Are You a Perfectionist?

Having tutored at the AUB Writing Center, I can confirm that tutoring is a different ball game than classroom teaching in many ways. It is more focused and intense, and it can be more enjoyable than lecturing, especially when tutees are perfectionists!

One challenge for writing tutors is that students do not always seek writing help voluntarily. Their teachers often require it; it may even be part of the syllabus for everyone – and therefore a form of drudgery for some. Those who gravitate to the Center voluntarily, though, appear more involved, and they often return. Some even seem to enjoy it: they become animated when telling a story; excited when considering alternatives; and genuinely satisfied with their enhanced products. The best scenarios are where a student seeks advice from the beginning of a project till the end, returning to develop ideas, polish phrasing and finalize everything, including presentation material. The tutees are not rushed in those cases. They are relaxed and confident – and eventually proud of their efforts.

Of course, tutoring has other challenges for tutors: breaking the ice and setting realistic goals for short sessions is not always a piece of cake; handling students with personal problems can be daunting; and tutoring when the writer does not have a draft or a prompt can be stressful and mystifying. With time, tutors learn how to handle these situations, overcoming hurdles more smoothly.

Not all tutees are struggling with their writing, mind you. You get the occasional perfectionist, the quality of whose writing and research is already high. They simply seek perfection and work hard at it. Best wishes to them. They deserve special mention for their drive and perseverance.