Simulated space games, tin roof water purifiers, long legs, Karaoke songs, soups, kiwis, second-hand clothing and Big Bang Theory show obsessions, are just some of the great details that my summer students are bringing to their college essays. The essay, after all, is a story. And the most successful stories are the ones with the most sumptuous and/or honest personal details.
I just wrapped up my 5-day intensive at the JCC Tarrytown with students from Chappaqua and Sleepy Hollow. These young women were leaders all, in areas that spanned the gamut: science, soccer, basketball, school government, music, design and swimming. What they chose to write about had as much to do with their heritage and their internal experiences than any one of those general topics could have expressed alone. I am so proud of them!
I’m always a bit amazed myself that within the course of my 5-day intensive my students arrive at 2 full-length essays. The fact that they are trapped with me for five mornings helps a lot. But it’s their courage to explore the details in the workshop– throwing memories against the wall and seeing if they stick to the story they are unearthing -that I am most honored to facilitate. In the end, I am just as relieved to have them complete a story as I am to have them begin one.
Find out what's happening in Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollowwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Now they can enjoy the last two weeks of summer.
This week's students have this feedback to share:
Find out what's happening in Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollowwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Coaching helps a lot, especially the one on one conversations with Naomi that helped me build an essay I love."
"Naomi is awesome! It was a laid back workshop, more creative than a boring English class."
"I was really nervous at first but now I'm done with my two main essays!"
"I liked talking everything out with Naomi and getting it down right away."
The summer isn't over yet! Visit www.naomivladeck.org for details.
