The Power of Storytelling: Why It Still Matters in Your Academic Paperworks

Interview Notes

In this episode of Essaypro Educational Podcasts, Sopho Miller interviews Xintian Tina Wang, a columnist and communication manager at Columbia University, to explore why storytelling still matters in academic essays, college applications, and job applications. Tina shares insights on how personal stories can help applicants stand out in competitive fields, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and personal reflection. She also provides practical advice on how to balance storytelling with academic rigor, create compelling narratives in job applications, and use personal anecdotes to showcase both technical and soft skills. Tina highlights how vivid imagery and relatable experiences can make even technical essays more accessible and engaging.

‍Key questions discussed in this episode:

• ‍‍How can storytelling help students stand out in their college applications?
• What are the common pitfalls when incorporating storytelling into academic essays?
• How can students balance storytelling with academic rigor?
• What practical tips can students use to integrate personal stories into job applications and cover letters?
• How can storytelling be used effectively in technical or research-based writing?

The episode concludes with tips for students new to using storytelling in their writing, encouraging them to reflect on their experiences and weave those stories into their applications.

Who is Xintian Tina Wang?

Learn more about Tina (Xintian) Wang: