Center for Writing alumni—Jayashree Kamble

11 Questions for Center for Writing Alums

Your name: Jayashree Kamble
Your email: kamble@umn.edu
When did you work with us? 2006 to 2008
What was your role? writing consultant, TA coordinator
What education and/or occupation(s) have you pursued since working with us? I was an academic adviser in CLA for four years and now I'm an Assistant Professor of English at LaGuardia Community College in New York City.

Did your work with us influence your educational or occupational choices? If so, how? Yes, tremendously. Student Writing Support taught me a great deal about teaching while being a learner, and I'm continuing in that vein in my life as a professor.
What are the most significant abilities, values, or skills that you developed in your work with us? Listening to others, trying to establish trust, guiding without being too directive or condescending: I think I scored pretty low on all of those before I started working at the Writing Center.
In your personal and professional life today, how do you find yourself using what you learned from working with us? I try to be approachable, to make it clear that I am a resource rather than an authority, and to establish long-term connections. When I provide writing assignments, I try to make sure that a student and the writing center consultant they might see will understand it. I do the same for any feedback I provide on the writing.
Anything else you want to tell us and your fellow Center alums? My time at the Writing Center was one of the most fun, productive, and enriching periods of my life. I thank all the staff and my colleagues for making it so.