ABOUT US
The Essay Ninja Writing Consultation is a Chicago-based organization developed with the goal of debunking the myth writing for college admission is as difficult as it seems to be. We support clients in crafting organic and unique essays to best convey their personalities, values, experiences, and strengths during their college admissions process.
We understand academic merit historically has been helmed as a main factor in gaining admissions into universities/colleges and programs. However, over the last few years essays and writing samples have increasingly become one of the most important components of the college and professional school application process.
We provide our clients with one-on-one and group services that empower them and build their confidence. We insist upon strategy, transparency, accountability, and working collaboratively to achieve client goals and adding the authentic finesse we know they possess to help them standout.
OUR MISSION: To serve, equip, and provide confidence to all clients during their writing journeys.
OUR VISION: Long-term we are working towards creating a sustainable writing system that will transform writing for and within academia while creating an ease of experience for our clients. We teach clients to believe in themselves and use their strengths to serve their visions, as our team does collectively.
OUR GOALS: To create a transformative writing experience that provides clients with a peace of mind as they navigate academic, personal, or professional assignments. We encourage our clients to be confident and heavily involved in their writing process by providing guidance, meeting with them one-on-one, and developing an understanding of how we can support them and fill in the gaps to increase their success in the academy and beyond.
Meet the founder
Tikia S. Travis, MA
Favorite Quote
“When I dare to be powerful—to use my strength in service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” — Audre Lorde
Favorite Books
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin (practically anything Baldwin)
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire
Tikia Travis is the Founder and Lead Essay Coach with The Essay Ninja Writing Consultation. The Essay Ninja was founded when Tikia saw the dire need within her community from students and families that needed support during their college admissions processes. As an alumna from Chicago Public Schools, she understood and saw first-hand the disadvantages that she and many other high school students faced while applying into post-secondary institutions. During her college-years, she worked as mentor with high school students from her alma mater who needed assistance crafting vibrant and refined essays for their college admissions, which continued to ignite her passion for English. She began volunteering with families across the Chicagoland area to assist their students with understanding the college application process and crafting essays that were authentic, yet reflective of their passions and purposes, which eventually led to establishing this service.
Tikia completed her Bachelor’s Degree in English at The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), with a concentration in Media, Rhetorical, and Cultural studies. Tikia took and completed additional concentrations in Professional Writing and Creative Writing becoming MLA, APA, and Chicago Manual Style trained. After undergrad, Tikia worked as a College Recruiter (Admissions Representative) for UIC connecting with first-generation and low-income students, and earned her Master’s Degree in English Education. This experience further catapulted Tikia onto her journey of creating The Essay Ninja to support college access and equity for all students. Tikia’s research includes: Student readiness for post-secondary education, as well as amending the narrow definition of Literacy and its impact on marginalized learners. Her passion to educate, inspire, and uplift students permeates in the work she does with The Essay Ninja Writing Consultation.
In her free time, she enjoys cooking for her family, journaling, traveling, and diving into a new book.
