The CWC Printer

 

The first week of working in the Writing Center, I expected to learn many different things. What I didn't expect to learn was that the lights in the Writing Center flicker when something is printing.

When you walk into the Writing Center the printer is located in the far left of the room, tucked in a corner next to a broken lamp that doesn't look broken when you first look at it but trust me, take a closer look and it is. 

It looks like a normal printer but I would argue that just like everything in the Writing Center, it has a bit of a personality. We're going to explore our wonderful printer by looking at the function of the printer and the effects that it has on the Writing Center as a whole.

Will it print?

The function of a printer is to "accept text files or images from a computer and transfer them to a medium such as paper" (https://www.britannica.com/technology/computer-printer). So what if your printer does not do this job?? This is unfortunately not an uncommon occurrence with the printer in the Writing Center. In fact it is common enough that our wonderful printer has a sign to give a little guidance for when this does occur.

Close up of the sign on the printer

Open all drawers + top cover

Yes maybe opening the drawers and messing with a few things helps but it also feels a little silly to me. We're not really doing much of anything to actually fix the issue that our paper is not printing. But still we do it and still somehow this works. It's almost like the printer just needed a bit of space to take a breather, know that we're right there with them, through the difficult process of getting words on the paper. 

The more I thought about this, the more I felt that it actually really connects with what we do as consultants. A writer comes in and asks for our help and our job is not to write the paper for them but to give them a space to work through the issue that is stopping them from getting their paper to meet a satisfactory level. 

I was working with a client the other day and I hardly ended up saying anything at all during the conference, the client just needed a safe space to talk and work through their paper with someone. We don't need people to fix us, to fix our writing, to fix whatever malfunction is going on; a lot of times all that is needed is the space to figure whatever it is. As consultants we can provide that space for others, just as we can open the drawers and give the printer a second to reset itself. We don't need to be an electrician or an expert in printers to "fix" our printer, just as we don't have to know every answer and small grammatical rule in writing in order to be a good Writing Center consultant. We just need to be there to guide and give space.

WAIT!

Let's be honest, patience is not something that many of us are good at. But unfortunately we have to do a lot of it in life and when it comes to the printer in the Writing Center sometimes that's all that we can do. Why do you think this instruction is in all caps? Patience is key to fixing anything.

And how does this connect to the work that we do in the Writing Center? 

1. The writing process can be very long and is not something that should be rushed. We have to understand this as consultants. We are here to help our client. Not to just quickly do a 10 minute read through their paper and give them a big thumbs up. We have to be patient, focused, and present in order to give our clients the best help that we can.
2. The 7 Second Rule! An important thing as a consultant that we have to do is listen and allow time for the client to process or think about a question that we may have asked them. Waiting for 7 seconds after asking a question, even if the silence might be awkward, is an important conferencing technique. 

Flickering Lights

If you didn't notice by now or haven't been in the Writing Center when something is printing, many of the lightbulbs in the Writing Center accompany the sound of the printer hard at work by flickering. The lamps themselves are an important part of our Writing Center, helping to create the cozy and welcoming atmosphere that we strive for.

It is definitely a bit off-putting the first time that you experience the lights flicker but most consultants are now completely unfazed by the lights when something is being printed. They flicker, you acknowledge subconsciously that someone is printing something, and then go back to your homework, a conference, or creating another masterful art piece to put on wall for display and enjoyment for your fellow consultants. 

I appreciate the lights flickering because once you know about it, it feels like you're almost in on this little secret of the Writing Center. You feel like you're a part of this community. And isn't that what we want at the Writing Center. To build a community. A place where you can walk in, no matter how bad or good your day has been, smile at the soft light from the lamps and the other students sitting working on homework or doing a conference, make yourself a cup of tea, answer the question on the whiteboard, and then sit down to work your shift. 

I don't think that the lights flickering are scary or eerie but instead something that makes me smile whenever the light dances across the walls and a fellow consultant stands up to go pick up there paper from the printer. It reminds me just how thankful I am to be able to work in such a great community.

Everything is Awful and I am NOT Okay: Questions to Ask Yourself Before Giving Up

College students face some of the most unique challenges in today’s society. You've officially abandoned the label of “kid,” yet you're not quite an adult either. Instead, you fall into this weird “in-between” stage where you are not only up against endless possibilities, but also seemingly endless barriers standing between you and success. You’re likely living on your own for the first time, which means you are being exposed to many new “adult” experiences and responsibilities. However, you still have quite a bit of help navigating “the real world.”

