My student is receiving tuition outside school. I embrace this with open arms because why would I begrudge someone else who is responsible for improving my student’s quality of work? She showed me her essay that she had written for her tuition teacher.

Her tutor gave her a nine-page report replete with descriptive phrases and elaborate vocabulary. No joke. I took one look at her essay and wrote my feedback on two Post-it notes:

She hadn’t exactly addressed the theme an irresponsible act in her original work, so I gave her the most crucial feedback that would help her elevate her writing (and marks). Sometimes, amidst the pressure of showing off bombastic vocabulary, it is good to take a step back, zoom out and think about the most important overhaul an essay makes. Sensei was happy to pivot his student in the right direction. I’m a seasoned bonsai horticulturalist!