Tutor profile: Shannon M.

Does, like, writing well even matter anymore? LOL!?

Being able to craft a well written sentence may not seem important when you are IM/DM/text/insta-ing your friends. There are many times and places when the ability to write a clearly thought out sentence or argument is very important. Answers to exams, college applications, job applications, forms for volunteer service, and medical or financial benefits, all require you to write your thoughts out in an organized way, with accurate spelling and grammar, so that you can get what you want. So, take the time to learn this skill or you may not get be able to articulate clearly in writing what you actually want. LOL!

Who needs a librarian when you have Google?

Librarians are more necessary than ever before! In the current climate of fake news, online rabbit holes, and democratic encyclopedias, it is important to be sure you are getting the accurate and timely information from reliable, expert sources in a reasonable amount of time. Librarians are trained to research, classify and convey information to ensure the user (you) are getting what you are looking for.

Please name the title of one of your favorite books. Write a brief description of the main character, their strengths and weaknesses.

The book Wonder b y R.J. Palacio is one of my favorite books. The main character is August Pullman, a 5th grader at a new school, struggling to find place. Unlike other kids with new school experiences August, or Auggie as his friends and family call him, has never attended formal school before. Up until this 5th grade year, Auggie has been home-schooled by his mom. Due to a genetic abnormality, Auggie suffers from rare conditions that have affected his physical appearance, his speech, his hearing, and his ability to eat. Auggie is thrown in to the drama and normality of a middle school year bearing the burden of looking profoundly different from everyone else. Auggie bears this difference with grace and with humor. He is not above having his feelings hurt deeply in some of the situations he finds himself. But Auggie's strength is in knowing himself and in his curiosity and love of learning which keep him returning to school despite social problems he is having. His weakness is his inability to consider other people's challenges, something his older sister calls him out on during the course of the novel. If you haven't read this beautiful book, I highly recommend it.