Young people’s voices matter.

For 20+ years, I have been reading, listening to, and cultivating young people’s voices, at both the secondary and university level, where I am a faculty member in the English and Communication Studies Departments. Among the courses I teach is the freshman writing course required in most universities.

Writing, and teaching writing, are my passions.

College admission officers are looking for unique, genuine voices, for students invested in their learning and who will positively contribute to the college community. They are looking for students who have something thoughtful to say…and who say it well.

My mission in coaching students with their college essay is threefold.

First, I help my students to discover their own writing voice and listen to it. In doing so, they discover more of who they are, what they stand for, and what they think and feel — their integrity and truth. This is the heart of their college essay.

It is how admission officers separate the special from the ordinary in the highly-competitive world of college admissions.

Second, I teach my students how to express their truth effectively, in a well-organized, clear, and compelling structure. This is the bones of their college essay.

Admission officers look for clarity and fluency — not just the thought but also the care put into the writing.

Third, as a writer myself, I care about making the essay writing process an exciting journey of self-discovery rather than something to be dreaded or worried about.

My students gain the confidence and tools to erase the fear of the blank page and lead them to further success.

Applying to college should be an exciting time, but all too often the pressure to write the essay is overwhelming, leading to needless stress and procrastination. As a parent to two college students myself, I know this firsthand!

Let’s erase the stress and make the essay writing experience a positive and successful one!

My coaching is a hands-on experience, involving both written feedback in the form of document comments and follow-up emails, as well as virtual conferences via Zoom in which the student and I discuss the feedback and work on revisions. I care about helping students write an essay that they are proud of, one in which their authentic voice shines!

Whether a student needs help starting the essay and walking through the entire process, or has a draft ready and would like developmental editing and proofreading from an experienced educator and writer, I am excited to partner with students in creating their unique voice that will propel them into college and beyond.

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