India, Aug. 11 -- When I guide my students through the process of writing college application essays, I often sense that we are not just crafting a narrative. We are uncovering one.
Most students begin by talking about academics, extracurriculars, or sports. But I gently nudge them toward stories that lie beyond the resume. I probe softly but persistently into family spaces. And that is where the real narratives begin to emerge.
At first, there is hesitation. After all, it is not easy to admit that you haven't spoken to a grandparent in years, or that a particular uncle's name stirs discomfort. But soon, a floodgate opens. Not with defiance, but with quiet curiosity. And that is when I notice something deeper. The pain they carry often is...