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Essays on Motivation
đ the importance of writing a motivation essay đ.
Motivation is like that extra sprinkle of magic dust that gives us the boost we need to achieve our goals and dreams âšâš. It's the driving force behind our actions and the fuel that keeps us going when things get tough. Writing an essay about motivation allows us to delve deeper into this fascinating topic and explore its various aspects. So, why not grab your pen (or keyboard) and let's dive into the world of motivation! đȘđ
đ Choosing the Perfect Motivation Essay Topic đ€
When it comes to choosing a topic for your motivation essay, there are a few things to consider. First, think about what aspect of motivation you find most intriguing. Is it personal motivation, motivation in the workplace, or maybe the psychology behind motivation? Once you have a general idea, narrow it down further to a specific angle that interests you the most.
đĄ Motivation Argumentative Essay đȘđ
An argumentative essay on motivation requires you to take a stance and provide evidence to support your viewpoint. Here are ten exciting topics to get those creative juices flowing:
- The role of intrinsic motivation in academic success
- The impact of extrinsic rewards on employee motivation
- Does social media affect motivation levels in teenagers?
- The connection between motivation and self-esteem
- How does motivation differ between genders?
- The influence of music on motivation levels
- Does money truly motivate people in the workplace?
- The effects of positive reinforcement on motivation
- The link between motivation and mental health
- How does goal-setting impact motivation?
đȘïž Motivation Cause and Effect Essay đ
In a cause and effect essay, you explore the reasons behind certain motivations and their outcomes. Here are ten thought-provoking topics to consider:
- The causes and effects of procrastination on motivation
- How does a lack of motivation impact academic performance?
- The relationship between motivation and success in sports
- The effects of parental motivation on children's achievements
- How does motivation affect mental well-being?
- The causes and effects of burnout on motivation levels
- The impact of motivation on work-life balance
- How does motivation affect creativity and innovation?
- The causes and effects of peer pressure on motivation
- The relationship between motivation and goal attainment
đŹ Motivation Opinion Essay đđ
In an opinion essay, you express your personal thoughts and beliefs about motivation. Here are ten intriguing topics to spark your imagination:
- Is self-motivation more effective than external motivation?
- Are rewards a necessary form of motivation?
- Should schools focus more on intrinsic motivation?
- The role of motivation in achieving work-life balance
- Is motivation a learned behavior or innate?
- The impact of motivation on personal growth and development
- Does motivation play a significant role in overcoming obstacles?
- Is fear an effective motivator?
- The role of motivation in maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Can motivation be sustained in the long term?
đ Motivation Informative Essay đ§ đ
An informative essay on motivation aims to educate and provide valuable insights. Here are ten fascinating topics to explore:
- The psychology behind motivation and its theories
- How to stay motivated in challenging times
- The impact of motivation on personal and professional success
- Motivation techniques for achieving fitness goals
- The role of motivation in leadership and management
- Motivation in the context of mental health and well-being
- The history of motivation research and key figures
- Motivation strategies for students and educators
- Motivation and its connection to creativity and innovation
- Motivation in different cultural and societal contexts
đ Thesis Statement Examples đ
Here are a few thesis statement examples to inspire your motivation essay:
- 1. "Motivation, whether intrinsic or extrinsic, plays a pivotal role in driving individuals towards achieving their goals and aspirations."
- 2. "This essay explores the multifaceted nature of motivation, examining its psychological underpinnings, societal influences, and practical applications."
- 3. "In a world filled with challenges and opportunities, understanding the mechanisms of motivation empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and reach new heights of success."
đ Introduction Paragraph Examples đ
Here are some introduction paragraph examples for your motivation essay:
- 1. "Motivation is the driving force behind human actions, the invisible hand that propels us toward our goals. It is the spark that ignites the fire of determination within us, pushing us to overcome obstacles and realize our dreams."
- 2. "In a world where challenges often outnumber opportunities, motivation serves as the compass guiding us through life's intricate maze. It is the unwavering belief in our abilities and the fuel that keeps our ambitions burning bright."
- 3. "Picture a world without motivationâa world where dreams remain unfulfilled, talents remain hidden, and aspirations remain dormant. Fortunately, we do not live in such a world, and this essay delves into the profound impact of motivation on human lives."
đ Conclusion Paragraph Examples đ
Here are some conclusion paragraph examples for your motivation essay:
- 1. "As we conclude this journey through the realm of motivation, let us remember that it is the driving force behind our accomplishments, the cornerstone of our achievements. With unwavering motivation, we can surmount any obstacle and turn our aspirations into reality."
- 2. "In the grand tapestry of human existence, motivation weaves the threads of determination, perseverance, and success. This essay's culmination serves as a testament to the enduring power of motivation and its ability to shape our destinies."
- 3. "As we bid farewell to this exploration of motivation, let us carry forward the knowledge that motivation is not just a concept but a potent force that propels us toward greatness. With motivation as our guide, we can continue to chase our dreams and conquer new horizons."
The Puzzle of Motivation Analysis
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Motivation is what explains why people or animals initiate, continue or terminate a certain behavior at a particular time. Motivational states are commonly understood as forces acting within the agent that create a disposition to engage in goal-directed behavior.
There are four main tyoes of motivation: Intrinsic, extrinsic, unconscious, and conscious.
Theories articulating the content of motivation: Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Herzberg's two-factor theory, Alderfer's ERG theory, Self-Determination Theory, Drive theory.
Relevant topics
- Growth Mindset
- Procrastination
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The internet can be a dark and, quite often, violent place for women â many of whom are subjected to trolling, harassment, and threats on a daily basis. But it can also be a truly wonderful place, one that provides free access to news, educational resources, entertainment, communication, and wealth of incredible writing â including these empowering essays by women you can read online right now . Written by Cecile Richards, Lindy West, Lady Gaga, and more, these essays are filled with inspiration and wisdom to guide you through your day.
For female readers, the online world can sometimes feel like a minefield, one that is littered with destructive words meant to tear women down or shut them up. But for famous authors and writers, beloved celebrities, and popular athletes, it can also serve as the perfect platform to share their empowering stories, which often include plenty of inspirational anecdotes and practical advice that makes the whole mess of the internet worth it.
Whether youâre looking for a bit of guidance in your own life, or hoping to inspire your friends with some sage advice from more experienced women, here are nine empowering essays you can read for free online right now .
