Alondra Alamillo
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While struggling to become more outspoken, writing was the only outlet granting me the opportunity to revise my thoughts tirelessly until I felt I had expressed myself perfectly. When communicating through speech, however, I felt my ability to do so effectively was obstructed, as I would only get one shot at translating my ideas. Writing took my hand, consoled me, and allowed me to convey on paper what I so desperately wanted to say aloud. When students seek help articulating their thoughts, I empathize with their struggle and do my best to help.
In my experience consulting, I’ve discovered that the collaborative writing journey is one I enjoy taking with students. The initial steps, such as brainstorming and crafting an outline, can reveal so much about a writer’s thinking process, allowing me to better understand their needs. I cherish sessions that allow writers to showcase what makes them unique, often with personal statements, applications, and letters. Currently, I am pursuing a B.S. in Psychology and I especially love learning ways in which the criminal justice system is informed by studies in mental health.
However, beyond academics, I enjoy reading and analyzing philosophical texts and believe it has shaped my attitude towards the collaborative nature of writing. In the words of Richard Linklater, “If there’s any kind of magic in this world... it must be in the attempt of understanding someone, sharing something. The answer must be in the attempt.” This excerpt resonates with my belief that beyond writing mechanics, the time invested in understanding a writer’s outlook is essential in consulting.