For many students this is a terrifying thought. Staring at the white, empty space of a computer screen and thinking . . . What in the world will I write about? Writing the Personal Statement is a terrifying thought if you are not prepared to write it. Like many things in life, writing this essay takes time and the proper training.
Throughout my years as a writing teacher, I have found that grammar, style, and organization of ideas are important. However, finding what to write about is even more crucial. One of my colleagues asked me once: “How do you coach your students as to finding out what to write about?” I had never stopped to think about that. I guess the flow of ideas is something that comes naturally to me. When I start getting to know my students, I see in them a huge mapping diagram. Their essence is in the middle and all of the branching circles represent a part of them. Some of those parts are stronger representations of who they are and that will be their driving force. As I sit there and watch them connect parts of themselves through workshops, I feel like Winston Churchill in the movie I recently saw, Darkest Hour. My mind starts helping them ease through the connections and thoughts pour into my mind so quickly that I do not even have time to write them, so my thoughts just travel from my mind and out my mouth immediately. I also love sharing with them quotes I have read that relate to their experiences, or places I have seen, or works of art that have amazed me, that somehow bring their experiences to life.
This is why their essays, especially their Personal Statement, are works of art. They represent who they are in the best way possible and it is as incredible as watching a flower bloom right in front of your eyes.