"The Most Daring Women Donât Always Make Headlines" by Cecile Richards
"Today, women across this country are doing her proud. The earth is shifting under the force of millions of women standing up for themselves, for each other, for their daughters and their mothers and sisters," writes the former president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund Cecile Richards in her inspiring piece about women and activism for Harper's Bazaar . "Women are no longer asking for permission. Theyâre just diving in and taking risks. They know we canât afford to sit this one out."
Read the full essay here .
"Rebranding Motherhood" by Diksha Basu
"If anything, so far being a mother feels quite delightfully self-indulgent. I have a daughter in whom I can constantly look for and find little bits of myself or, better yet, improved bits of myself," writes Windfall author Dikashu Basu in a moving essay for The New York Times about redefining motherhood. "Recently a construction worker called out to me on the street in Lower Manhattan and I got my angry anti-catcalling face ready to respond but he very respectfully said, 'You have a beautiful daughter, maâam.' My vanity now has two bodies within which to reside â the sacrifice looks more like narcissism from certain angles."
Read the full essay here.
"This Is Survival" by Aly Raisman
In a heartbreaking but incredibly powerful essay for The Players' Tribune , American gymnast Aly Raisman opens up about her experience with sexual abuse, and offers some words of encouragement to anyone else who has gone through the same thing. "I am not a victim. I am a survivor. The abuse does not define me, or anyone else who has been abused. This does not define the millions of those whoâve suffered sexual abuse," the two-time Olympian writes. "They are not victims, either. They are survivors. They are strong, they are brave, they are changing things so the next generation never has to go through what they did."
"What I Learned at War" by Tammy Duckworth
Senator Tammy Duckworth has often spoken out about her time serving in the U.S. army, including in this persuasive essay about the price of war and what it can teach us that she wrote for Politico. "That day, I lost both of my legs, but I was given a second chance at life," she writes, recounting her experience fighting in the Iraq War. "Itâs a feeling that has helped to drive me in my second chance at serviceâno one should be left behind, and every American deserves another chance."
"The 'Perfect Body' Is a Lie. I Believed It For a Long Time and Let It Shrink My Life" by Lindy West
If you have read Lindy West's memoir Shrill , you know that she has a lot of incredibly insightful things to say fat acceptance and body positivity. In an essay for The Guardian, she shares some of them, saying "The 'perfect body' is a lie. I believed in it for a long time, and I let it shape my life, and shrink it â my real life, populated by my real body. Donât let fiction tell you what to do. In the omnidirectional orgy gardens of Vlaxnoid, no one cares about your arm flab."
"Bring It On" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
The first Muslim American to medal in the Olympics, fencing champion Ibtihaj Muhammad opened up about what it is like to compete in an sport where so few people look like her. "One day, during a fifteen-hour flight to a training camp in Beijing, I arrived at a moment where I said enough is enough â Iâd spent years fighting for every win, every opportunity, every ounce of respect on my path to becoming an Olympian, and I was no longer going to allow other people to affect how I perceived myself or restrict what I was capable of," she writes in Lenny Letter. "When people stared me down at a tournament, I didnât know if it was a race thing or a religious thing or that they werenât ready for change, but I finally realized: Why was that burden on me to figure out? I didnât have the time to acquire their baggage or analyze why anyone wanted to make me feel inferior. I had a job to do on that team, and that job was winning a medal."
"Why It's So Important That CEOs Like Me Speak Out Against Trump" by Reshma Saujani
In an essay about corporate responsibility in the age of Trump by Reshma Saujani, the Girls Who Code founder and CEO reminds readers that individuals have a lot of power to enact change. "But if every American has the power to sway a CEO," she argues in a piece for Teen Vogue, "then every American quite literally has a chance to sway public opinion, to shape the way we talk and think and act on our values system â to change the way we treat our fellow Americans and those who come here seeking a better life for their families."
"Ava DuVernay on How to 'Pivot Towards Positivity' in Trying Times" by Ava DuVernay
There are few creatives as wise, or as giving when it comes to advice, as A Wrinkle in Time director Ava DuVernay. "These days Iâm a lot less competitive, a lot less concerned about what other people do. Iâm much more focused on the things that make me happy," she writes in an inspirational essay for InStyle. "I believe that good comes when you put out good, and so I just try to emanate joyful vibes. Why not? Iâm not going to spend my day hating on someone else. Iâve got so many better and more joy-filled things to do."
"Portrait of a Lady" by Lady Gaga
In her 2016 essay on being a woman in the modern world, Lady Gaga opens up and offers a truly refreshing and inspiring perspective. "Being a lady today means being a fighter. It means being a survivor," she writes. "It means letting yourself be vulnerable and acknowledging your shame or that you're sad or you're angry. It takes great strength to do that."
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- 9 Tips for Writing a Brilliant Motivational Essay
Whether you are a high school student caught in the crossroads of your educational journey or an undergraduate debating on a graduate degree, several steps must be taken, from choosing a college or master’s program to applying for your dream job.
On the other hand, choosing is the easy part; getting into the college of your choice is a different story. Most colleges and universities require students to have excellent grades and write a motivational essay describing why they want to pursue his\her desired major at their university.
Writing college motivational essays is a required part of any educational institution’s application process. Then again, some employers require job applicants to submit inspirational articles along with their resumes.
A motivational statement allows you to show off a little more of your personality and explain why you are qualified for the university course or job position in question. This is an opportunity to stand out and demonstrate your integrity and your ability to turn your knowledge into a successful career.
This article will teach you how to write a motivational essay that will help you get into your dream university or land your dream job.
Table of Contents
9 Tips to Write a Motivational Letter
There are a few things to keep in mind when writing inspirational statements to help you write a good paper. Many students struggle to find the motivation to write an article or are simply stumped when asked “What motivates you in life?”. Motivational papers are not as complicated as you may believe. To write a perfect inspiration paper, use the following tips:
1. Research the Institution to which you are applying
It is not in your best interest to simply copy and paste motivational essay examples or templates from the internet. The first step is to learn how merit-based admissions work at your preferred college. If you already have outstanding grades, you have to figure out what other aspects of your life could boost those grades.
Many universities, for example, seek students who have good grades, participate in extracurricular activities, have some volunteer experience, and are involved in social initiatives in school and their community.
Researching your preferred university will assist you in writing a tailored inspirational essay that will showcase all of your personality and goals. Itâll also broadcast how your social and volunteer work will continue to be a factor when you get into the university. Knowing about the university and including that information in your inspirational paper will be a breath of fresh air for the reader. It will give them the impression that you are confident in your decision.
Be sure to sprinkle some positivity and determination in your motivational statement.
