Personal Essay
Module outline
Essential questions
What is a personal essay?
What are the key components of a personal essay?
When might I need a personal essay or need to talk about myself in a confident and cohesive manner?
What types of scholarships and financial aid are available for education after high school?
Learning objectives
Free Write: Brainstorm ideas from your past that have formed who you are today (present) and where you are headed (future).
Writing Prompt: Using a writing prompt from the provided list (Career, Military, School, or Gap year) OR find your own - create a narrative essay to address the prompt (rubric).
Understand the reality of having to share a personal story to connect with others.
What resources are available to help pay for an educational program after high school (FAFSA, grants, loans, scholarships, work study, etc.)
Activities
INTRODUCE - daily class connections
Class Connection 1 (via Google Meet 1/25 @ 12:45PM)
Play: Best, Worst, First (in person OR remote via Google Meet)
Not sure how to play “Best, Worst, First” watch Dan Levy & Jimmy Fallon play a round.
Opps! I missed the class connection - email Natalie Moore (nataliem@bvschools.org)for your Best, Worst, First questions to answer via email
Class Connection 2 (via Google Meet 1/26 @ 12:45PM)
Freewrite: Prompt
An impactful story needs at least a beginning, a middle, and an end. What is a story in your life that you can share with others you meet that shares more about who you are as a person?
What is a Freewrite? (see handout)
As a group we will set a timer and free write using only paper and pen/pencil
Oops! I missed the class connection - complete the free write worksheet with today's provided prompt. Freewrite Worksheet
Class Connection 3 (via Google Meet 1/27 @ 12:45PM)
Freewrite: Prompt
What if your story is too dark and depressing and you feel like you are ruining somebody's day?
What is a Freewrite? (see handout)
As a group we will set a timer and free write using only paper and pen/pencil
Oops! I missed the class connection - complete the free write worksheet with today's provided prompt. Freewrite Worksheet
Class Connection 4 (via Google Meet 1/28 @ 12:45PM)
Freewrite: Prompt
What makes an impactful personal story? What makes YOUR story impactful?
What is Freewrite? (see handout)
As a group we will set a timer and free write using only paper and pen/pencil
Oops! I missed the class connection - complete the free write worksheet with today's provided prompt. Freewrite Worksheet
EXPOSE
Watch TEDx The Power of Telling Your Story by Dominic Colenso
Complete note catcher
Review Personal Essay Prompt selection - which will you choose?
Email Natalie or Robiny and inform them of the prompt you would like to use in this module. If creating your own, it must be approved in advance.
Asking for a letter of recommendation
Visit The MUSE and read the article on how to ask for an Awesome letter of recommendation (and actually get one)
Use the email template (from The Muse article above) and ask for one letter of recommendation from a supervisor/employer or a staff member who has supported you.
Note: This module is only requiring ONE letter of recommendation, please be aware that many scholarship applications will require up to three letters for applications.
Do not ask family members.
Financial Aid 101: Basics on Financial Aid
Slide presentation and discussion
Oops! You missed the presentation and class discussion? Please complete the Financial Aid 101: Basics on Financial Aid worksheet (using websites and resources to complete the worksheet)
PRACTICE
Watch Coca Cola Brotherly Love commercial
Complete Story Arc worksheet for the commercial
Read one essay from Johns Hopkins University (Select ONE from the SIX essays provided)
Complete Story Arc worksheet for your chosen essay
CREATE
Assess with rubric
REFLECT
Complete personal reflection on personal essay practice