Lynn Lawrence-Brown
Teacher Librarian & Information Literacy Specialist, IB Extended Essay Coordinator, Hong Kong Academy
I've had the pleasure of working with Alison as a colleague in the senior school library and as a Teacher Librarian supporting students with research and papers. As a colleague helping students generally in the library, Alison has been a great champion for students, helping them find both pleasure reading and school resources but also being an advocate for their overall well-being. She takes the time to chat with students about their personal interests and this goes a long way toward building trust where students feel comfortable opening up to discuss their schoolwork concerns and worries. Whether students are her clients or not, she gives them helpful tips and advice. Students are drawn to her friendly and open nature, her sense of humor, and most of all her empathy.
With the students I've worked with that have hired Alison to support them with time management and writing support, particularly with their extended essays, I've seen major transformations in their overall organization, their writing, and their confidence and well-being. She empowers students to take ownership of their time by showing them a path to manage their busy schedules that is simple to follow and execute. On the writing side, she also gives them guidance that is easy to follow and builds their confidence so students are eager to improve and finish their work within their deadlines. Alison's guidance has been a game-changer for her students. So many of her students not only seem lighter and less stressed out, they are happier and more confident. The work the students have produced has been at a much higher standard. This higher standard is NOT achieved by Alison playing editor. She really cares that students learn better organization and writing techniques. She holds students to a higher standard--redirecting students to find better research and using critical questioning to make students dig deeper and produce better analyses for their essays. Although I will not be working with Alison directly in the library, I will still be recommending students work with her for their overall well-being and work. She's a natural student whisperer with the ability to empower students to take charge of their time, be more accountable for their process and work, and inspire them to get the results they want!