My daughter Nina had a strong draft of her Common App essay to share, but the big picture view, smart questions, and thoughtful attention to specific details, which Emma brought to help Nina artfully shape her 600-word story not only tightened it but made it ‘sing’. Emma helped Nina find the ‘arc’ of her essay, the pivotal transitional moment, and to look carefully at which sentences to elaborate on, or which ones could be omitted – reminding her of the old writers’ adage ‘show don’t tell’. Most importantly, Emma guided Nina to make sure her essay would articulate to admissions officers who Nina is, and offer a sense of her character, so that they would remember her. Emma’s insights as an author, editor, poet, playwright, teacher, director – coupled with her warmth, humor, and positivity - all combine to make a traditionally grueling, stress-filled process, become a surprisingly joyful, illuminating, creative one.