The power of writing

This fall I met with Gloucester High School seniors to discuss their college essays. I was excited, and a little worried. I wondered if I was qualified to help them with such an important task. It’s been a long time since I wrote my own college essay and I don’t remember one single thing about it.

Nevertheless, the project had the hallmarks of an engaging experience. It was about writing, teens and writing, and helping young people articulate their goals and passions for their futures. The first morning, I went to the school library and waited.

The writers

Soon, a student presented me with her draft. At first, I was overwhelmed by the density of her writing, and how I could help in the limited time we had together.

In her essay, the student described an Indigenous girl at the moment of her removal from her family to an unknown destination, a “school”. In her telling of this historical injustice, an interpreter explained to the girl, who did not speak English, that the waiting train, something she had never seen, would take her there. I was floored by the student’s decision to focus on such a complex moment, and encouraged her to keep writing about it.

My regard for these budding writers grew.

A student told me that when he was nine, he spontaneously grabbed a camera on his way to his father’s second wedding, took pictures all day, and had so much fun that his early love for photography has become a lifelong passion. He was brimming with enthusiasm and I imagined his talent in capturing memories in families and communities.

I admired another student’s determination to convince the college he had chosen to choose him. His Experience was impressive, his commitment to a better world was clear, and his sincerity so genuine that I inwardly cheered for him while hoping the college would recognize his potential.

One student told me her essay was about her life in foster care, but this was not what she was there to talk about. She just wanted help with the first sentence. I threw out a few ideas, she said this gave her what she needed, and I felt hopeful that her writing would get attention.

A student shared a beautifully written essay about her grandfather. It was a lovely tribute to someone whose story is clearly shaping her own. I expect many others will benefit from her writing, her compassion, and her understanding of the value of storytelling.

Why it matters

I’ve been pondering what I learned from this experience. The young people I met are thoughtful, smart, and eager. They understand, I believe, that the true value of the essay far exceeds that of a required component of the college application. The writing process is helping them consider their futures, and how they can contribute. I expect they will use their talents to benefit others far beyond themselves.

Amidst the noise in our world, these students give me hope for the future.