The Writing Lab: Lamar’s Peer Consultants and how the Writing Lab Flows

The writing lab is not a quiet room. Filled with laughter, sounds of people snacking and talking about writing, the Lamar High School Writing Lab is a place to remember, leaving impressions on students that they won’t forget. “During my junior year, I went to the writing lab because I needed guidance for some of my school essays. Speaking to the peer writing consultants truly transformed my writing and how I view the writing process,” said senior Mischa Wijesekera. 
    
In the writing lab, the consultants don’t call themselves tutors. To them, focusing on what they call “lower order” writing, like grammar and spelling, isn't their priority. The goal of the consultants is to offer a reader’s perspective, and encourage them to realize what they want to fix and make them a better writer overall.

Dr. Annie Lowe, the director of the writing lab, offers her explanation of what they do. “Not everyone might be familiar with what we do in the writing center, or how we support those different pieces of writing, and our motto is ‘Any piece of writing, any stage in the process.’” They run 30-minute sessions where they familiarize themselves with the writer, have them read their piece, and offer their suggestions on what to do next and how to fix what they want to focus on. 

One of the Writing Lab’s directors, Ms. Dana Keller, speaks to all the consultants during a monthly lunch meeting about future events. (Photo: Kerah Roque)

In order to keep the writing lab running smoothly, it has peer consultants who show up regularly, and who help the writers with what they need. To keep their friendly atmosphere, they follow a couple of rules to keep their writers comfortable, and to get them vulnerable enough to share their work.

For starters, the consultants sit next to their writers, making their appointment feel less like a job interview, and more like casual interactions between students. They don’t edit papers, or even write on the papers at all, they make sure to have the writer feel like they are in control of their own paper. The writing lab is also stocked with snacks, to satisfy the writers through their lunchtime hours.

“It's a very welcome atmosphere,” said peer consultant Kerah Roque, “Everyone is so passionate about writing, and it feels good to share my love of writing with others. It makes the writing lab a very positive space!” The feeling you get when you’re in the writing lab is what makes it so special, and a place to be vulnerable in sharing work.