Love it or loathe it, learning how to write well is an essential part of the high school and college experience. The good news is that tutors in Marian University's Writing Center are available to help.
One of 15 tutors who work in the Writing Center, Burkhardt helps visitors by discussing their ideas before they begin writing, identifying strategies to help them organize and develop their thoughts, and offering advice about revisions and edits. He also serves as a teacher’s assistant at Roncalli High School, where he graduated in 2014.
If you want to be a better writer—or you just enjoy listening to podcasts while doing homework or folding laundry—check out On The Same Page, a student-produced series created by Daniel Burkhardt, a tutor in Marian University’s Writing Center.
Whether it’s tips and tricks for “Starting Off Strong” on your next research report, discussing “The Good, The Bad, and The Cheesy” aspects of writing, or pondering “Haikus About Writer’s Block,” On The Same Page is funny and informative.
Burkhardt, a senior from Indianapolis majoring in psychology with a minor in theatre, said the most enjoyable thing about podcasting is sitting down and talking about writing with people he doesn’t know well.
“The conversations are always interesting and I never know where a discussion will lead. Plus, I get to learn a lot about the person I’m interviewing in 20 minutes or less,” he laughed.
Burkhardt, whose creative works have been published on CommuterLit.com and FiftyWordStories.com under a pseudonym, says he enjoys writing because it’s limitless.
“Writing is a blank canvas on which we can create works of fact or fiction. We can write papers to earn good grades, resumes to obtain good jobs, or journal entries to document our thoughts and feelings. No matter if it is to inform or entertain, writing is a societal necessity. It teaches us how to communicate with one another and helps us understand ourselves,” Burkhardt explained.
Mark Latta, director of the Writing Center and faculty member in the Department of English at Marian, said high school students, local residents, and community members are welcome to utilize the center’s services.
“In addition to individual consultations, we offer writing workshops and online tutorials. We can assist with Spanish language writing tutorials. And this year, we were able to expand our operations through a partnership with Flanner House,” Latta added.
Hours for the Flanner Community Writing Center, located at 2424 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street in Indianapolis, are Mondays and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m.
Walk-in visitors can also meet with Writing Center tutors on Marian University’s campus during regular office hours. The center is located in Room 021 of Clare Hall.
Appointments are suggested, however, and can be made online, by emailing writingcenter@marian.edu, or by calling 317.955.6244.