2. Â Be Creative
I know this may seem obvious to most people but it is still critical. The first two or three sentences of your motivational letter are crucial to the reader. Remember that the person reading your inspirational statement has most likely read thousands of others before it. Keeping the reader’s attention early on will thus benefit you.
Assume your college motivation letter isn’t exciting and doesn’t hook the reader from the first sentence. The reader is likely to close the letter and decline your application at that point.
You want the first paragraph of your motivation essay to keep them guessing and interested in reading until the end. You can include a mysterious story about your motivations and leave the culmination until the end.
3. Get Personal in your Motivational Essay
Make your motivation letter specific to the employer or university to which you are applying. Your letter should reflect your distinct style and personality. Your employers or university are interested in getting to know you better and no one knows you better than yourself. So, don’t just look up some motivational essay examples and use them as your own. The inspiration article should include the things that make you tick, your passions, and more!
Many students prefer to entrust the writing of motivational letters to a professional writing service. However, I can assure you that this is a bad option because you should write the motivation essay yourself.
4. Adopt a Straightforward and Succinct Tone
The objective of a letter of motivation, as the name implies, is to demonstrate your motivation for attending college to the school board or the reasons why you deserve a job to an HR manager who will read it. Avoid using long phrases and, instead, get right to the point. Explain in simple terms what you’re looking for and what you have to offer. Concentrate on what is vital; the rest will be addressed later.
5. Clearly Explain your Motivation
Make it a point to convince the school board or recruiter that this is the right college or job for you. Hit the nail on the head as many times as possible. Demonstrate that this is, without a doubt, the best place for you. Make use of all of your persuasion skills.
If you’re a student who can’t seem to motivate yourself to write the letter, think of it more as your motivation for earning a degree paper. This way of thinking will make you come up with points that are straightforward for your motivational letter.
If you’re writing an inspirational paper to apply for a job position, make sure it includes all of the qualities listed in the job description. Explain how each of the qualities relates to you.
6. Share your Professional Goals
In your inspirational essay, don’t be afraid to put yourself in the future. Outline your career goals and how the university or job offer is a step in the right direction. Also, talk about what you’ve accomplished and what you’re proud of.
7. Find The Right Balance
Of course, you must present yourself in the best possible light and persuade the recruiter that you are the right person for the job but don’t be too smug. At the same time, don’t undervalue yourself or appear overly modest. Try to summarize your accomplishments but avoid bragging about them. Please keep it simple; don’t fill the entire page with your achievements; instead, choose the ones that are relevant to the university or job requirements.
8. Back up what you’re saying
Simply stating that you are organized or that you have a sense of responsibility is not enough. Avoid overused phrases and explain why you’re organized. In your inspirational letter, provide some examples. When writing your motivational paper, one approach is to write as if you were a narrator. Narrating allows you to see yourself through the eyes of another person, telling the story of your life and goals.
9. Ensure that your Essay is Grammatically SoundÂ
When it comes to writing motivational letters, grammar errors are a no-no. So, double-check and have someone else read your inspirational paper because they may spot grammatical errors that youâve missed. Also, it would be best if you avoided abbreviations and technical jargon. Do not try to sound like you’re writing a school assignment; instead, use the most elegant yet straightforward language and tone to make your point.
Don’t make writing a motivational statement more difficult than it should be. Focus on the essential things and let the rest go. Keep in mind that the college or company is curious to learn more about you. So, stay relaxed and make use of the tips we have mentioned above and you will be on your way to a brilliant motivation letter. For more information on college writing tips and essay writing services, check other articles on Essay Advisor .
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Follow YES! For Teachers
Eight brilliant student essays on what matters most in life.
Read winning essays from our spring 2019 student writing contest.
For the spring 2019 student writing contest, we invited students to read the YES! article âThree Things That Matter Most in Youth and Old Ageâ by Nancy Hill. Like the author, students interviewed someone significantly older than them about the three things that matter most in life. Students then wrote about what they learned, and about how their intervieweesâ answers compare to their own top priorities.
The Winners
From the hundreds of essays written, these eight were chosen as winners. Be sure to read the authorâs response to the essay winners and the literary gems that caught our eye. Plus, we share an essay from teacher Charles Sanderson, who also responded to the writing prompt.
Middle School Winner: Rory Leyva
High School Winner:Â Praethong Klomsum
University Winner:Â Emily Greenbaum
Powerful Voice Winner: Amanda Schwaben
Powerful Voice Winner:Â Antonia Mills
Powerful Voice Winner:Â Isaac Ziemba
Powerful Voice Winner: Lily Hersch
âTell It Like It Isâ Interview Winner: Jonas Buckner
From the Author: Response to Student Winners
Literary Gems
From A Teacher: Charles Sanderson
From the Author: Response to Charles Sanderson
Middle School Winner
Village Home Education Resource Center, Portland, Ore.
The Lessons Of MortalityÂ
âAs Iâve aged, things that are more personal to me have become somewhat less important. Perhaps Iâve become less self-centered with the awareness of mortality, how short one personâs life is.â This is how my 72-year-old grandma believes her values have changed over the course of her life. Even though I am only 12 years old, I know my life wonât last forever, and someday I, too, will reflect on my past decisions. We were all born to exist and eventually die, so we have evolved to value things in the context of mortality.
One of the ways I feel most alive is when I play roller derby. I started playing for the Rose City Rollers Juniors two years ago, and this year, I made the Rosebud All-Stars travel team. Roller derby is a fast-paced, full-contact sport. The physicality and intense training make me feel in control of and present in my body.
My roller derby team is like a second family to me. Adolescence is complicated. We understand each other in ways no one else can. I love my friends more than I love almost anything else. My family would have been higher on my list a few years ago, but as Iâve aged it has been important to make my own social connections.
Music led me to roller derby. Â I started out jam skating at the roller rink. Jam skating is all about feeling the music. It integrates gymnastics, breakdancing, figure skating, and modern dance with R & B and hip hop music. When I was younger, I once lay down in the DJ booth at the roller rink and was lulled to sleep by the drawl of wheels rolling in rhythm and people talking about the things they came there to escape. Sometimes, I go up on the roof of my house at night to listen to music and feel the wind rustle my hair. These unique sensations make me feel safe like nothing else ever has.
My grandma tells me, âBeing close with family and friends is the most important thing because I havenât
always had that.â When my grandma was two years old, her father died. Her mother became depressed and moved around a lot, which made it hard for my grandma to make friends. Once my grandma went to college, she made lots of friends. She met my grandfather, Joaquin Leyva when she was working as a park ranger and he was a surfer. They bought two acres of land on the edge of a redwood forest and had a son and a daughter. My grandma created a stable family that was missing throughout her early life.
