A note from the ATYP office: Jessie Fales, ATYP alum and grader, will be joining our blog this year, posting about issues from all of her points of view - former student, grader, and current college student. We know that Jessie's input will be invaluable, and hope you look forward to hearing what she has to say as much as we do.

Hello ATYPical Nerds, 

This week was my first week of college, and also my first week grading your papers. It’s quite the amusing juxtaposition—on one hand I am a new student myself, but I am also supposed to share my wisdom with you. I’ve learned that ATYP is a lot like college, but I wrote two papers this week instead of four. Also, I have realized that you and I are struggling with the same things. We are asking the same questions: 

How the heck do I format this paper? What does this prompt even mean? Do my teachers like me? Do my teachers like my writing? Will I fall into this dark pit of doom and despair and be eaten by a pack of wolves? 

Seriously, we are fine. 

I, like you, am struggling to keep up with my reading. I’m feeling a bit sleep deprived. I am scared, but also excited, and I am giving it my all, because that’s what we do. Remember, we are not here to be perfect, but we are here to learn. I believe in each and every one of you. It wasn’t too long ago that I was sitting at your desks, listening to your teachers, and feeling just as unsure of myself as some of you do now. However, that is the beauty of ATYP. We come in with virtually no experience, and we come out as awesome writers. Nothing could have better prepared me for college. Take advantage of the short time you have in this program.

Stay cool, my friends, Fales