Here’s a real news headline for you all: ARC tutors are not there to hurt you. I know that teachers mandate ARC appointments and that the little white slip is worth its weight in gold, but don’t dread going to the ARC because it’s a requirement. Put it this way—you’re already forced to come in, so why not make the most of it? ARC tutors are your peers, yes, but they can only help your writing simply by giving an outside perspective. And there’s a lot that goes into the ARC that people don’t see—entire meetings are spent thinking of ways to make students feel more comfortable coming in for an appointment because it seems to us that you’re all horribly unhappy sitting down and being asked to read your piece out loud. We want to help you. So come into appointments knowing that, albeit mandatory, this meeting will help you with your writing. It may be hard to believe, but we aren’t there to crush your spirits. I hope you consider your next appointment as an opportunity to improve. Oh, and don’t forget that we have free candy as well.