So Clark, if you're out there . . .

I think I might need a pep talk. I'm reading Sullivan and Tinberg's What Is College-Level Writing? and I think I need someone to remind me why it is we do what we do. Remember that D.A. program and all those grand ideals we had about giving them (students) voice through writing? We're still supposed to do that, right? Even if they don't want it, voice that is? Even if they want something else, like for us to just give them the answer and shut up? Dr. Draney, I await your reply.
P.S.: In case you hadn't guessed, I don't work in an English department.