Student Spotlight: Summer Dingman

When Summer Dingman first came across the UNO Writing Center job posting on Handshake, she scrolled right past it—twice. “I assumed that I wasn’t qualified enough for the position and ignored it,” she admitted. “Then I received the Honors Program’s weekly email filled with on and off-campus opportunities, and the Writing Center job application was included, but I ignored it again. But when my army of friends started to send me the job posting, I felt like I had to stop ignoring it.”

What began as a search for an English-specific job turned into one of the most formative experiences of her college career. Since joining the Writing Center staff, Summer has found not only professional growth but also a community that has shaped her as a writer, tutor, and student.

“I’ve definitely become far more receptive and appreciative of feedback as a whole,” she reflected. “In the past, I took constructive feedback to heart, but I’ve learned through having to provide criticism so candidly and frequently that what’s being said is only for the betterment of my writing, nothing more.”

According to Summer, this sentiment carries over into her tutoring sessions as well. “I make sure that I clarify that with Writing Center clients,” she said. “I always acknowledge the effort it took just to make an appointment and be open to feedback.”

For Summer, the best part of her work is connecting with the wide variety of students who visit the Writing Center. “I love being able to get to know clients,” she said. “Sometimes writers come in asking for help on a project they already have a confident grasp on and just want someone to affirm their writing and chat with. I’ve been able to meet student athletes, presidents of niche student organizations, first-gen and immigrant college students, and other truly incredible individuals.”

Her tutoring philosophy centers on meeting writers where they are. “It’s easy as a tutor to get ahead of myself and want to share my passion for writing,” she said, “but most every client isn’t interested in developing a love for writing; they just want quick help on their assignment. That’s why it’s always a treat to have English majors come in, because they usually have that same shared passion.”

Working in the Writing Center has also transformed how Summer approaches her own writing. “I think the Writing Center has proven to me that there should be many drafts of one’s writing,” she said. “I’d read Anne Lamott’s ‘Shitty First Drafts’ for classes before, but I didn’t really subscribe to the sentiment until working here. Now I make countless appointments throughout the semester to receive help with drafts of my papers. It never hurts to start early or have another set of eyes on your writing.”

In October, Summer and fellow English student Marcus Pennell were also able to take their Writing Center experience to the national stage at the NCPTW/IWCA joint conference, where they hosted a roundtable titled “Peer Tutoring Skill Transference to Post-Graduate Spaces.” The idea grew out of the Writing Center’s 20th anniversary celebration, when staff were encouraged to explore ways to connect with alumni. “Upon doing some light research, I was interested in learning further and developing this into a bigger project,” Summer said. With support from Writing Center Director Travis Adams, the project evolved into an IRB study, which she now plans to use as the foundation for her Honors thesis.

Summer credits the UNO English Department faculty for their role in her growth. “The faculty’s wisdom and unwavering support have helped me grow as a writer and tutor,” she said. “I’ve learned to mimic those relationships and apply them to my tutoring, balancing assistance with creating meaningful connections.”

Looking ahead, Summer knows the lessons she’s learned in the Writing Center will extend far beyond campus. “Whatever career path I end up in, I know that I’ll be able to apply skills I’ve gained here,” she said. “I was a swim instructor for three years and knew I enjoyed teaching, but until the Writing Center, I hadn’t found the format that best suited my strengths and passions. Now that my eagerness is more affirmed, I can look for careers that include some practice of this.”