College students seem to struggle with original thought, according to the author.izusek/Getty ImagesI teach writing courses to undergraduates at the University of Michigan.Many of my students seem to struggle with traits of perfectionism and formulating independent ideas.I'm rethinking how I model my life for my daughter to foster her autonomy and sense of self.I've been teaching University of Michigan students how to write for over a decade, starting as a graduate student instructor and now as a middle-aged mom.