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The Inner Classroom: Not His Father's Story

India, June 21 -- We often step into a student's story only to be unexpectedly drawn to another's, especially when that 'other' is a towering figure like a parent. This is what happened with Vidit Goe... Read More


The Empty Benches

India, June 14 -- As someone who spends her days listening to students, guiding them through essays, applications, and interviews, I often feel like I carry a little piece of each of their journeys in... Read More


The Inner Classroom: Out of syllabus

India, June 8 -- It was one of those ordinary days when my little boy tugged at my arm, eyes wide, pointing at the screen. "They've made a mistake," he said, staring at the Discovery Channel. "They're... Read More


The Inner Classroom:The Echo After the Applause

India, May 31 -- I've written about stammering so many times, I've lost count. It's one of my favorite themes-maybe because it's where language, fear, and courage all intersect. Over the years, I've h... Read More


The inner classroom. The Comparison Trap

India, May 24 -- In the corners of my childhood notebooks-right behind the pages no teacher ever turned-I found my first classroom. Not the outer one with chalk and blackboards, but the inner classroo... Read More


The Inner classroom: The Borrowed Realization

India, May 17 -- There are moments in motherhood that quietly haunt you-not with guilt, but with a tenderness so sharp, it bruises the heart. One such moment has stayed with me for years, and I often ... Read More


The Inner Classroom: The Left-Out Prompt

India, May 10 -- Among the many essay prompts I present to students preparing to tell their life stories, the one that consistently gets left behind is the one on gratitude. "Too vague," some say. "To... Read More


The Power of Not Knowing - A Mother's Journey to Becoming an Essay Strategist

India, May 3 -- Thirteen years ago, I stood at a crossroads-more a mother than a mentor, more curious than qualified. My child was applying to college, and I knew nothing about writing the "perfect" c... Read More