Kristen BixbyHelene Lerner is an Essay Specialist with Campus Bound. Learn more about her in this Staff Spotlight.
BA, George Washington University
MAT, University of Massachusetts
In addition to her duties as a high school department head of World Languages, Helene spent her career teaching Classical Studies and a junior English course in which she designed and implemented a successful unit on writing the college essay. Helene has given numerous presentations all over the country on the Classical Humanities, co-authored a textbook on the Roman poet Horace and has taken countless students and adults to Italy and Greece. Helene has also conducted several Campus Bound workshops for students on how to brainstorm and produce college application essays.
In Her Own Words:
What I love most about the college process and helping students write their essays:
“Every student has a story to tell, and I particularly aim to help students find their voice, to unlock the door to present their authentic and fascinating selves. Their task initially is to draw a picture of themselves on what starts as an empty canvas with the goal of enlightening their readers with a view into who they are and what they believe. My job is to coax that picture out of them in words, to aid them in choosing their topic, organizing their thoughts, and then producing a clear and dynamic representation of their personas. My approach is to be their cheerleader, while providing candid and constructive critiques of each draft. As a classroom teacher for over 30 years, I LOVED working with high school students, and now that I am somewhat retired, Campus Bound gives me a chance to aid kids in working their magic for admissions readers.”
What I do in my spare time:
“I am an avid reader and belong to two book groups. I love all things Italian and belong to an Italian Cultural Society where I attend lectures and galas celebrating Italian lore. Travel is in my blood, so we have spent a good deal of time abroad. My husband and I bicycle, occasionally ride on his motorcycles, go to Red Sox games (pre-season in Ft. Myers and at Fenway), and I play Mah Jongg and Sudoku whenever I have free time. Our rescue Pomeranian, Mitzi (a.k.a. Mitzvah) has won our hearts and our attention 24/7, especially now that our two sons and daughter-in-law are busy and thriving. And then there’s Campus Bound for work with high school students and many organizations where I give lectures on the Classical World. “