Guiding Students to Find Their Voice: Meet David Tran, Gulliver’s New College Writing Coach
For many high school seniors, the college essay is one of the most intimidating parts of the application process. How do you condense your experiences, values, and aspirations into just 650 words? How do you stand out in a sea of applicants while still sounding authentic?
At Gulliver Prep, students don’t have to face those questions alone. This fall, the school welcomed David Tran as its new College Writing Coach — a seasoned educator with more than two decades of experience in writing instruction, curriculum design, and student mentorship. His arrival signals not only a renewed emphasis on writing at Gulliver but also the school’s continued investment in faculty who elevate learning to the next level.
Tran’s career spans classrooms at the high school, academy, and university levels. He has taught English composition, American literature, and creative writing at institutions including IMG Academy, Country Day School, and the University of Mississippi. Along the way, he has specialized in supporting diverse learners — from international students and student-athletes to those with exceptional student education (ESE) needs.
What excites Tran most about his role at Gulliver is guiding students through one of the most personal writing challenges they’ll ever face: the college essay. “Students are just unsure of themselves,” he explained. “They ask, What should I write? What do colleges want to hear? But the truth is, it’s not about your entire life story. It’s just a little sliver of your life. The most powerful essays begin with what you love and how you talk about it.”
Honesty Over Perfection
Tran pushes back against the pressure students often feel to sound “perfect” in their essays. “It used to be that writing had to be perfect to be considered good. But now, it’s the imperfections, the awkward phrasing, the attempts to connect — those are the things that make writing powerful. That’s what makes it human.”
He encourages students to lower their guard, embrace honesty, and focus on authentic expression rather than trying to impress admissions officers with complicated vocabulary or polished clichés. As he puts it: “I’d rather you use simple language to explain complicated ideas than complicated language to explain something simple.”
In addition to his expertise in writing instruction, Tran has also been at the forefront of integrating AI tools responsibly into the classroom. He has led faculty workshops on AI-assisted research and rubric design, helping teachers understand both the potential and the limits of these tools.
“AI is very inauthentic. It’s a robot trying to pretend,” Tran noted. “But if we treat it as a tool, like Grammarly or predictive text, it can help us. The key is teaching students how to use it responsibly.”
For Gulliver, this balanced approach to AI reflects the school’s broader vision: embracing innovation while teaching students ethical and fair use. As Tran emphasized, schools must adopt a growth mindset. “If we’re threatened by it, everybody’s going to push away. But if we talk about it as a tool, then students can learn to think critically about how they use it.”
The Value of Exceptional Faculty
Attracting educators like David Tran is a crucial part of Gulliver’s mission to deliver Next-Level Teaching & Learning. His blend of classroom expertise, creative writing background, and ability to mentor students through vulnerable moments adds tremendous value to the Gulliver community.
In just his first months on campus, students have already expressed gratitude for his guidance. “I’ve had a lot of students tell me how grateful they are. Some even get emotional in our conversations,” Tran shared. “It makes me feel like I’m in the right place. I moved my family here because I believe in this role, and I feel like I was meant to be here.”
Ultimately, Tran sees the college essay as more than an admissions requirement. It’s an opportunity for students to reflect, to discover what matters most to them, and to learn the power of telling their own story. “When students tap into their passions and learn to express them with confidence, they’re not just writing essays — they’re shaping their success in college and beyond.”
For Gulliver Prep, faculty like David Tran embody the school’s commitment to preparing future-ready leaders. By investing in teachers who bring both expertise and empathy, Gulliver ensures that students don’t just complete assignments; they build skills, confidence, and self-knowledge that will carry them forward long after graduation.
Support Our Faculty:
David Tran, Gulliver’s College Writing Coach, helps students uncover their passions and express them with confidence in their college essays. By supporting The Gulliver Fund, you make it possible for educators like David to continue inspiring students and shaping their path to success. Click here to support our faculty.
