conferences from your room, that’s got its benefits too! You can write client report forms while on your bed (as long as you aren’t tempted to fall asleep), work on your professional file while laying on the floor, or even hold virtual conferences in a pillow fort! Your imagination’s your only limit; well, your imagination and the size of your dorm room.

2. Your Lighting

As a previous blog demonstrated, the Writing Center’s known for its variety of lamps. Overhead lighting ruins the vibe that being a cozy corner room gives to the Writing Center. If you’re given the chance, why not experiment with different lighting? 

I’m in a single in Murray and the lighting situation leaves a lot to be desired. My room doesn’t even have overhead lighting; instead, I have one rhombus of fluorescent light that exists on the wall next to my bed. In other words, my room is very dark. While that might be nice when I want to take naps between classes, it’s not so nice when trying to give a good impression to the writer you're working with. 

I recently invested in some blue holiday lights that I’m excited to string up in my room but if you don’t have those, work with what you got! I know at least some of you have the neon tik tok lights; use them.

3. Crafts

Look, I’m not endorsing crafting during your shift. There are still things to do if you don’t have a conference. However, Spring 2021 has not exactly been very active in terms of online conferences so far. I’m just saying that if you do want to take a quick break from your responsibilities, taking five minutes to create something instead of doom-scrolling on your phone might be more beneficial. 

Here are some crafts that might work for you:

• Crochet/Knitting

• Coloring

• Origami

• Cardmaking

Your mileage may vary depending on your skills, but don't be afraid to be a beginner. Everyone starts from somewhere!

4. Plants

Low-maintenance plants are great for creating a cozy atmosphere. Not only do plants help to make a room a little more colorful, but they also make a room a lot less boring. Because of this, plants can be a cheap and easy way to make a room a bit more homely. When picking out a plant, make sure you know what you're getting into. Much like dogs, some plants may seem deceptively small only to grow to be huge. While I can't tell you how to live your life, it's probably best to keep the trees outside. 

If you don't have a green thumb, there's always the option of faux plants. Impossible to kill and just as decorative!

5. Candy!

While one of my fellow consultants might be campaigning to change the jolly rancher staple in the CWC, jolly ranchers are undeniably a part of the CWC. While using your self-made CWC, you should have candy too! 

I should probably put a disclaimer here about how I am in favor of jolly ranchers staying the default candy of the Writing Center. Not only are they tasty and long-lasting, they come in so many varieties. My philosophy is that people who say they don’t like jolly ranchers just haven’t tried the right variety pack yet. Strawberry, for instance, is an absolutely amazing flavor. Jolly ranchers are the perfect long-lasting candy for when you need a sugar boost.

If jolly ranchers aren't your style, choose something you like! Because this is your own space, you don't need to buy enough for the entire CWC staff; you just need enough for you.

If you're on campus, don't hesitate to head down to the CWC if you're missing interaction that isn't confined to a Zoom square. For those who can't, though, I hope this helps you emulate the CWC vibe.