Creativity is sacred, and it is not sacred. What we make matters enormously, and it doesn't matter at all. We toil alone, and we are accompanied by spirits. We are terrified, and we are brave. - Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic Liz Gilbert set me straight this morning. I … [Read more...] about Me and the Machine: How Will We Make This Work?
college essay
What ChatGPT means for us non-machines
I'm writing this for all the exhausted educators out there who needed ChatGPT's release like they need a burst pipe or an icy road. I write this for teachers wondering whether essay prompts they've worked hard to design--are designing right now on their holiday break--have a … [Read more...] about What ChatGPT means for us non-machines
Follow Your Heart in the College Essay
If ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own backyard... - Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz The college essay has more in common with The Wizard of Oz than the traditional academic essay. That's because a great personal statement is … [Read more...] about Follow Your Heart in the College Essay
What Dads Can Teach Us About the College Essay
This is my wonderful dad, Steve Fairchild. He is 81. He is energy, curiosity, and exploration incarnate. So he loves the full-coverage Australian walking hat my sister got him for Father's Day. It's a key accessory for his daily strides around the neighborhood. My dad … [Read more...] about What Dads Can Teach Us About the College Essay
How Much Should Essay Tutors Edit?
Some parents and students ask, when concerned about plagiarism: what is the line between editing and writing a student's essay? What does academically honest editing by a tutor look like? As a long-time teacher, I teach the principles of academic honesty, and I live by them in my … [Read more...] about How Much Should Essay Tutors Edit?
May and June for Juniors: College Essay Prep
I know: who in the world wants to be writing huge essays when you're trying to wrap up junior year? For that reason I say, it's time for LISTS. Lists of your Marquee Moments and Action Verbs. No essays necessary right now: just lots of listing and brainstorming. (Unless, … [Read more...] about May and June for Juniors: College Essay Prep