By: Kaecen Paden 

The Writing Center continues to play a key role in student success by providing personalized feedback and support that extends beyond individual assignments. But for many, the Writing Center isn’t just an academic resource, it is a place where confidence grows and visitors can feel at home. Casper College Writing Center Director and English Instructor Cara Rodriguez said, “It starts to feel, I don’t know, like home a little bit to the students.” 

In her fourth year leading the center, Rodriguez helped build the community that is now present in the space.  

“I’ve changed a ton about just the feel of the center,” Rodriguez said. “We just brought in a lot of things to make it a little bit more cozy, so I think it’s more welcoming.” 

The Casper College Writing Center offers many different amenities for students. From tutors that will help you learn and revise your skills to bean bags and blankets for the best nap in between classes.  

According to Rodriguez, the writing center contains: Online and in person tutors, a free computer lab, a practice presentation room, a meditation room, a journaling group with the Wellness Center, bean bags, puzzles, as well as food and drink. And the catch of it all — the writing center is open to anyone in the community, not just CC students. 

Students and community members can schedule appointments or walk in for help, depending on availability.

Rodriguez said, “It is so fun to me to walk through and see people group together, studying at different tables, eating food, and I love seeing the community.” 

CC student Brody Owens said, “I enjoy the Writing Center. It doesn’t feel like a classroom, and it feels like someone’s actually there to help you.” 

Owens is a first-year student at CC working towards his secondary English education degree, and the Writing Center is helping him progress towards his end goal. 

Owens said, “The writing center helps me turn short-term assignments into long-term growth toward my career.” 

Despite its open availability, students can still be hesitant to use the Writing Center. Many assume the service is only for struggling students or fear that seeking help reflects poorly on their abilities. But in all reality, the writing center offers a safe place and environment to work on campus.  

According to Rodriguez, many students come into the center and don’t have a one-on-one interaction with a tutor. She said some students come in to sleep or study on the bean bags while others just need a place to work.  

“If they’re scared, maybe just come hang out in here first,” Rodriguez said. “Like, not get tutored, just come grab a snack and sit down and do some homework and become familiar with the space.” 

Students who overcome any hesitation often find themselves changing their perspective after their first visit. 

Owens said, “After going once, I realized it’s actually really helpful to talk things through.” The tutors at the writing center are trained to help students develop their skills and not just edit the students’ work.

Rodriguez said, “I always tell students or tell my tutors when a student comes in, you need to give them a task to do on their paper that gives them a skill that they can apply to the next paper.” 

The training the tutors go through can pay off for a student visiting the writing center. “It’s helped me in other classes too,” Owens said. “I think more about how I write now, not just what I write.” 

For students once unsure about seeking help, the Writing Center is now a place of openness and growth rather than hesitation.