31 Questions with Dr. Trixie Smith, Director of Global Alliances in Literacy and Engagement | AMA Series
This blog was updated May 2024 as Dr.Trixie Smith stepped down from her role as Director of the Writing Center in 2024 to transition into the role of Director of Global Alliances in Literacy and Engagement.
- What’s your favorite ceiling tile in the Writing Center’s Bessey location?
I can’t pick one. I love the diverse ways consultants have chosen to represent themselves, writing, and their time in the center. My favorite thing about the tiles is the impact they have on people when they make their in-person visit to 300 Bessey.
- What’s the most surprising change you’ve seen in the WC ?
I’m still surprised by how much COVID-19 affected our numbers in terms of staff. We’ve been rebuilding our numbers, but also had 20 consultants graduate this spring/summer, so we’ll keep rebuilding.
- Pancakes or waffles?
I love them both, but usually pick pancakes first.
- What historical person do you want on your team in the event of a Zombie apocalypse?
Alice from the Resident Evil movies; unless you mean non-fiction and then I’ll go for Ida B. Wells.
- If you could have any historical figure come to the MSU Writing Center—either just to observe, or even as a writer—who would it be and why?
Toni Morrison because she had so many smart things to say about writing, her novels have so many layers to them, and I’d love to meet her.
- What’s your favorite thing about directing MSU’s writing center?
The diversity of consultants and writers who come through our programs—they’re all doing such interesting things and I continue to learn from them daily.
- In an alternate universe where you aren’t a WC director, what do you think you might be doing as a job?
My alternative career is as a midwife; sometimes I still consider it as a retirement plan.
- Most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?
My house!
- What is a favorite moment from your time at the Writing Center?
One of my favorites is our first partnership with folks in southern Africa because that one encounter has led to so many other partnerships, engagements, friends, co-researchers, etc.
- What is your funniest story from working in the Writing Center?
One of my funniest memories was making a public relation video in the WC. We were trying to do it in one take, and the media team had practiced many times to prepare, but then we hired Sparty to add to the mix and hadn’t rehearsed with him and it seemed to throw everyone off. We had a lot of fun and laughs that day. Here’s the Outtakes video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7AVEuO_xgM&t=23s
- What do you think the Writing Center will be like in ten years?
Still helping writers in even more diverse ways and probably with even more community partnerships, both locally and globally.
- Is a pop tart a sandwich?
No, it’s a pastry!
- What are your pets’ names?
Sunshine, Hazel, and Lily.
- What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
It’s easier to get forgiveness than permission.
- What is the one thing people always misunderstand about you?
I’ve been told I can be hard to read sometimes and when I ask people to explain, it’s usually about times when I was just trying to really listen, to pay full attention to what someone was telling me both with their words, their omitted words, and their body language.
- What is one thing you’ve always wanted to try but never had the courage to do?
I’ve always wanted to try parasailing, especially at the beach. I’ve never really had the opportunity, so I don’t know if courage is an issue or not, lol.
- With the emergence of new technologies over the past decades, how have you seen the Writing Center change and adapt?
As a team who works with writers, we know we’ll see all of the new technologies in writers’ projects and assignments, so we work together to think about how these technologies can help us support writers, how these different technologies may create problems or confusion, as well as new genres and modes of communication, and what technology has become obsolete.
- What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?
I once had a male student in an Intro to Women’s Studies course who challenged me and his classmates at every turn all semester. A couple of weeks before the end of the term, he told me that he was mad at me. When I asked why, he said that my course was making him have to think about things before he spoke (or acted). I took that as a supreme compliment.
- If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Teleporting. Would also settle for a flying carpet like Aladdin’s : )
- What is the best thing you’ve ever eaten?
That’s really hard because I love food. In home-cooked food, I’d say my mom’s fried chicken and homemade mac ‘n cheese; in food bought out, I’d say lasagna with fresh-made spinach pasta at a little place in NYC.
- What is your favorite book?
Geek Love by Katherine Dunn. It’s so queer and layered and interesting.
- If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
My daughter, so I could really understand what goes on in her life and in an average day at school for her.
- What is your favorite quote?
“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” ― Toni Morrison
- What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Agreeing to be a foster parent.
- What’s your biggest pet peeve?
People who don’t practice what they preach.
- If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would they be?
My MawMaw, my Dad, and my Uncle J.C.
- What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
The opportunity to adopt my daughter!
- What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about love?
You have to give it freely, absolutely no strings attached.
- What do you think is the key to a successful life?
Treating others as human beings with complex, intersectional lives and experiences. And expecting the same back.
- What’s your favorite way to relax after a long day?
Play a game with my wife, particularly with drinks and snacks alongside.
- What’s the one thing you cannot leave the house without?
My phone usually.
