Discover Who You Are and Share Your Story with the World
Discover Your True Self and Master the Art of Expressive Essay Writing
Helping high school teens articulate their identity and interests is a challenging journey for many parents. They often feel uncertain and overwhelmed by the rapidly changing world, which can create a disconnect from their teen's evolving identity.
The pressure for teens to succeed adds another layer of stress, as parents strive to guide them in finding their passion without imposing their own expectations. The multitude of extracurricular options and career paths can be daunting, making it difficult to support their teen’s decision-making.
Emotional challenges also play a role, as parents work to nurture confidence while allowing their teen the space to explore and express themselves.
These combined factors often leave parents feeling isolated and in need of more guidance during this critical phase of their teen’s development.
It shouldn't be this way...
Hi, I'm Tasneem
As a parent myself, I understand the desire to support our teens in discovering their identity and interests. It’s not easy, as I am navigating this path with my own teen. I know many of you share this feeling to empower your children to express who they truly are.
I'm thrilled to be your partner in this process, bringing over a decade of experience in coaching and education to help teens articulate their unique voices.
Having worked with teens and families extensively, and with insights from my time as an application reader at a prominent Canadian university and a high school teacher, I understand the nuances of guiding young minds through self-discovery and expression.
Let’s embark on this journey together, transforming the way your teen approaches their self-discovery and expression—one that fosters confidence, clarity, and personal growth. Together, we'll help unlock their potential for a fulfilling future.
Is this you?
Feeling Stressed?
Unsure About Your Teen’s Path?
Concerned Your Teen Won't Shine?
Don’t Know Where to Start?
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Wouldn't It Be GREAT If You Could Finally
01
Empower Your Teen’s Self-Expression
Empower your teen to express themselves authentically with tools and techniques to enhance their self-expression. They’ll communicate their unique ideas effectively, benefiting both academically and personally.
02
Boost Your Teen’s Confidence
Boost your teen's confidence to shine in all aspects of life. Our program equips them with vital skills and strategies to overcome self-doubt and thrive, fostering a strong foundation for a confident and successful future.
03
Ace Applications and Interviews
Equip your teen to excel in college, scholarship, volunteer, and job applications and interviews with confidence. Our program delivers key techniques and insights to stand out and succeed, setting the stage for impressive achievements and opportunities.
Here's what happened
“While writing my college application essays, I learned that I am interested in the intersectionality between different academic disciplines that I want to explore in college.”
Meet Sinan, a Grade 12 student from Washington, DC, who felt the mounting pressure of pursuing STEM-related studies simply because he excelled in sciences and mathematics. However, deep down, Sinan wasn't ready to commit to a particular field, uncertain about his passion for these subjects.
Through our coaching program, Sinan discovered a newfound excitement about his diverse interests, from economics to psychology. This revelation opened his eyes to the fascinating intersections between his varied passions.
Empowered with clarity and confidence, Sinan wrote college application essays that showcased his love of music to bring people together, his own personal experience caring for a loved one with special needs, and exploring various subjects in school. He ended up applying to Liberal Arts Programs and is now thriving at Pomona College in California, where he's exploring a multitude of disciplines with enthusiasm and curiosity.
Imagine a world where
Your teen stands confidently and expresses themselves with authenticity. They articulate their identity and passions with ease, turning their unique voice into a source of strength. In this world, your teen navigates the complexities of school, social pressures, and future aspirations with clarity and self-assuredness.
They're not just equipped to excel academically but also to forge meaningful connections, express their true selves, and tackle opportunities and challenges head-on.
Imagine watching them build resilience and self-esteem, knowing they have the tools to thrive personally and professionally. As a parent, you're proud to see them embrace their individuality and prepare for a future where they can turn dreams into reality.
Introducing
Teen Self-Discovery Academy
A transformative 3 or 6-month program that empowers Gr. 8-11 teens to discover their unique identities and articulate their stories with clarity. Teens will develop self-exploration skills that prepare them to excel, stand out, and succeed in future endeavors.
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01
Unveil Your Unique Story
Discover the power of personal experiences and learn how to weave them into compelling narratives. This program empowers teens to identify and articulate the themes that make their story distinct, helping them stand out in life.
02
Master Essay Writing
Gain the skills to craft compelling essays that showcase your teen’s unique perspective and strengths. Through guided practice and expert feedback, learn to structure thoughts clearly, articulate ideas effectively, and make a memorable impact with every piece your teen write.
03
Express With Confidence
Build the self-assurance to share your thoughts and ideas with clarity and poise. Through interactive exercises and supportive guidance, develop the confidence to communicate effectively in both writing and speaking, empowering you to leave a lasting impression.
04
Reflect and Refine
Cultivate the ability to thoughtfully evaluate your work and identify areas for improvement. With reflective practices and insightful feedback, learn to refine your essays, enhancing their depth and coherence while staying true to your unique voice.
Founder & CEO Tasneem Damji Coaching
Tasneem has spent 10+ years helping high school teens craft successful college applications, witnessing their struggles to articulate personal stories and interests. She highlights the crucial role of self-reflection before grade 12, as it empowers teens to express their identities confidently, simplifying future decisions and shaping their paths with clarity.