The sheer pace of college alone is enough to make many students’ heads spin. If you miss class (for any reason), the course keeps trucking along without you and it can be easy to feel behind. Even if you’ve never missed a lab or lecture, you are likely exhausted by the mere idea of starting your homework or studying for an upcoming test by the time you’ve attended all your classes for the day. Those involved in a sport or club, likely feel even more overwhelmed; the required morning lifts, meetings, practices, games, and events are all activities that require a significant time commitment. 

Once you account for other extraneous variables like homesickness, breakups, and sharing a small living space with one or more strangers, the stress of college life can seriously affect your mental health. It is not at all uncommon for students to feel like there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to dedicate their time and energy to all of their wants and needs. 

Before you decide to throw in the towel, take a few moments to consult this short list of simple questions intended to refocus your mindset:

Have you eaten anything in the past three hours?

If the answer is no, it might be time to grab a healthy snack. Despite the understandable craving for candy and chips, your body and brain can become inflamed by processed foods and excessive amounts of sugar. This inflammation can contribute to mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. Your body will thank you for opting for an apple, a handful of nuts, or a few pieces of cheese instead. 

When was the last time you drank some water?

The answer is probably "too long ago." It's no secret that dehydration can lead to headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. I highly recommend investing in a water bottle to keep glued to you at all times, but an 8oz glass will work just fine! If you are someone who struggles with drinking enough water, it can also be helpful to cut up a few of your favorite fruits and add them to your water bottle to liven up your H2O.  Even a little bit of water can do wonders for the human body, so please, drink up! 

Did you get enough sleep last night?

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that young adults sleep at least 7 hours per night to promote optimal health and functioning. Although the amount of sleep we get is important, good quality sleep is also essential. If you've been lacking in quality and/or duration of sleep, take a quick 30-minute power nap to combat fatigue. You will likely wake up feeling clear-headed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the rest of the day.

Have you bathed/groomed yourself recently?

If you have not showered in the past 36 hours, turn on the water, clean your body, wash your face, and shampoo your hair. If you're feeling up to it, you can even shave! Once you are nice and clean, brush your hair, cut your nails, or do your skincare routine. These changes might seem insignificant, but they can make a world of difference when it comes to improving your mood or self-esteem.

Are you wearing something other than pajamas?

As tempting as it can be to stay in your PJs all day, putting on a clean shirt and a new pair of pants might inspire you to complete another small task, and perhaps that will encourage you to finish another! After all, everything we do, no matter how complicated, can be broken down into a series of smaller tasks to make the larger goal seem more manageable.

If the answer is yes, ask yourself a follow-up question: How long have you been wearing the clothes you are in? I follow the guideline: "If you've slept in them and/or have been wearing them for longer than 24 hours, it's time to change."

Do you feel unproductive?

Cut your to-do list in half. Being "productive" doesn't mean fitting in and doing as much as possible in a given day. According to research, 80% of desired results are produced by only about 20% of the things you do each day. Take a less-is-more approach to your to-do list by eliminating the things that are not pertinent to the current situation. 

I also recommend choosing one or two small tasks you can easily accomplish; finish a homework assignment, do a load of laundry, or make your bed. Even activities that might be considered to have a "minimal effect" on your overall productivity can make you feel more energetic and motivated.

When was the last time you went outside?

A little fresh air might be just the pick-me-up you need. Read a book on the porch, spend some time in your garden, or take a walk around the block. Being outdoors increases the amount of oxygen received by your brain. A properly oxygenated mind increases the level of serotonin it produces, which has been shown in many studies to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Have you talked to someone else about the situation?

If not, consider calling or meeting with someone you trust. Maybe they'll open your eyes to a new perspective on the situation or perhaps you just need to rant for a while. Either way, talking about your feelings validates that what you are experiencing is real. Your feelings aren't going to magically go away because you decide to ignore them; if you're upset over something, it's because you care about it. 

The idea of reaching out to a friend or family member about your troubles can be very uncomfortable for some people. If this is the case for you, it might be helpful to have a conversation with a neutral "third party," such as a school counselor or private therapist. Remember that you are never a "burden" and it is completely okay to talk about the way you are feeling.

Are other people aware of how you're feeling?

Understandably, it can be hard to open up about how you are feeling, especially to a mental health professional you've just met. However, the truth is that sharing what is on your mind can greatly benefit your well-being. Moreover, people can't help you if they don't know what's wrong. 

Before sitting down with your partner, a friend, or a therapist, keep the following tips in mind to make it a little easier to express your feelings:

• Take some deep breaths to help you gain a sense of calm.

• Identify and accept your emotions. Difficult emotions are often complex; take a moment of self-reflection to identify what you are noticing, thinking, or feeling. Once you have done this, give yourself permission to fully experience those thoughts and emotions. You might not even know how you are feeling, and that is okay, too.

• Choose the right person to talk to (and the right time to talk to them). When you need to process difficult emotions or experiences, seek out someone who is open, understanding, and empathetic. If you need to process something difficult, it’s a good idea to choose someone who’s open, understanding, and empathetic. The “wrong” listener might be someone who is unwilling or unable to understand, a person who has a tendency to put you down, or someone who (whether intentionally or not) invalidates your feelings.

• Trust the process. Like any skill, describing your thoughts and emotions in a constructive way is something that takes practice. It is totally normal to feel anxious or awkward when you first start opening up to people, but the more you lean into these uncomfortable feelings, the easier it will become to talk about them. 

Are you exhausted?

If your body is feeling drained of energy, try taking a hot shower or treating yourself to a massage. Brain feeling fried instead? Find a "mindless" activity to engage in; turn on your favorite TV show or listen to music while you fill in a page from a coloring book. If none of these suggestions are your cup of tea, do some experimenting until you find your own effective forms of self-care!

"Self-care" requires making and taking the time to engage in activities that promote well-being while also improving both physical and mental health. Studies have shown that engaging in self-care, whatever that might look like for you, can lower your risk of illness and injury, increase your energy levels, and even help manage stress.

Have you waited a week?

When we experience adversity, it's easy to fall into the thinking trap that "things have always been this way, and are always going to be this way." This is especially true when we encounter a seemingly endless string of difficult events or barriers to success. Although these feelings are valid, they are most often untrue. Short-term emotional responses (such as test anxiety or feeling defeated by a "bad day") usually find a way to work themselves out in about a week or so; but if you are still ruminating on a particular feeling seven days from now, reach out to someone you trust so they can get you the help you need.

Importantly, many mood conditions such as major depression, bipolar, or anxiety disorders involve persistent, long-lasting durations of negative emotions. If you are currently experiencing one or more severe impairments to your mental health and you have not yet sought help, I urge you to look into the following resources:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text "988" 

National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-4673

National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services National Helpline: (800) 662-4357  

Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.aa.org/

Narcotics Anonymous: https://na.org/

 

 

 

References, Resources, & Additional Readings

Eating Well For Mental Health

Here's Why Drinking Water is the Key to Good Mental Health

How Sleep Deprivation Affects Mental Health

5 Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors

9 Habits of Productive People 

Why Talking About Your Feelings is Important 

How to Express Your Feelings 

Tips to Fight Fatigue 

Caring For Your Mental Health

More Questions to Ask Yourself Before Giving Up

 The Squirrel Games:

Which type of squirrel in Iowa is the best?

Squirrels: at Coe, we see them, we love them. But what kinds are there? How many are there? And which one is the best, cutest, meanest? These are the questions I pondered as I started to think about what I might want to put on the Coe Writing Center blog.

I began looking at the kinds of squirrels in America, and I quickly realized there are far too many to rank. Then, I looked up how many kinds there are in Iowa, and I found four on this website. I chose to use this for my basis as it focused on Iowa and was pretty well-written. It gives tons of other details, so check it out if you want to learn more! So now that I'm down to four - which is a much more manageable number - I'm going to take a look at those four and put them in order from best to worst.

 

#1: Fox Squirrels

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    Up first we've got Fox Squirrels. Look at this dude doing his hero pose!! The fox squirrels are best because they are the guys we mostly see here on campus. They have a pretty, orange tummy and brownish gray backs with big, puffy tails. They thrive around people, which would explain why Coe has such an active, friendly squirrel population. They're great climbers and foragers who live in many different climates. You can find them anywhere in Iowa, but I think the best ones live right here on campus.

