You can write in English even if you think in another language.

Guess what? Multilingual English speakers are some of the primary people I had in mind when designing this conversation-based, confidence-building approach to writing.

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We are called Written English Collaboration for a reason.

Writing in English is challenging for almost everyone, but it can feel especially daunting if you grew up primarily thinking in another language. For writers newer to English I aim to be especially mindful of ensuring your ideas are expressed without fear of incorrect grammar and spelling.

I can also empathize. I, a native English-speaker who studied French, recently moved to a Spanish-speaking country with absolutely no language skills. Nada. (Literally, that was the only Spanish word I knew.) I’ve had to communicate like a toddler for months. It is so humbling. But as I got out of a taxi the other day, I realized we had just talked for over half an hour entirely in Spanish.

 

What I’m trying to say is I know what it is to think in one language while working hard to communicate in another language (not to mention the rage when Google Translate freezes when you need a super important word).

But your voice deserves to be heard (or, in this case, read) by your English-speaking reader. Really. Whether you are a student, professional, business owner, or creator: the world needs to hear your voice, and English is an incredible tool for connecting with the world. I might believe it before you believe it, but I promise we’ll get you feeling better about writing in English as we develop your confidence and voice as a writer.

Lastly, while at its core my support for non-native English speakers is no different than any other work, I do promise to pay special attention to explaining any grammar/vocabulary/spelling suggestions I make.

In case you were wondering…

  • For over ten years I worked at a top-ranked U.S. college and for the majority of that time, I had a role guiding applicants applying for competitive national fellowships. I worked with students from diverse backgrounds, including many first-generation Americans who had learned to operate in English. I observed, however, that many hadn’t necessarily made friends with writing in English.

    Over time I learned how to build confidence within these students and craft memorable essays that fostered an authentic version of their voice in English. We also worked to balance facts, persuasion, and elements of storytelling because, at least in the American context, there is considerable power in incorporating personal stories.

    Sometimes a session would be deep in the weeds of word choice, other times we would discuss the feeling (often anxiety or trepidation) triggered by staring at a blank page demanding to be filled with writing in English. But mostly we did what I did with every other student: generated ideas, formed a structure, grew sentences from snippets, and celebrated when we finally hit the submit button.

    Many of my multilingual applicants were awarded what they applied for. Over the course of the writing process, these students came to realize what I could see (and what they convinced the scholarship board to recognize): folks with multilingual backgrounds often have a lot to bring to the table if they can find the words to apply.

  • I work best with people who have an advanced understanding of English but need to grow their confidence in expressing themselves with an authentic voice in English. My services are not teaching English, but helping you use what you have.

  • I can work on the same range of writing projects—personal, professional, creative, applications/admissions—as any other client.

    In most ways, my support for non-native English speakers is the same as any other client; however, I will pay special attention to explaining any grammar/vocabulary/spelling suggestions I make.

  • English. Everything I do with you will be in English, both verbally and in writing. But I can modulate my use of English to accommodate your needs, for example not speaking too fast, enunciating my words, and reducing idiomatic phrasing.

  • Absolutely yes. Whether you are applying to an institution based in the U.S. or another English-speaking country, I can help you conceive of, write, and refine personal admissions essays. Remember, however, that my support is for your writing process and you will need to draw on the expertise of others to identify institutions to which to apply.

    For more check out my for students page

  • I’m here to support folks producing their own writing and am not available to produce content, though these services can be found elsewhere (and I can try to connect you to people through my professional network).