Kristen BixbySue is an Essay Specialist with Campus Bound. Learn more about her in this Staff Spotlight.
Sue Edwards
Essay Specialist
BA, Youngstown State University
MS, George Washington University
Sue put her English degree to use in the IT industry for over 20 years. She has written and evaluated everything from requirements documents to contract proposals, addressing audiences of varying levels of technical skills and abilities. In addition, she has tutored students in reading and writing, has volunteered her time teaching grammar, and has helped local high school students with their writing.
In Her Own Words:
My approach:
“The writing process is a wonderful opportunity for students to truly reveal who they are as young adults, to share insight into what motivates them and what guides them. My approach is to verify the student’s intent, understand why that is important, and evaluate whether or not the essay supports their purpose. I especially love working with students who struggle with writing to help them realize good writing is not a mystery, that they have something worthwhile to say, and that they can succeed in writing an essay that reflects who they are and why they are special.”
What I love most about what I do:
“I really enjoy working with children of all ages, especially high school students planning for college. It’s so rewarding to share in this experience with them. The process of selecting colleges, taking the requisite tests, and writing essays is daunting. Helping students with their essays gives me a unique opportunity to get to know them a little. They share their dreams, their ambitions, and sometimes their vulnerabilities. I feel privileged to know these students and be a part of such an exciting time in their lives. There is little more rewarding that helping a student who is uneasy about the essay process produce something they can — and should — be very proud of in the end. “
How I enjoy spending my spare time:
“Spending time with family and friends is truly important to me, and in March I became a grandmother! It has been a joy sharing this experience with all my children and friends. I also love the outdoors. I love gardening, hiking, bike riding, or just walking my dog. I am an avid reader and love music of all kinds. In fact, I started playing the piano again after a nearly 30-year hiatus. I love cooking and baking, though try to give the latter away; I’ve been known to eat entire pies! I recently moved from the coast of Maine back to Virginia where it is somewhat more respectable to be a Steelers fan. I feel at home.”