My grandma is motivated to maintain good health so she can be there for her family. I can relate because I have to be fit and strong for my team. Since she lost my grandfather to cancer, she realizes how lucky she is to have a functional body and no life-threatening illnesses. My grandma tries to eat well and exercise, but she still struggles with depression. Over time, she has learned that reaching out to others is essential to her emotional wellbeing. Â
Caring for the earth is also a priority for my grandma Iâve been lucky to learn from my grandma. Sheâs taught me how to hunt for fossils in the desert and find shells on the beach. Although my grandma grew up with no access to the wilderness, she admired the green open areas of urban cemeteries. In college, she studied geology and hiked in the High Sierras. For years, sheâs been an advocate for conserving wildlife habitat and open spaces.
Our priorities may seem different, but it all comes down to basic human needs. We all desire a purpose, strive to be happy, and need to be loved. Like Nancy Hill says in the YES! Magazine article âThree Things That Matter Most in Youth and Old Age,â it can be hard to decipher what is important in life. I believe that the constant search for satisfaction and meaning is the only thing everyone has in common. We all want to know what matters, and we walk around this confusing world trying to find it. The lessons Iâve learned from my grandma about forging connections, caring for my body, and getting out in the world inspire me to live my life my way before itâs gone.
Rory Leyva is a seventh-grader from Portland, Oregon. Rory skates for the Rosebuds All-Stars roller derby team. She loves listening to music and hanging out with her friends.
High School Winner
Praethong Klomsum
 Santa Monica High School, Santa Monica, Calif.
Time Only Moves Forward
Sandra Hernandez gazed at the tiny house while her motherâs gentle hands caressed her shoulders. It wasnât much, especially for a family of five. This was 1960, she was 17, and her family had just moved to Culver City.
Flash forward to 2019. Sandra sits in a rocking chair, knitting a blanket for her latest grandchild, in the same living room. Sandra remembers working hard to feed her eight children. She took many different jobs before settling behind the cash register at a Japanese restaurant called Magos. âIt was a struggle, and my husband Augustine, was planning to join the military at that time, too.â
In the YES! Magazine article âThree Things That Matter Most in Youth and Old Age,â author Nancy Hill states that one of the most important things is â…connecting with others in general, but in particular with those who have lived long lives.â Sandra feels similarly. Itâs been hard for Sandra to keep in contact with her family, which leaves her downhearted some days. âItâs important to maintain that connection you have with your family, not just next-door neighbors you talk to once a month.â
Despite her age, Sandra is a daring woman. Taking risks is important to her, and sheâll try anythingâfrom skydiving to hiking. Sandra has some regrets from the past, but nowadays, she doesnât wonder about the âwould have, could have, should haves.â She just goes for it with a smile.
Sandra thought harder about her last important thing, the blue and green blanket now finished and covering
her lap. âIâve definitely lived a longer life than most, and maybe this is just wishful thinking, but I hope I can see the day my great-grandchildren are born.â Sheâs laughing, but her eyes look beyond whatâs in front of her. Maybe she is reminiscing about the day she held her son for the first time or thinking of her grandchildren becoming parents. I thank her for her time and she waves it off, offering me a styrofoam cup of lemonade before I head for the bus station.
The bus is sparsely filled. A voice in my head reminds me to finish my 10-page history research paper before spring break. I take a window seat and pull out my phone and earbuds. My playlist is already on shuffle, and I push away thoughts of that dreaded paper. Music has been a constant in my lifeâfrom singing my lungs out in kindergarten to Barbieâs âI Need To Know,â to jamming out to Taylor Swiftâs âBlank Spaceâ in sixth grade, to BTSâs âIntro: Never Mindâ comforting me when Iâm at my lowest. Music is my magic shop, a place where I can trade away my fears for calm.
Iâve always been afraid of doing something wrongânot finishing my homework or getting a C when I can do better. When I was 8, I wanted to be like the big kids. As I got older, I realized that I had exchanged my childhood longing for the 48 pack of crayons for bigger problems, balancing grades, a social life, and mental stabilityâall at once. Iâm going to get older whether I like it or not, so thereâs no point forcing myself to grow up faster. Â Iâm learning to live in the moment.
The bus is approaching my apartment, where I know my comfy bed and a home-cooked meal from my mom are waiting. My mom is hard-working, confident, and very stubborn. I admire her strength of character. She always keeps me in line, even through my rebellious phases.
My best friend sends me a textâan update on how broken her laptop is. She is annoying. She says the stupidest things and loves to state the obvious. Despite this, she never fails to make me laugh until my cheeks feel numb. The rest of my friends are like that tooâloud, talkative, and always brightening my day. Even friends I stopped talking to have a place in my heart. Recently, Iâve tried to reconnect with some of them. This interview was possible because a close friend from sixth grade offered to introduce me to Sandra, her grandmother. Â
Iâm decades younger than Sandra, so my view of whatâs important isnât as broad as hers, but we share similar values, with friends and family at the top. I have a feeling that when Sandra was my age, she used to love music, too. Maybe in a few decades, when Iâm sitting in my rocking chair, drawing in my sketchbook, Iâll remember this article and think back fondly to the days when life was simple.
Praethong Klomsum is a tenth-grader at Santa Monica High School in Santa Monica, California. Praethong has a strange affinity for rhyme games and is involved in her school’s dance team. She enjoys drawing and writing, hoping to impact people willing to listen to her thoughts and ideas.
University Winner
Emily Greenbaum
Kent State University, Kent, OhioÂ
The Life-Long War
Every morning we open our eyes, ready for a new day. Some immediately turn to their phones and social media. Others work out or do yoga. For a certain person, a deep breath and the morning sun ground him. He hears the clink-clank of his wife cooking low sodium meat for breakfastâdoctorâs orders! He sees that the other side of the bed is already made, the dogs are no longer in the room, and his clothes are set out nicely on the loveseat.
Today, though, this man wakes up to something different: faded cream walls and jello. This person, my hero, is Master Chief Petty Officer Roger James.
I pulled up my chair close to Rogerâs vinyl recliner so I could hear him above the noise of the beeping dialysis machine. I noticed Roger would occasionally glance at his wife Susan with sparkly eyes when he would recall memories of the war or their grandkids. He looked at Susan like she walked on water.
