Let Go of the Imperfect Essay

Do you ever catch yourself saying these things after reading a student’s essay?

He could have …
If she would only …
I saw such potential …

At Wow, we find ourselves there too, but we quickly recover. Do what we do:

Stop and Ask Yourself: Whose essay is this, anyway?
Reflect: Remember that the final essay reflects the student’s willingness and ability to complete the task; it does not reflect on the counselor who guided them.
Remind yourself: The student made editorial choices. It’s ok if we don’t agree with all of them.

Here’s what Shannon, one of our writing coaches, said during a recent discussion about when to let go of imperfect essays:

“I remind myself that I am accountable to the student, more than I am to the essay. The essay is not a product. My job as a coach is different from being an editor. An editor is accountable to the essay. But as a coach, we’re accountable to the student and their learning process. I ask myself, ‘Is this next draft to support the student or is this next draft to support what I think should be their final essay?’ That question helps me determine when and how to keep moving.”

I share Shannon’s feedback because she has only been with Wow for two years, after many years of experience using different methods as an independent essay coach. Shannon is a beautiful writer and a talented teacher. I hope her advice helps you too.

My parting advice to you: Follow a process. Whether it’s the ten-step Wow Method or something you’ve developed on your own. Trust the process. Trust yourself. And trust your students.

Susan Knoppow is CEO of Wow Writing Workshop. She can be reached at susan@wowwritingworkshop.com