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

        1. 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

        1. 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

        1. 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

    • 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.

        1. 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.

        2. 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


CREATE


REFLECT

    • Complete personal reflection on personal essay practice