Personal Reflective Essay
For a printer-friendly copy, click on the link below. The Personal Narrative Essay Purpose: The goal of this assignment is for you to reveal yourself as a character through an essay reflecting on a memorable experience. The essay should reflect your voice and focus on a single event. You should be able to discover your own voice. Method: We have discussed a personal essay by Russell Baker, an excerpt from his memoirs, Growing Up. This gives us significant insight into the author's persona. Similarly, the essay you are about to write should not simply recall events, but demonstrate your voice and reflect your persona through the presentation of a single pivotal event in your life. Your paper should have a point (similar to a thesis statement), and readers should "get to know you" by reading your essay. The most difficult part of this assignment is jogging your memory to come up with a topic that is both memorable and interesting to your readers. The main question you want to answer is, "How has my life been different ever since?" Is the difference specific and real? Brainstorm by jotting ideas down as they come to you. Here are some questions that might help you explore your memory: · Did you ever have to choose between two equally appealing alternatives? What was the result?
· In making an important decision, did you ever succumb to peer pressure? Why did you make the decision, and how did you react to the consequences?
· Have you ever been appalled after witnessing someone you knew express insensitivity or inappropriate behavior? Were you satisfied with your reaction, or did you wish you had done more?
· Have you misjudged someone and later your opinion of him or her changed? Did you grow from the experience?
· Has there ever been a moment in your life where you decided to change direction –