We’ve all been there: you have a paper due and not enough brain cells left to try to write it. On top of a long week and a lot of stressful homework, writing a well thought-out paper can feel like a task too big to tackle. Luckily, the Boucke Writing Center is here to save the day when it comes to getting help and a little guidance on your upcoming paper.
Located in 220 Boucke Building, the Boucke Writing Center is one of Penn State’s hidden gems. Students who are looking to better their skills and improve their paper may not be aware that they can sit down and get help from a writing tutor right here on campus. The best part is that the Writing Center is free of charge!
If you’re looking to drop in during walk-in hours, the center is open Monday–Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. If the walk-in hours don’t coincide with your schedule, you can book an appointment through Starfish Monday–Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Whether you schedule an appointment or just walk in, you’d be surprised how much more confident you’ll feel after the half hour session.
Many students often feel vulnerable when it comes to their writing; therefore, tutors strive to create a calm and comfortable environment. This type of environment allows you to get help and feedback from your peers, which eliminates the stress of getting help from a professor.
“It was helpful for me personally just to talk through my thoughts,” sophomore Laine Hartman says. “I went [to the Writing Center] for brainstorming as well as proofreading. I went for my English 15 papers, especially during freshman year. It’s definitely underrated.”
Students aren’t the only individuals who benefit from this experience. Hannah Kelly, who has been a tutor since 2016, feels as though the community at the Boucke Writing Center is “irreplaceable.”
“I’ve never met so many young people who are all so committed, intelligent and above all, compassionate,” Kelly says. “It sounds weird to say that about a workplace, but if you come in, you’ll see nothing but happy faces. No matter what I’m going through, just stepping into the writing center brightens my day and I look forward to every shift.”
In other words, the vibes are just unmatched. If you’ve been to the Boucke Writing Center or have any more ideas of hidden gems on campus, tweet us at @VALLEYmag on Twitter.
