Top Two Beliefs as a Writing Coach
In AP English my senior year of high school, I was assigned to write a timed, in-class essay on our summer reading, John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath.
I had loved the novel, but I had absolutely no idea how to answer an essay prompt about it. In my junior year English class, I was only ever been assigned short answers.
My analytical skills were rusty at best, and my essay writing skills were almost non-existent.
I still remember where I was sitting in that AP English classroom, pen hovering over my notebook page, inwardly panicking. The clock over the door showed our half-hour window of writing time rapidly dwindling.
I barely finished the essay, and earned a low score—3 out of 9—but it provided a very real learning opportunity. In Mr. R’s office hours that week, I confessed that I had no idea what I was doing.
I’ve never forgotten his patient guidance as he walked me through the basics: the thesis statement, supporting evidence, a conclusion that says why any of these essay points are relevant or universal.
Mr. R gave me tools and a road map for success. On my next timed essay, I earned a 7—and then 8s and 9s. On the AP exam that spring, I earned the highest score possible.
I share this story because it reinforces two tenets of my coaching work at Write Well Brooklyn:
With guidance, growth is possible—and often at a rapid rate. Growth is self-nourishing. Each time we see positive change, we know we hold the capacity for more.
Meeting students where they are at is essential to guiding them forward.
This summer 2024, WWB is offering an array of writing programs for young people, all designed to encourage powerful growth—and with a coach (that's me) who knows the value of meeting students where they're at.
Whether you’re looking for children’s admissions essay writing, college application essay work, or simply tuning up writing skills before high school, WWB has you covered. Check out your options here.