Roger James served his country for thirty years. Now, he has enlisted in another type of war. He suffers from a rare blood cancerâthe result of the wars he fought in. Roger has good and bad days. He says, âThe good outweighs the bad, so I have to be grateful for what I have on those good days.â
When Roger retired, he never thought the effects of the war would reach him. The once shallow wrinkles upon his face become deeper, as he tells me, âItâs just cancer. Others are suffering from far worse. I know Iâll make it.â
Like Nancy Hill did in her article âThree Things that Matter Most in Youth and Old Age,â I asked Roger, âWhat are the three most important things to you?â James answered, âMy wife Susan, my grandkids, and church.â
Roger and Susan served together in the Vietnam war. She was a nurse who treated his cuts and scrapes one day. I asked Roger why he chose Susan. He said, âSusan told me to look at her while she cleaned me up. âThis may sting, but donât be a baby.â When I looked into her eyes, I felt like she was looking into my soul, and I didnât want her to leave. She gave me this sense of home. Every day I wake up, she makes me feel the same way, and I fall in love with her all over again.â
Roger and Susan have two kids and four grandkids, with great-grandchildren on the way. He claims that his grandkids give him the youth that he feels slowly escaping from his body. This adoring grandfather is energized by coaching t-ball and playing evening card games with the grandkids.
The last thing on his list was church. His oldest daughter married a pastor. Together they founded a church. Roger said that the connection between his faith and family is important to him because it gave him a reason to want to live again. I learned from Roger that when youâre across the ocean, you tend to lose sight of why you are fighting. When Roger returned, he didnât have the will to live. Most days were a struggle, adapting back into a society that lacked empathy for the injuries, pain, and psychological trauma carried by returning soldiers. Church changed that for Roger and gave him a sense of purpose.
When I began this project, my attitude was to just get the assignment done. I never thought I could view Master Chief Petty Officer Roger James as more than a role model, but he definitely changed my mind. Itâs as if Roger magically lit a fire inside of me and showed me where oneâs true passions should lie. I see our similarities and embrace our differences. We both value family and our own connections to homeâhis home being church and mine being where I can breathe the easiest.
Master Chief Petty Officer Roger James has shown me how to appreciate what I have around me and that every once in a while, I should step back and stop to smell the roses. As we concluded the interview, amidst squeaky clogs and the stale smell of bleach and bedpans, I looked to Roger, his kind, tired eyes, and weathered skin, with a deeper sense of admiration, knowing that his values still run true, no matter what he faces.
Emily Greenbaum is a senior at Kent State University, graduating with a major in Conflict Management and minor in Geography. Emily hopes to use her major to facilitate better conversations, while she works in the Washington, D.C. area. Â
Powerful Voice Winner
Amanda Schwaben
Wise Words From Winnie the Pooh
As I read through Nancy Hillâs article âThree Things That Matter Most in Youth and Old Age,â I was comforted by the similar responses given by both children and older adults. The emphasis participants placed on family, social connections, and love was not only heartwarming but hopeful. While the messages in the article filled me with warmth, I felt a twinge of guilt building within me. As a twenty-one-year-old college student weeks from graduation, I honestly donât think much about the most important things in life. But if I was asked, I would most likely say family, friendship, and love. As much as I hate to admit it, I often find myself obsessing over achieving a successful career and finding a way to âsave the world.â
A few weeks ago, I was at my family home watching the new Winnie the Pooh movie Christopher Robin with my mom and younger sister. Well, I wasnât really watching. I had my laptop in front of me, and I was aggressively typing up an assignment. Halfway through the movie, I realized I left my laptop charger in my car. I walked outside into the brisk March air. Instinctively, I looked up. The sky was perfectly clear, revealing a beautiful array of stars. When my twin sister and I were in high school, we would always take a moment to look up at the sparkling night sky before we came into the house after soccer practice.
I think that was the last time I stood in my driveway and gazed at the stars. I did not get the laptop charger from
my car; instead, I turned around and went back inside. I shut my laptop and watched the rest of the movie. My twin sister loves Winnie the Pooh. So much so that my parents got her a stuffed animal version of him for Christmas. While I thought he was adorable and a token of my childhood, I did not really understand her obsession. However, it was clear to me after watching the movie. Winnie the Pooh certainly had it figured out. He believed that the simple things in life were the most important: love, friendship, and having fun.
I thought about asking my mom right then what the three most important things were to her, but I decided not to. I just wanted to be in the moment. I didnât want to be doing homework. It was a beautiful thing to just sit there and be present with my mom and sister.
I did ask her, though, a couple of weeks later. Her response was simple. Â All she said was family, health, and happiness. When she told me this, I imagined Winnie the Pooh smiling. I think he would be proud of that answer.
I was not surprised by my momâs reply. It suited her perfectly. I wonder if we relearn what is most important when we grow olderâthat the pressure to be successful subsides. Could it be that valuing family, health, and happiness is what ends up saving the world?
Amanda Schwaben is a graduating senior from Kent State University with a major in Applied Conflict Management. Amanda also has minors in Psychology and Interpersonal Communication. She hopes to further her education and focus on how museums not only preserve history but also promote peace.
Antonia Mills
Rachel Carson High School, Brooklyn, N.Y.Â
Decoding The Butterfly
For a caterpillar to become a butterfly, it must first digest itself. The caterpillar, overwhelmed by accumulating tissue, splits its skin open to form its protective shell, the chrysalis, and later becomes the pretty butterfly we all know and love. There are approximately 20,000 species of butterflies, and just as every species is different, so is the life of every butterfly. No matter how long and hard a caterpillar has strived to become the colorful and vibrant butterfly that we marvel at on a warm spring day, it does not live a long life. A butterfly can live for a year, six months, two weeks, and even as little as twenty-four hours.
I have often wondered if butterflies live long enough to be blissful of blue skies. Do they take time to feast upon the sweet nectar they crave, midst their hustling life of pollinating pretty flowers? Do they ever take a lull in their itineraries, or are they always rushing towards completing their four-stage metamorphosis? Has anyone asked the butterfly, âWho are you?â instead of âWhat are youâ? Or, How did you get here, on my windowsill?  How did you become âyouâ?
Humans are similar to butterflies. As a caterpillar
Suzanna Ruby/Getty Images
becomes a butterfly, a baby becomes an elder. As a butterfly soars through summer skies, an elder watches summer skies turn into cold winter nights and back toward summer skies yet again. Â And as a butterfly flits slowly by the porch light, a passerby makes assumptions about the wrinkled, slow-moving elder, who is sturdier than he appears. These creatures are not seen for who they areâwho they wereâbecause people have âbetter things to doâ or they are too busy to ask, âHow are youâ?
