BENJY

college essay coach

University of Southern California, MFA in Writing for Screen and Television
Yale University, BA in Film and Media Studies

Benjy grew up in the foothills of Northern California’s Santa Cruz Mountains, where he spent much of his childhood exploring nature and reading. His parents’ chief household rule — no TV — gave him a lot of time for these activities. But once out of the house, Benjy tasted the forbidden fruit; after graduating with distinction from Yale University, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue writing for television. Since then, he has written on the ABC thriller series BIG SKY, and received a Sundance Episodic Fellowship for one of his original TV pilots.

Benjy’s background in both screenwriting and education — he’s taught personal essay and short story writing courses — informs his dynamic, thoughtful, and patient approach with students. He loves helping them craft compelling, moving narratives by thinking deeply about their own experiences.

Outside of teaching, Benjy enjoys backpacking, street photography, and playing jazz saxophone with friends around LA.

Favorite Book City of Quartz by Mike Davis, an eye-opening urban history of Los Angeles

Hidden Talent Scat singing

Dog Breed Alter Ego German Short-Haired Pointer

Offerings

College Prep

College Essay Support