At the HUB Writing Center we know that writing expectations can differ quite a bit between cultures. Since that's the case, we asked SCU's international students to share how writing is taught differently in their home countries. We wanted to honor 2021's International Education Week (Nov. 15-19) and to help SCU faculty, students, and staff better understand how expectations about writing and the teaching of writing can vary between cultures. Our ultimate goal: find more ways to support SCU's international students by raising our collective campus awareness about how writing differs in various cultures and contexts. We collected responses anonymously and have chosen a few to share with the SCU community: What has surprised you about the writing you've been asked to do for your courses at SCU?
What would you like SCU students and professors to know about how writing was taught in your previous schooling in your home country?
What would you like SCU students and professors to know about what was considered good writing in your previous schooling in your home country?
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Although I was given this book when I graduated high school, I never actually read it until the week before starting my Junior year of college. That was a big mistake. If I could, I would go back in time and read this during my first year because it gives excellent advice for incoming students. The author, Cal Newport, developed interesting and helpful strategies on how to become a standout student and make the most of your college years. He did this by interviewing star students around the nation and figuring out the habits that help them become so accomplished. He gives advice on maintaining a social life, extracurriculars, grades, writing tips, skill development, etc.
One of my main take-aways from the book was my realization that even the slightest changes can make such a huge difference. I never thought that dressing nicely for class or decorating my room would play a big role in my college experience, but I’ve learned that even little things like that can help boost my confidence and change my mood. Some of Newport’s tips definitely caught me off guard, such as “Avoid Daily To-Do Lists” and “Learn to Give Up”, but that’s part of what really grabbed my attention and made me want to continue reading. He offers a new and unique perspective that can be surprising yet extremely helpful. Cal emphasizes that learning to give up is not a weakness, but a skill. I can think of many times throughout my college years when I have stayed up far too late working on a problem set that I simply could not solve, no matter how hard I tried. I would have saved a lot of time and energy if I scheduled an appointment with the TA or attended the next office hours, and “gave up” for the time being. The key is to weigh the costs and benefits of your many commitments, and make the executive decision to either let go, delegate, or move something aside that becomes an unproductive use of time. I particularly like this skill because school-work-life balance is something that is very important to me, and productivity plays a major role in my idea of a star-student. I want to be able to work hard and smart at the same time, maximizing what I can get done in the time that is available. Even if you’re halfway through your college years, many of these strategies are good reminders of the activities you may have forgotten about. He emphasizes the importance of habits such as attending political rallies, guest lectures, and reading a newspaper. While you certainly don’t have to follow every guideline, just picking a few new tips to try is a great place to start. If you would like to push beyond the activities of an average college student and take the additional steps to have a fulfilling, rewarding, and exceptional college experience, then this book is for you. Get ready to feel inspired! About the author: Natalia Garcia is a junior who has worked at the HUB since fall 2020. She's an Economic major who also loves working with writers on any type of writing project. |