Write it Out: Reflective Writing in Writing Centers

Mental health sometimes evades academic discussions about creating an accessible environment for disabled students. However, this matter continues to influence student life. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “75 percent of lifetime cases of mental health conditions begin by age 24.” Furthermore, within the same study, they assert that one in four students are diagnosed with mental illness (eleven percent with anxiety; ten percent with depression), and over eighty percent of students experience overwhelming stress because of myriad reasons. Ultimately, these findings reveal that, for many students, mental issues remain a focal point in their lives, and writing centers act as an extension of ensuring student success. This is because writing centers offer a place for students to reflect on how and why they write, and this reflection goes a long way in creating a safe, productive environment for struggling students. The presentation encompasses the possibility of reflective university writing center workshops tailored for multiple students that allow students to journal about their experiences to improve their emotional health. While writing center tutors and coordinators are not trained psychological professionals and should encourage students to take advantage of the appropriate university resources, writing has been proven to provide a constructive emotional outlet for people, and the presentation would explore the transformative role of reflective writing