20 Yr Writing Professor w/PhD; Storyteller on NPR, PBS, BBC

Nimisha L.

I have 20 years of experience as a college writing professor at Swarthmore, Bryn Mawr, and Haverford Colleges. I am also an award-winning playwright and storyteller, with stories featured on NPR, PBS, BBC Radio 4, The Moth Radio Hour, and other programs.

I help students craft standout college essays and personal statements that connect with readers and leave a lasting impression. Drawing on my teaching experience, professional storytelling, and public speaking expertise, I guide students in uncovering the most compelling stories from their lives.

In addition, I have 9 years of experience teaching public speaking at the college level and am an official TEDx Organizer and Lead Speaking Coach. This background enables me to prepare students for interviews and other public speaking opportunities. Students leave my sessions with increased confidence—ready to answer common questions and equipped to tackle unexpected ones.

My students have earned admission to Cornell, Stanford, Penn, the University of Chicago, Yale, Boston University, George Washington University, the University of Pittsburgh, and others. They are recipients of the Fulbright Fellowship, the Watson Fellowship, and others. They have also gained admission to law and medical schools as well as competitive internships.

I hold a PhD in English from the University of California, Irvine, where I received the President’s Dissertation Fellowship. I earned my undergraduate degree in English from UCLA, graduating with department, college, and university honors.