THINK TANK Employee Spotlight Series: Laura Akator

Laura Akator, a future graduate in May 2025, is a tutor at THINK TANK's Writing Center. With a unique combination of majors in Criminal Justice and Creative Writing and a minor in Psychology, Laura brings a diverse perspective to her role. She has a passion for helping students craft their writing, and her approach focuses on fostering a supportive environment that encourages growth and development. Laura’s ultimate goal is to create a space where students feel empowered to develop their skills without fear of judgment, drawing from both her academic background and her personal experiences.

Writing and the Art of Drafting

As a tutor, Laura emphasizes the importance of the writing process—specifically, the significance of drafting. “I talk a lot about things like drafting and how drafting can be really important, even if the draft is bad,” Laura explained. For many students, the temptation to perfect a piece of writing immediately can be overwhelming. Laura herself admits to struggling with this: “I always want the most perfect sentence to come out of me immediately. But I’ve learned that writing really bad drafts is actually a critical part of being a good writer.”

She encourages students to embrace imperfect drafts because it gives them the freedom to revise, edit, and ultimately strengthen their work. “It’s such a hard thing to do,” she acknowledged, “but it’s a crucial part of the writing process.”

The Power of Clarity & Student Connection

One of the most fulfilling aspects of Laura’s role as a tutor is when a student has an “aha” moment. “I love when students leave and they say, ‘That was really helpful,’” she shared. “Even if it takes me 20 minutes to explain a concept, the moment it clicks for them, it’s so rewarding. I’m like, ‘Was that as good for you as it was for me?’”

For Laura, helping students understand writing concepts is not just about imparting knowledge — it's about creating a shared experience that leads to student success. She prides herself on making sure that each student feels comfortable and supported during their sessions: “I remind students that this is a space where they won’t be judged. I am a peer; I am a writer, just like you are. Whatever you need, we’re in this together.”

 “I remind students that this is a space where they won’t be judged. I am a peer; I am a writer, just like you are. Whatever you need, we’re in this together.”

Building a Positive Writing Environment

As a Writing Center Tutor, Laura's approach to teaching is deeply rooted in empathy and creating a non-judgmental space for students. "I try to remind students that writing isn’t just about getting everything perfect on the first try," she explained. "It's about learning, growing, and improving. There is no one-size-fits-all method, and each draft is a step toward better writing."

Through her work, Laura also focuses on the importance of building a supportive writing community. By fostering a space of reassurance, she not only helps students improve their writing skills but also increases their confidence in their own abilities: "The goal is to remind students that this is their space to learn and make mistakes. I’m here to help them become better writers, not to judge their work."

Laura’s time at THINK TANK has been transformative for her and the students she helps. Whether it’s through encouraging patience with the writing process or offering students a non-judgmental space to express their ideas, she’s built a career foundation rooted in mentorship, empathy, and communication. As she moves forward with her multifaceted focus on Criminal Justice, Creative Writing, and Psychology, Laura is preparing to bring her skills of active listening and student-centered teaching to her future endeavors.

Want to learn more about the THINK TANK Writing Center or become a writing tutor yourself? Learn more at: writingcenter.arizona.edu