Schedule a consultation with one of our associates to discuss writing, reading, and/or public speaking projects and goals. We hold consultations in person (in Charles Pratt Hall) and over Zoom. Book your time at the scheduler link below.
Before coming to Amherst, I put so much pressure on myself to find the ‘perfect’ word or phrase to appear ‘smart’ on paper.
— OBED NARCISSE ’21
A key to writing is being able to take complex ideas and communicate them clearly, concisely and in your own voice. The Writing Center is a great resource for students looking to engage in this process.
At the onset of my Amherst career, this strategy made writing a difficult task for me because, at that point, I had not yet discovered my own voice. At the Writing Center, I have learned that it is more important to cultivate my own voice through reflection, practice, and revision than to develop a repertoire of fancy words to employ in my writing. As a result, I have embraced that writing is a process where one of the primary goals is to translate my thoughts into language that is clear, effective, and succinct. The Writing Center was instrumental to my success as a student at Amherst.”
Listed below are some things that I did to maximize the resources and opportunities that the Writing Center provides.
Writing is a cornerstone of a liberal arts education. By developing the skills and habits of mind that enable effective communication, students prepare to engage meaningfully with the world. The Writing Center empowers students to develop their own processes and voices as writers, speakers, readers, and learners. Our commitment to inclusion, creativity, and rigorous intellectual engagement informs our approaches to individual consultations, group instruction, programming, and pedagogical support. [Read our full statement on mission, values, and goals here.]