And...
High School Teacher at an International School: Worked with diverse students, fostering their growth and self-expression.
Reader at The University of British Columbia: Reviewed applications to select promising candidates.
Knowledgeable in Canadian and American college applications: Expert guidance on diverse college systems and processes.
Guest speaker on radio and podcasts: Shares insights and advice to a broad audience.
Parent of a high school teen: Offers a genuine, relatable perspective from personal experience.
What exactly will I get?
Glad you asked!
Here’s what the program includes
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12 Coaching Sessions
With our Teen Self-Discovery Academy, students receive personalized guidance to explore and enhance their unique identities. Here’s what this transformative program includes:
One-on-One Sessions: Individual coaching sessions focused on personal growth and self-discovery, ensuring teens’ unique perspectives and aspirations are prioritized.
Identity Exploration: Understanding personal values, strengths, and interests, helping teens craft a personal story that resonates.
Storytelling Development: Constructive feedback on personal narratives, guiding teens to express their stories clearly and compellingly.
Continuous Support and Motivation: Throughout the journey, teens are encouraged and supported, helping them build confidence and resilience in expressing their true selves.
Parental Support
Joining the Teen Self-Discovery Academy offers parents valuable resources and support to aid their teen’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth:
Guidance Sessions: Engage in interactive sessions designed to help you understand and support your teen’s exploration of their identity, unique talents, and interests.
Monthly Email Updates: Receive personalized monthly emails detailing your teen’s progress in self-discovery. These updates include insights into their evolving strengths, areas for further exploration, and practical steps to support their personal journey.
Resource Toolkit
When you join the Teen Self-Discovery Academy, you'll gain access to a comprehensive toolkit designed to support both teens and parents throughout their journey of personal exploration
Online Tools: Access digital resources and activities that facilitate self-discovery and personal growth, helping teens track their progress and insights as they develop a deeper understanding of themselves.
Personal Narrative Examples: Explore inspiring examples of personal stories to learn how to effectively articulate individual experiences and strengths.
Guided Reflection Exercises: Engage in structured reflection activities designed to encourage introspection and highlight personal values, strengths, and aspirations.
3 Essays
Our Teen Self-Discovery Academy offers dedicated support to help your teen develop compelling personal narratives that showcase their unique identity and voice. Each element of our support is designed to enhance their expression and build confidence in sharing their story.
Personalized Story Guidance: Engage in one-on-one sessions to explore and develop narratives that truly represent your teen's experiences and individuality.
Narrative Reviews and Feedback: Receive detailed feedback to refine the narrative structure, clarity, and impact, ensuring each story resonates authentically.
Editing and Polishing Services: Professional editing to enhance coherence, style, and presentation, ensuring the narrative is polished and impactful.
Inspiration and Examples: Access a collection of personal story examples to inspire creativity and offer new perspectives on storytelling techniques.
Wait there's more
Time Management Toolkit
Equip your teen with essential time management tools and techniques, including planners and stress-reduction strategies, to balance application tasks and senior-year commitments efficiently.
Confidence-Boosting Communication Guide
This guide offers strategies, including active listening and body language tips, to help students confidently express themselves across various settings.
The Student Story Playbook
A guide to help students identify and share stories from their lives to use in college application and interviews.
Positive Mindset Masterclass
This online masterclass provides mindset techniques for resilience and optimism, teaching goal setting, overcoming setbacks, and maintaining positivity to instill a can-do attitude for future academic and professional success.
Everything You'll Get
12 Coaching Sessions
Parental Support
Resource Toolkit
3 Essays
Time Management Toolkit
Confidence-Boosting Communication Guide
The Student Story Playbook
Positive Mindset Masterclass
Total Value = $3,000 Cdn.
(pay in full or 3 equal monthly installments of $1,000 for 3-month program or pay in full or 6 equal monthly installments of $500 for 6-month program)
What Previous Clients Said
Transformational!
I am forever grateful to Tasneem for her expertise, insight, and support. Because of Tasneem’s coaching, I want to be part of the change I want to see in the world - as a high school teacher, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and a person of color.
NATALIE L., Gr. 11 student
Big RELIEF...
Having Tasneem support my daughter has been a big RELIEF for me. What I found most valuable is that my daughter learned so much about herself and gained self-confidence in the process. After working with Tasneem, my daughter has gained a sense of who she is and I am so grateful for this.
SAMIHA REHMTULLA, Gr. 12 parent
FAQs
What is coaching?
Coaching is a great way to share your dreams, no matter how scary they may feel, without any judgment, but unconditional support and encouragement. Coaching allows you to bounce ideas off of someone who can help you achieve the goals you’ve set out for yourself and help you see things from a different perspective in order to explore possibilities. Coaching allows you to get to your destination quicker (than if you did it on your own) and with clarity.
What does a coaching session with Tasneem look like?
We will connect for an hour to talk about you. I will ask you some questions that get you to think deeper about your goals and create your future the way you want it to look like. I will share stories from my own experience and those of people I have coached over the years to inspire you. I will make connections with what you have said and how you feel — that you will not notice on your own. I will always support you in moving forward — I will show up 100%.