Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What do you want the reader/university to know about you?
- What values (honesty, optimism, work ethic, flexibility, courage, friendliness?) might you reveal with the actions in your life story? FYI: actions are the muscle of this essay.
- What concerns/worries/fear do you have about the world and humanity– social justice, peace, climate change, racism, invention and progress? These can reveal so much about us.
- What about you is not already on your application?
- What events in your life stand out as meaningful lessons? Can you create a list of events — stellar, painful, tragic, hopeful, and even normal and ordinary– that could reveal something about you as a human being?
- What do you see as your place in humanity?
Big questions, right?
Take one question at a time. Don’t dwell on anything, except perhaps the question of your values. Not only should every person be able to point to the core values that rule choices, values play a significant role in personal essays and narratives.
Consider the stories (fiction and non-fiction) you’ve heard or read: each one has an underlying moral to the story. We’re not necessarily talking Aesop’s-Fables-kind- of-moral, but rather a thematic, deeper meaning.
Think back to Romeo and Juliet. I know you’re thinking what does Shakespeare have to do with me? Plenty.
Note how the plot of the story focuses on how the two lovers meet, how deeply they fall in love, and what they do in an effort to come and remain together. We want plot– a somewhat logical progression of events–in our personal essays.
While I love Shakespeare’s language, that’s beside the point. Of course, some might return to the play to reread a well written line — “I defy you, stars!” (V.i) and “Do you bite your thumb at us, sir?” (I.i). No, those aren’t the most quoted lines, but they’re so integral! And strong word choice is critical in your essay. Tip: replace the weak: it, this, was, is, etc.
Some might well return to see the action — who wouldn’t love swordplay, swooning, and sweeping statements of love and hate? There’s conflict on the stage, and we’re captivated by Capulets fighting Montagues. Will there be any conflict in your personal essay?
Mostly, we continually return to Shakespeare because his plays carry meaning for humanity. What’s in this play that is worthwhile? How about love, hate, division, family? Shakespeare gives us so much to consider. What values would each character choose as most important to their lives? What values would you assign as representative of the choices they’ve made?
Returning back to your personal essay, we might see how an event in our lives can reveal what we value most. But I encourage you to dig deep to identify your most sacred values. They are the ones that help you through the tough decisions, the rough patches of life. And they’ll be plenty of those ahead in college. Search for Values on the internet. Reflect on the truths your parents have tried to impart to you.
As for me Honesty is at the top of my list. Gentle honest friends surround me. I value loyalty, but that shows up as honesty more times than not. I value connection and creativity and curiosity– inspire me and ground me. Clear communication remains vital to every valuable relationship. Each value has a story attached to it.
What are your values and what stories come up when you consider what’s important to you?
One Good Mentor is all you need 