Opening the door to your mind
College application essay season is getting underway and I’m looking forward to coaching a new cohort of brilliant teenagers as they craft personal narratives
Brainstorming is crucial to this process, and I love creating fun exercises to help writers generate ideas.
Reconnecting with one’s values, desires and experiences is valuable for all writers, at all times, not just high schoolers.
So check out the exercises below. Grab a notebook and give them a spin. You might be surprised what you find when you peek inside your head!
Exercise 1
Make a list of five important people in your life.
For each person, list 3-5 qualities that you like about them.
What qualities do the people you love have in common?
Why do you value these qualities?
Exercise 2
How do you like to be rewarded?
Exercise 3
How would your best friend describe you?
How would your worst enemy describe you?
Exercise 4
You are receiving a lifetime achievement award. Write the opening paragraph of your acceptance speech – be sure to mention what field you work in.
Exercise 5
How would your best friend describe you?
How would your worst enemy describe you?