#2: American Red Squirrels

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    These boys are just adorable. They have a tail tucked up against their red back, with white detailing on their tummy and face. They are much smaller than other kinds of squirrel, which makes it easy to distinguish them. They are not shy guys and will absolutely steal your birdfeed. This all sounds great, but they are unfortunately known for being aggressive and have been seen causing property damage (call the squirrel cops!). So while they may be adorable little demons, the fox squirrels are friendly and more suitable for first place.

#3: Southern Flying Squirrels

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    OK, so some of these guys are really ugly. With black, bulged eyes, brown backs, and white tummies, they really could be cuter. I will happily acknowledge that. But they fly. If you haven't seen one, the reason is because they do their thing at night, gliding from tree to tree, with the occasional bird feeder as their destination. They are super social and spend winters huddled together in groups of ~20, which is the cutest thing I have heard in a while. The reason they're #3 is because... look at him. He's not that cute. I'd rather have a cute and aggressive squirrel than look at these boys. Thank goodness they are nocturnal. 

#4: Eastern Gray Squirrels

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    In last place we have Eastern Gray Squirrels. They may be pretty dang cute, but these are the ones you'd be fighting on your birdfeeder. They may have fluffy gray tails and puffy bodies, but that isn't worth it when you can have one that flies, or is a red demon, or is a friendly neighborhood squirrel. And besides, the gray really isn't that nice to look at. The only cute thing about this dude is his little foot mits. Essentially, they don't have anything going for them. Also, while they are native to Iowa, they are an invasive type of species in Europe. Sorry not sorry!

Concluding Thoughts

What order would you put the four squirrel species in Iowa in? It's probably not a question you've ever pondered or ever will again. Would you go based off of personality or looks? Would you debate changing your order partway through (hint: I did)? 

I hope you have enjoyed looking through this and perhaps even learning a little bit more about the squirrels of Iowa, even if you disagree with my ranking. 

The Art Wall: Creativity in the Writing Center

     

    Not every day in the CWC is busy with conferences or work. In fact, consultants are often faced with a lot of free time in their shifts. Some consultants may choose to do homework, have fun conversations about obscure topics, or take care of the plants around the Writing Center. Sometimes, however, inspiration will strike during a boring shift, and consultants will create some amazing and hilarious pieces of art. A lot of the artwork is posted around the walls of the Writing Center, especially around the beaver desk and on the CWC Art Wall.

    

    The CWC Art Wall is actually a new addition the the Writing Center that was established sometime during the Fall Semester. Supposedly, many consultants were leaving a lot of art and doodles lying around on the tables or on the plexiglass on the beaver desk, so someone created a space for them. The Art Wall is currently situated on the thin strip of wall next the the whiteboard in the back of the room and has thirteen drawings posted. However, not every drawing in the CWC is on the Art Wall; they're pretty much everywhere!

        

    These few works are posted right by the beaver desk! They include General Mow (far left), a terrifyingly buff Among Us character (center), the infamous Snorse (bottom right), along with a few others. This wall has some very detailed drawings, and I am definitely not scared of General Mow and his absurdly long neck. Nope. Not at all.

    

    

    Over by the big white board near the tea, we have a colorful, screaming cat next to an abstract pattern and a rainbow Psychological Warfare sign. This is perhaps one of my favorite little art sections in the Writing Center. They're full of very vivid colors that add some fun juxtaposition to its content.

    

    Not all of the art scattered around the CWC is drawn. There are actually quite a few origami creatures hiding about like this swan hiding amongst the plants. On the round tables, there is usually small origami paper that anyone can use, and there are dozens more swans hiding in the CWC.

    This wanted sign is posted on the bulletin board right as you come into the CWC. This is another one of my all-time favorites, especially the little, yarn bee tacked to the board. This one also goes to show that art can interact with each other, as seen by the drawing of the eye that says, "Now I have" in response to "Have you seen this man?" 

    There is a lot of creativity within the Writing Center, whether it be official art hung up from past consultants or little doodles current ones add to the Art Wall. I feel like the art also makes our CWC feel a little more homey and welcoming compared to the blank, white walls of most academic classrooms. The various sketches or other art works bring a bit of light-heartedness to the room that can make our client laugh and ease their nervousness. It's very important that we make our Writing Center as comfortable and welcoming as possible, and I think art is just another part of it!