We just got back from six college campuses in one week.
Northwestern, Marquette, University of Wisconsin, University of Illinois, Indiana University, and Butler. We ended up in Indianapolis for the Final Four — which, if you were anywhere near downtown Indy last weekend, you know the Illinois fans made their presence very known.
It was a lot. It was wonderful. And it taught me something about Josh that I did not expect.
He wants city energy — professional sports, walkable neighborhoods, that buzz that comes from being near something bigger than a college town. But at the same time he wants green space, lakes, wooded walking paths, places where he can just breathe. Both. At the same time.
I would not have known that if I had not watched him walk around six campuses and paid attention to when he lit up and when he went quiet.
And that — watching your student react, noticing the specific details that reveal who they actually are — is exactly what today’s episode is about.
Because it is the same skill that finds a great college essay.
If you have a junior who says they have nothing to write about, this episode is for them. And for you.
Here is where to start this week:
Ask one question. Not “what do you want to write your essay about.” Just this: what is something you care about that most people do not know you care about? Write down whatever they say. Even if it seems small. Even if they roll their eyes. That is your starting point.
Stop looking for the big moment. The strongest personal statements are almost never about the most dramatic thing that happened. They are about the specific, quiet, true thing that only this student would notice. The cowgirl boots. The city versus the woods. The detail that seems ordinary until someone pays close enough attention to see what it actually says about a person.
Start now, not in August. Families who begin brainstorming in April consistently produce better essays than families who wait until summer. Not because of a deadline — because better essays need time to breathe.
The story is already there. You just have to start looking.
Here with you every step,
