The College Essay

It's that time of year, when the air is a little crisper, sweaters a little warmer and English teachers are scaring little children {seniors} about college---well, that may be slightly exaggerated.

October does not just bring out our love of Pumpkin Spiced Latte's at Starbucks, and the nostalgia of It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, but it's also the time when we start to reflect on how our experiences have shaped our life. Hence, the magic of the college essay. So many students think that world changing events are the moments that change the way you look at life, but it's not always that way.  The small often forgotten moments can be the tiny detail that changes us forever. For example, say you paid for the coffee {or insert something equally happy} for the person behind you--what if that tiny moment changed the way you viewed your fellow human? When you start thinking about what area of study you'd like to pursue it wouldn't be shocking if you told me it was sociology--you've been studying humanity with simple acts of kindness that might otherwise be tossed away as an insignificant memory or two.

In class today we will use the power of words to help define who you are as a person. It seems strange that words could hold such power, but they do. Think of the way you describe yourself to others when they have not met you in person--you are setting up their expectations of who you are. The same is true when we 'self-talk'--don't laugh you've done this before. You look in the mirror and you either motivate yourself the for the challenges of the day or you tell yourself that it is impossible to achieve any success. {P.S. either way you're right}  If you were absent open: ERWC word activities  start here--think about the words on the list for 1-10 and then come up with your own words for 11-20. When you're done rank the words from most to least important and then answer the questions. Read the UC Prompts and set the timer for 20 minutes and just write. Don't over think it--just write. We'll deal with the technical stuff after you have something on the page.  The first rough draft is due

When you're done read Shitty First Drafts. I know, I know there's a curse word in the title, but it's pretty apropos. First drafts can be difficult and many kids get discouraged because it's not 'perfect'--well, I have some news for you---IT WON'T BE PERFECT THE FIRST TIME (sorry for shouting, but you know it had to be said). 

Just breathe---it will all be okay sometime after January.