Working on Writing at Work

Istarlin Dafe didn't have the luxury of growing up in a home where she could learn from others who had gone to college. So when she heard about a writing workshop being offered on campus, she decided to take advantage of the opportunity. "I really learned a lot here. Now I will be able to teach my younger siblings how to send an email and be perfect and very detailed."

The workshop, which focused on writing in the workplace, was the product of the Robertson Endowment for Student Success in Writing which was created thanks to a generous gift by Diana and Drew Robertson to the OCC Foundation. Diana Roberston enrolled at OCC in 1975 and lessons learned in a Creative Writing class taught by Professor Candace Rhea impacted the rest of her life. "I never really had been focused on writing before. She made me feel like it was something I could do. I guess she saw something in me that made her feel that I could write. I felt I got more out of Professor Rhea's Creative Writing class than any other course I’ve taken in my life."

Robertson would complete her associate degree in 1977, earn a bachelor's degree from Syracuse University, and today is the Director of Development and Alumni Affairs for the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “We were the first tuition-free medical school in the country. Writing is a very important component of the work I do. You have to communicate with people, know your audience, and write in a personal and professional manner.”

Understanding the importance of writing in the workplace was what the workshop was all about. High-ranking leaders of local companies were brought in to share advice with students, including Maryann Roefaro, CEO of Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY, and Elizabeth DaBoll, Vice President of Human Resources & Administration at ACMG Federal Credit Union. Along with OCC English Professor Laine Lubar, they discussed the importance of writing in various formats including resumes, cover letters, emails, and the importance of reading frequently and how it can impact your writing skills.

Messages communicated during the workshop resonated with students. "This was very helpful. I never thought writing was a big deal but now I see why it is," said Hodan Ali. "I learned detail matters more. There's a different between texting and emailing," added Salado Mohamed. "I usually never think about spelling. I usually type on my phone but now I'm going to start typing on my laptop."

The writing workshop was organized and presented by the OCC Foundation's Steffani Williams and Russ Corbin. The event, which included free lunch and swag, was held December 5 in the Great Room of the Gordon Student Center.