The only journal of its kind, the High School Reflection Journal helps high school students generate insightful, contemplative writing about themselves.

After working with students for over a decade, I find one of the most difficult parts of college applications is students suddenly being confronted to write about themselves. No matter how good of a student they might be, this type of writing is different. It is reflective, creative, and personal. Few students immediately pick up the writing sections with ease. Most tiptoe their way through early writing and can be filled with doubt and uncertainty–of the content or the writing quality. By November or December, when it’s almost done, is when most of my student finally say, “I’m getting the hang of this!”

But what if we can help them feel this way from the start? The good news, is the solution is simple!

I designed this journal to be an easy way for students to start reflecting about important parts of themselves. From hobbies and relationships to obstacles or realizations, each prompt is open-ended and generative. Students have space to respond without the pressure of looming college applications. They are starting the process by getting to know themselves more deeply. And I find the students who take time to do this before they start applying find the entire process to be more streamlined because they know themselves and exactly what they hope to share.

The open, generative spirit of this journal is informed by my years at teaching undergraduate writing courses and receiving my MFA Creative Writing. The topics and intention stems from my decade of experience working with students and helping them get into their dream universities.