Our world can be a lonely place. Pressured by expectations, haunted by dreams, overpowered by weakness, and drowned out by lofty goals, we tend to forget ourselvesâand others. Rather than hang onto the strands of our diminishing sanity, we might benefit from listening to our elders. Many elders have experienced setbacks in their young lives. Overcoming hardship and surviving to old age is wisdom that they carry. Â We can learn from themâand can even make their day by taking the time to hear their stories. Â
Nancy Hill, who wrote the YES! Magazine article âThree Things That Matter Most in Youth and Old Age,â was right: âWe live among such remarkable people, yet few know their stories.â I know a lot about my grandmotherâs life, and it isnât as serene as my own. My grandmother, Liza, who cooks every day, bakes bread on holidays for our neighbors, brings gifts to her doctor out of the kindness of her heart, and makes conversation with neighbors even though she is isnât fluent in EnglishâRussian is her first languageâhas struggled all her life. Her mother, Anna, a single parent, had tuberculosis, and even though she had an inviolable spirit, she was too frail to care for four children. She passed away when my grandmother was sixteen, so my grandmother and her siblings spent most of their childhood in an orphanage. My grandmother got married at nineteen to my grandfather, Pinhas. He was a man who loved her more than he loved himself and was a godsend to every person he met. Liza wasâand still isâalways quick to do what was best for others, even if that person treated her poorly. My grandmother has lived with physical pain all her life, yet she pushed herself to climb heights that she wasnât ready for. Against all odds, she has lived to tell her story to people who are willing to listen. And I always am.
I asked my grandmother, âWhat are three things most important to you?â Her answer was one that I already expected: One, for everyone to live long healthy lives. Two, for you to graduate from college. Three, for you to always remember that I love you.
What may be basic to you means the world to my grandmother. She just wants what she never had the chance to experience: a healthy life, an education, and the chance to express love to the people she values. The three things that matter most to her may be so simple and ordinary to outsiders, but to her, it is so much more. And who could take that away?
Antonia Mills was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and attends Rachel Carson High School. Â Antonia enjoys creative activities, including writing, painting, reading, and baking. She hopes to pursue culinary arts professionally in the future. One of her favorite quotes is, âWhen you start seeing your worth, youâll find it harder to stay around people who donât.â -Emily S.P. Â
 Powerful Voice Winner
  Isaac Ziemba
Odyssey Multiage Program, Bainbridge Island, Wash.Â
This Former State Trooper Has His Priorities Straight: Family, Climate Change, and Integrity
I have a personal connection to people who served in the military and first responders. My uncle is a first responder on the island I live on, and my dad retired from the Navy. That was what made a man named Glen Tyrell, a state trooper for 25 years, 2 months and 9 days, my first choice to interview about what three things matter in life. In the YES! Magazine article âThe Three Things That Matter Most in Youth and Old Age,â I learned that old and young people have a great deal in common. I know thatâs true because Glen and I care about a lot of the same things.
For Glen, family is at the top of his list of important things. âMy wife was, and is, always there for me. My daughters mean the world to me, too, but Penny is my partner,â Glen said. I can understand why Glenâs wife is so important to him. Sheâs family. Family will always be there for you.
Glen loves his family, and so do I with all my heart. My dad especially means the world to me. He is my top supporter and tells me that if I need help, just âsay the word.â When we are fishing or crabbing, sometimes I
think, what if these times were erased from my memory? I wouldnât be able to describe the horrible feeling that would rush through my mind, and Iâm sure that Glen would feel the same about his wife.
My uncle once told me that the world is always going to change over time. Itâs what the world has turned out to be that worries me. Both Glen and I are extremely concerned about climate change and the effect that rising temperatures have on animals and their habitats. Weâre driving them to extinction. Some people might say, âSo what? Animals donât pay taxes or do any of the things we do.â What we are doing to them is like the Black Death times 100.
Glen is also frustrated by how much plastic we use and where it ends up. He would be shocked that an explorer recently dived to the deepest part of the Pacific Oceanâseven miles!â and discovered a plastic bag and candy wrappers. Glen told me that, unfortunately, his generation did the damage and my generation is here to fix it. We need to take better care of Earth because if we donât, we, as a species, will have failed.
Both Glen and I care deeply for our families and the earth, but for our third important value, I chose education and Glen chose integrity. My education is super important to me because without it, I would be a blank slate. I wouldnât know how to figure out problems. I wouldnât be able to tell right from wrong. I wouldnât understand the Bill of Rights. I would be stuck. Everyone should be able to go to school, no matter where theyâre from or who they are. Â It makes me angry and sad to think that some people, especially girls, get shot because they are trying to go to school. I understand how lucky I am.
Integrity is sacred to GlenâI could tell by the serious tone of Glenâs voice when he told me that integrity was the code he lived by as a former state trooper. He knew that he had the power to change a personâs life, and he was committed to not abusing that power. Â When Glen put someone under arrestâand my uncle says the sameâhis judgment and integrity were paramount. âEither youâre right or youâre wrong.â You canât judge a person by what you think, you can only judge a person from what you know.â
I learned many things about Glen and whatâs important in life, but there is one thing that stands outâsomething Glen always does and does well. Glen helps people. He did it as a state trooper, and he does it in our school, where he works on construction projects. Glen told me that he believes that our most powerful tools are writing and listening to others. I think those tools are important, too, but I also believe there are other tools to help solve many of our problems and create a better future: to be compassionate, to create caring relationships, and to help others. Just like Glen Tyrell does each and every day.
Isaac Ziemba is in seventh grade at the Odyssey Multiage Program on a small island called Bainbridge near Seattle, Washington. Isaacâs favorite subject in school is history because he has always been interested in how the past affects the future. In his spare time, you can find Isaac hunting for crab with his Dad, looking for artifacts around his house with his metal detector, and having fun with his younger cousin, Conner. Â Â Â Â
Lily Hersch
 The Crest Academy, Salida, Colo.
The Phone Call
Dear Grandpa,
In my short span of lifeâ12 years so farâyouâve taught me a lot of important life lessons that Iâll always have with me. Some of the values I talk about in this writing Iâve learned from you.
Dedicated to my Gramps.
