About

Why I do this work

1. Telling our own story is a vital part of claiming not only our past experiences but also our future potential. As stressful as the college-application process can be, it is also a chance for young people to recognize their progress and set their course for the future. For many students, writing their personal statement (or, for UCs, PIQs) is the first time they have reflected on their lives in writing. I encourage students to make the most of this opportunity. By taking time to write essays they feel proud of, students can build confidence, clarifying their sense of self as they step into adulthood. I care about each student I work with. I am committed to helping each one unlock the future they imagine for themselves, through authentic self-expression.
   
   

2. I aim to support families who want the best for their student but may not know how to assist. Supporting students in improving their essays, I bring positivity and learning to what may otherwise feel like a stressful process. Families can give their student responsibility for writing their own essays, while feeling reassured that they have an experienced, caring professional on their team.
   
   

3. Application essays require different writing skills from the literary analysis students learn in school. Many applicants struggle to identify and express the stories that are most important to them. I have supported hundreds of students in identifying those stories and weaving them into compelling essays that helped earn admission to selective US secondary schools, colleges, universities, and graduate programs.
   
   

4. Effective writing fosters critical thinking, professional advancement, and connection. In a world where anyone can use AI, honing a distinctive and compelling written voice is all the more rare. It provides not just a competitive edge but also a foundation to help students connect with themselves and others, for college, career, and life.
   
   

5. Higher education unlocks opportunities and nurtures vibrant communities. I am passionate about helping students put their best foot forward in pursuing their educational ambitions. In addition to working professionally as a college-essay mentor, I volunteer yearly to help first-generation students with their application essays.