March 2026 "The Wizard’s Grimoire for Students" By Daniela Gutierrez, Wyatt Armitage, Estefanie Gordillo

In a land far away from common society, a great wizard spent his days in a dark tower. He was never to be seen, yet only a few knew of his great skills. He specialized in the hidden magical arts of spellcasting, potions, runes, and dueling, among others. He had amassed a great deal of knowledge, which brought him a particular magical foresight, yet he claimed the secret to his success was not a rarity, but was within anyone’s reach who dared venture into learning. This sparked curiosity in others. “Could it be true that anyone could learn to be as great a wizard? What is his secret?” Such questions were of high interest to the public, and as such, three brave souls ventured to meet the wizard and were fortunate to be taught directly by the wizard himself. As they underwent this grueling journey, there were many times they wanted to give up, kick their wands to the ground, and head back into society, never to see another spell book again. “Nonsense,” they claimed, “Magic isn’t for everyone!” Despite this, the wizard remained calm with his pupils, understanding that he, too, once felt the same. Often, one is taught how to follow a simple formula, but learning in itself is a different magic altogether to a master. Having exhausted his pupils, the wizard spoke to them, “You think you are here to become a master of the art of wizardry, but truly, you are here to master the art of learning in itself.” Suddenly, something clicked for these three souls: their approach towards the magical arts shifted, and their true learning began. Years passed since then, and having acquired great skills and knowledge, these new wizards returned to the outside world to publish the lessons they learnt from the wizard, believing them to be applicable towards the mastery of more than just magic. They titled it, The Wizard’s Grimoire for Students. This version is the current tenth edition, and this issue of the Paper Jam will provide a brief summary of these contents.

Chapter 1. Know Thyself

Knowing thyself is the most important thing to understand when one is helping new wizards master the magical arts. Understanding what learning style a wizard possesses is beneficial in tutoring as each individual possesses their own individual specialty in magic. There are many elemental types of magic and specialties, but the grand wizard recognizes that embracing one’s natural gifts and inclinations leads to one’s success. Instead of trying to fit into one particular magic type, each wizard learns best when they focus on their strengths. There are four main categories for each wizard type: illusionist (visual learner), spell singer (auditory learner), scholarly wizard (reading and writing learner), and battle mage (kinesthetic learner).

Chapter 2. Growth Mindset

We do not stand as grand sorcerers. Once upon a time, many believed that tutors must possess the ‘all-knowing sage energy’ until one time a student asked a question so powerful that it nearly banished you to the ‘shadow realm’. This created the ‘Ancient Rule of Tutoring,’ when a tutor does not know the answer, consult the sacred scroll! (asking another tutor; Purdue Owl; quick Google search). This Scroll Revealed that TUTORS DO NOT KNOW EVERYTHING! In a world full of everyday knowledge, grand wizards do not know everything! Yet, if students can see that we are also in our own learning process, this will normalize struggle and build trust between wizard and pupil. Alternatives: create a better, more adequate potion next time, if the session goes wrong:

• Pat yourself on the back when you encounter a question you are unfamiliar with for you gain +10 Knowledge XP

• Instead of telling yourself, “I cannot cast this,” think again and say, “I will learn the incantation, and this will help me teach my students.”

Chapter 3: Reducing Academic Stress

Having mastered one’s magical powers does not mean ceasing to be a student; mastering comes with certain expectations that hold one to a higher standard of success. Both older wizards and those new to their robes and pointed hats face the busy life of a magician. With this mystical lifestyle comes stress and anxiety. Understanding and having ways to destress and relax is especially important not only to help oneself but to also help students who are overwhelmed with magical encantations and studying. Students will be more likely to seek your guidance if they feel comfortable because you understand their worries. Coming into a space where a wizard is stressed and anxious will more often than not make the student start to feel the same way. We as wizards can destress so we not only look out for ourselves and help each other, but it will also be beneficial to the students because we can't help others without helping ourselves first.

Chapter 4: Building Academic Confidence

Building academic confidence is another important skill to obtain. In the wizard world, this means we bear the same robes. I understand you and get you. Understanding what needs to be accomplished for the class and the assignment, and what the students want to complete and take away from this session, is key. Becoming familiar with a professor’s course, whether it is learning about sacred geometry (math), potion-making (chemistry), spells (language), etc., will help you as a wizard to tutor others. New wizards are still adjusting.

Chapter 5: Motivation for New Wizards

For new students, venturing into the countless teachings of sorcery and its secrets can be confusing and daunting. Those who have walked these treacherous paths can guide students towards these subjects, encouraging them to grow in curiosity, step by step. Unlocking the secrets within these ancient scrolls alongside a ripened tutor serves as a guiding light for students. Tutors help motivate students to reap the rewards this journey brings, such as knowledge and connections with other wizards alike.

Chapter 6: Be as Curious as a Cat

Many of us have heard the saying, “Curiosity killed the cat.” Needless curiosity can be dangerous, but on the contrary, I would rather encourage fellow wizards to have an unrelentless curiosity...within reason. Embracing and encouraging curiosity is crucial when it concerns learning the complex subjects of magic. Some students may only be interested in learning about their specific speciality and may not see the value in others. As a more ripened tutor or wizard, one can ignite the spark of curiosity in a student.

Here are a few things you can try to spark their curiosity:

• Use a personal story of yours to connect to the student. You can share how you overcame a challenge in a subject you felt defeated in initially.

• Connect the subject to real-world scenarios and applications.

• Create connections to subjects they find interesting.

Chapter 7: Creating Better Study Habits

When students first commence wizard school, they forget to check and reply to the ancient scrolls, or Outlook email, among other things. They need to learn how to balance their wizard responsibilities while still taking care of regular chores and taking care of their mental and physical health. Tutors are a vital resource not only when it comes to gaining mastery over one’s academics, but they are also highly aware of the inner struggles new wizards face. Seasoned tutors can be a valuable resource to seek how to balance life in all spectrums. Tutors can also bond and empathize with students over struggles, which can be invaluable for many new wizards.

Chapter 8: Calming the Voice Within: Imposter’s Syndrome

Oftentimes, wizards who come from distant lands to learn the art of magic doubt that they are capable of performing these spells. They experience imposter syndrome, asking themselves if they truly deserve to wear a robe and to possess a magic wand. They may compare their academic journey to others’ achievements, questioning their skills. This syndrome is common among all wizards, and tutors serve to help students overcome this and to not give up. Through experience, tutors can help calm these doubts.

Conclusion of this ancient wisdom

A wizard is not defined by how long their robe is, by how pointy their hat is, nor by how many magical spells they can perfect; a wizard is defined by their willingness to learn, their curiosity, their dedication to their craft as is present in their habits, and most importantly, in how they seek to guide others towards learning and mastery as well. As wizards, as tutors, as students, we are constantly guiding and growing alongside our students in this journey. We do not simply teach how to perfect a formula nor how to write the best grimoire, but how to learn.