In the YES! Magazine article âThree Things That Matter Most in Youth and Old Age,â author and photographer Nancy Hill asked people to name the three things that mattered most to them. After reading the essay prompt for the article, I immediately knew who I wanted to interview: my grandpa Gil.   Â
My grandpa was born on January 25, 1942. He lived in a minuscule tenement in The Bronx with his mother,
father, and brother. His father wasnât around much, and, when he was, he was reticent and would snap occasionally, revealing his constrained mental pain. My grandpa says this happened because my great grandfather did not have a father figure in his life. His mother was a classy, sharp lady who was the head secretary at a local police district station. My grandpa and his brother Larry did not care for each other. Gramps said he was very close to his mother, and Larry wasnât. Perhaps Larry was envious for what he didnât have.
Decades after little to no communication with his brother, my grandpa decided to spontaneously visit him in Florida, where he resided with his wife. Larry was taken aback at the sudden reappearance of his brother and told him to leave. Since then, the two brothers have not been in contact. My grandpa doesnât even know if Larry is alive.    Â
My grandpa is now a retired lawyer, married to my wonderful grandma, and living in a pretty house with an ugly dog named BoBo.
So, whatâs important to you, Gramps?
He paused a second, then replied, âFamily, kindness, and empathy.â
âFamily, because itâs my family. Itâs important to stay connected with your family. My brother, father, and I never connected in the way I wished, and sometimes I contemplated what couldâve happened. Â But you canât change the past. So, thatâs why familyâs important to me.â
Family will always be on my âTop Three Most Important Thingsâ list, too. I canât imagine not having my older brother, Zeke, or my grandma in my life. I wonder how other kids feel about their families? How do kids trapped and separated from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border feel? Â What about orphans? Too many questions, too few answers.
âKindness, because growing up and not seeing a lot of kindness made me realize how important it is to have that in the world. Kindness makes the world go round.â
What is kindness? Helping my brother, Eli, who has Down syndrome, get ready in the morning? Telling people what they need to hear, rather than what they want to hear? Maybe, for now, Iâll put wisdom, not kindness, on my list.
âEmpathy, because of all the killings and shootings [in this country.] We also need to care for peopleâpeople who are not living in as good circumstances as I have. Donald Trump and other people Iâve met have no empathy. Empathy is very important.â
Empathy is something Iâve felt my whole life. Itâll always be important to me like it is important to my grandpa. My grandpa shows his empathy when he works with disabled children. Once he took a disabled child to a Christina Aguilera concert because that child was too young to go by himself. The moments I feel the most empathy are when Eli gets those looks from people. Seeing Eli wonder why people stare at him like heâs a freak makes me sad, and annoyed that they have the audacity to stare.
After this 2 minute and 36-second phone call, my grandpa has helped me define whatâs most important to me at this time in my life: family, wisdom, and empathy. Although these things are important now, I realize they can change and most likely will.
When Iâm an old woman, I envision myself scrambling through a stack of storage boxes and finding this paper. Perhaps after reading words from my 12-year-old self, I’ll ask myself âWhatâs important to me?â
Lily Hersch is a sixth-grader at Crest Academy in Salida, Colorado. Lily is an avid indoorsman, finding joy in competitive spelling, art, and of course, writing. She does not like Swiss cheese.
 âTell It Like It Isâ Interview Winner
Jonas Buckner
KIPP: Gaston College Preparatory, Gaston, N.C.
Lessons My Nana Taught Me
I walked into the house. In the other room, I heard my cousin screaming at his game. There were a lot of Pioneer Woman dishes everywhere. The room had the television on max volume. The fan in the other room was on. I didnât know it yet, but I was about to learn something powerful.
I was in my Nanaâs house, and when I walked in, she said, âHey Monkey Butt.â
I said, âHey Nana.â
Before the interview, I was talking to her about what I was gonna interview her on. Also, I had asked her why I might have wanted to interview her, and she responded with, âBecause you love me, and I love you too.â
Now, it was time to start the interview. The first
question I asked was the main and most important question ever: âWhat three things matter most to you and you only?â
She thought of it very thoughtfully and responded with, âMy grandchildren, my children, and my health.â
Then, I said, âOK, can you please tell me more about your health?â
She responded with, âMy health is bad right now. I have heart problems, blood sugar, and thatâs about it.â When she said it, she looked at me and smiled because she loved me and was happy I chose her to interview.
I replied with, âK um, why is it important to you?â
She smiled and said, âWhy is it…Why is my health important? Well, because I want to live a long time and see my grandchildren grow up.â
I was scared when she said that, but she still smiled. I was so happy, and then I said, âHas your health always been important to you.â
She responded with âNah.â
Then, I asked, âDo you happen to have a story to help me understand your reasoning?â
She said, âNo, not really.â
Now we were getting into the next set of questions. I said, âRemember how you said that your grandchildren matter to you? Can you please tell me why they matter to you?â
Then, she responded with, âSo I can spend time with them, play with them, and everything.â
Next, I asked the same question I did before: âHave you always loved your grandchildren?âÂ
She responded with, âYes, they have always been important to me.â
Then, the next two questions I asked she had no response to at all. She was very happy until I asked, âWhy do your children matter most to you?â
She had a frown on and responded, âMy daughter Tammy died a long time ago.â
Then, at this point, the other questions were answered the same as the other ones. When I left to go home I was thinking about how her answers were similar to mine. She said health, and I care about my health a lot, and I didnât say, but I wanted to. She also didnât have answers for the last two questions on each thing, and I was like that too.
The lesson I learned was that no matter what, always keep pushing because even though my aunt or my Nanaâs daughter died, she kept on pushing and loving everyone. I also learned that everything should matter to us. Once again, I chose to interview my Nana because she matters to me, and I know when she was younger she had a lot of things happen to her, so I wanted to know what she would say. The point Iâm trying to make is that be grateful for what you have and what you have done in life.
Jonas Buckner is a sixth-grader at KIPP: Gaston College Preparatory in Gaston, North Carolina. Jonasâ favorite activities are drawing, writing, math, piano, and playing AltSpace VR. He found his passion for writing in fourth grade when he wrote a quick autobiography. Jonas hopes to become a horror writer someday.
From The Author: Responses to Student Winners
Dear Emily, Isaac, Antonia, Rory, Praethong, Amanda, Lily, and Jonas,
Your thought-provoking essays sent my head spinning. The more I read, the more impressed I was with the depth of thought, beauty of expression, and originality. It left me wondering just how to capture all of my reactions in a single letter. After multiple false starts, Iâve landed on this: I will stick to the theme of three most important things.
The three things I found most inspirational about your essays:
You listened.
