Tutor Spotlight: Mamie Stevenson Morago
Meet Mamie.
Meet Mamie. With a decade of experience, Mamie guides students in crafting impactful admissions essays. Having graduated with a degree in literature, she brings a love of language and narrative expertise to the coaching process. Drawing from her professional background in copywriting, manuscript editing, and journalism, her goal is to help students identify unique perspectives and hone their story.
What's one thing you love about tutoring?
Something I love about tutoring students–and guiding them through the college essay process, in particular–is that they are learning lifelong skills for thinking and writing about their experiences. This is new territory for most applicants, and it’s harder than it looks! Writing skills are essential (though unfortunately undervalued in our society), and it can shift a student’s entire self-understanding to master a personal narrative with thoughtfulness and vulnerability.
How do you keep students engaged During tutoring sessions?
I find that students are more likely to stay engaged when invested in and encouraged by the experiences they’re writing about. It’s beneficial for students to focus on the emotional stakes of their story while also exploring the strengths and skills they developed along the way. When students can connect the dots between what happened and how it nurtured their growth, they feel much more confident and excited about the writing process.
What's one study tip every student should know?
Substance over style! Don’t get so caught up in the details of what happened that you spend most of the essay in description, dialogue, or exposition mode. Abide by your outline so you know how to get where you need to go in 650 words or less.
What was your favorite class in high school and why?
I loved any class taught by Mrs. Barbara Bess, the teacher who inspired me to become an English major/nerd. Her Literature Into Film class–and subsequent dissection of Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence–completely transformed the way I read books and watch movies. I am ever ruined by a search for symbolism!
share an example of a student you were proud of for reaching their goals.
As long as students demonstrate genuine effort, I am proud of them. I appreciate when writers are open to the editing process and willing to “kill their darlings” if it means a more dynamic, impactful personal statement. I have watched so many students absolutely transform their essays from rough, unfocused, ineffective drafts into impressive, thought-provoking final submissions.
What do you admire about your students?
I admire how students are taking on the ever mounting challenges of today’s world and trying to imagine a better, brighter future. A lot of the essays I come across reflect a deep and enduring curiosity alongside a desire to combat such issues as racism, climate change, and wealth disparities (just to name a few). Our planet needs the creative, motivated minds of these students, and I am inspired by them.