You connected.
We live in troubled times. Tensions mount between countries, cultures, genders, religious beliefs, and generations. If we fail to find a way to understand each other, to see similarities between us, the future will be fraught with increased hostility.
You all took critical steps toward connecting with someone who might not value the same things you do by asking a person who is generations older than you what matters to them. Then, you listened to their answers. You saw connections between what is important to them and what is important to you. Many of you noted similarities, others wondered if your own list of the three most important things would change as you go through life. You all saw the validity of the responses you received and looked for reasons why your interviewees have come to value what they have.
It is through these thingsâasking, listening, and connectingâthat we can begin to bridge the differences in experiences and beliefs that are currently dividing us.
Individual observations
Each one of you made observations that all of us, regardless of age or experience, would do well to keep in mind. I chose one quote from each person and trust those reading your essays will discover more valuable insights.
âOur priorities may seem different, but they come back to basic human needs. We all desire a purpose, strive to be happy, and work to make a positive impact.âÂ
âYou canât judge a person by what you think , you can only judge a person by what you know .â
Emily (referencing your interviewee, who is battling cancer):
âMaster Chief Petty Officer James has shown me how to appreciate what I have around me.â
Lily (quoting your grandfather):
âKindness makes the world go round.â
âEverything should matter to us.â
Praethong (quoting your interviewee, Sandra, on the importance of family):
âItâs important to always maintain that connection you have with each other, your family, not just next-door neighbors you talk to once a month.â
âI wonder if maybe we relearn what is most important when we grow older. That the pressure to be successful subsides and that valuing family, health, and happiness is what ends up saving the world.â
âListen to what others have to say. Listen to the people who have already experienced hardship. You will learn from them and you can even make their day by giving them a chance to voice their thoughts.â
I end this letter to you with the hope that you never stop asking others what is most important to them and that you to continue to take time to reflect on what matters most to youâŠand why. May you never stop asking, listening, and connecting with others, especially those who may seem to be unlike you. Keep writing, and keep sharing your thoughts and observations with others, for your ideas are awe-inspiring.
I also want to thank the more than 1,000 students who submitted essays. Together, by sharing whatâs important to us with others, especially those who may believe or act differently, we can fill the world with joy, peace, beauty, and love.
We received many outstanding essays for the Winter 2019 Student Writing Competition. Though not every participant can win the contest, weâd like to share some excerpts that caught our eye:
Whether it is a painting on a milky canvas with watercolors or pasting photos onto a scrapbook with her granddaughters, it is always a piece of artwork to her. She values the things in life that keep her in the moment, while still exploring things she may not have initially thought would bring her joy.
âOndine Grant-Krasno, Immaculate Heart Middle School, Los Angeles, Calif.
âGanasâ⊠It means âdesireâ in Spanish. My ganas is fueled by my familyâs belief in me. I cannot and will not fail them.Â
âAdan Rios, Lane Community College, Eugene, Ore.
I hope when I grow up I can have the love for my kids like my grandma has for her kids. She makes being a mother even more of a beautiful thing than it already is.
âAshley Shaw, Columbus City Prep School for Girls, Grove City, Ohio
You become a collage of little pieces of your friends and family. They also encourage you to be the best you can be. They lift you up onto the seat of your bike, they give you the first push, and they donât hesitate to remind you that everything will be alright when you fall off and scrape your knee.
â Cecilia Stanton, Bellafonte Area Middle School, Bellafonte, Pa.
Without good friends, I wouldnât know what I would do to endure the brutal machine of public education.
âKenneth Jenkins, Garrison Middle School, Walla Walla, Wash.
My dog, as ridiculous as it may seem, is a beautiful example of what we all should aspire to be. We should live in the moment, not stress, and make it our goal to lift someoneâs spirits, even just a little.
âKate Garland, Immaculate Heart Middle School, Los Angeles, Calif.Â
I strongly hope that every child can spare more time to accompany their elderly parents when they are struggling, and moving forward, and give them more care and patience. so as to truly achieve the goal of âyou accompany me to grow up, and I will accompany you to grow old.â
âTaiyi Li, Lane Community College, Eugene, Ore.
I have three cats, and they are my brothers and sisters. We share a special bond that I think would not be possible if they were human. Since they do not speak English, we have to find other ways to connect, and I think that those other ways can be more powerful than language.
âMaya Dombroskie, Delta Program Middle School, Boulsburg, Pa.
We are made to love and be loved. To have joy and be relational. As a member of the loneliest generation in possibly all of history, I feel keenly aware of the need for relationships and authentic connection. That is why I decided to talk to my grandmother.
âLuke Steinkamp, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
After interviewing my grandma and writing my paper, I realized that as we grow older, the things that are important to us donât change, what changes is why those things are important to us.
âEmily Giffer, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich.
The media works to marginalize elders, often isolating them and their stories, and the wealth of knowledge that comes with their additional years of lived experiences. It also undermines the depth of childrenâs curiosity and capacity to learn and understand. When the worlds of elders and children collide, a classroom opens.
âCristina Reitano, City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif.
My values, although similar to my dad, only looked the same in the sense that a shadow is similar to the object it was cast on.
âTimofey Lisenskiy, Santa Monica High School, Santa Monica, Calif.
I can release my anger through writing without having to take it out on someone. I can escape and be a different person; it feels good not to be myself for a while. I can make up my own characters, so I can be someone different every day, and I think thatâs pretty cool.
âJasua Carillo, Wellness, Business, and Sports School, Woodburn, Ore.Â
Notice how all the important things in his life are people: the people who he loves and who love him back. This is because âpeople are more important than things like money or possessions, and families are treasures,â says grandpa Pat. And I couldnât agree more.
âBrody Hartley, Garrison Middle School, Walla Walla, Wash. Â
Curiosity for other peopleâs stories could be what is needed to save the world.
âNoah Smith, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
Peace to me is a calm lake without a ripple in sight. Itâs a starry night with a gentle breeze that pillows upon your face. Itâs the absence of arguments, fighting, or war. Itâs when egos stop working against each other and finally begin working with each other. Peace is free from fear, anxiety, and depression. To me, peace is an important ingredient in the recipe of life.
âJP Bogan, Lane Community College, Eugene, Ore.
From A Teacher
Charles Sanderson
Wellness, Business and Sports School, Woodburn, Ore.Â
The Birthday Gift
Iâve known Jodelle for years, watching her grow from a quiet and timid twelve-year-old to a young woman who just returned from India, where she played Kabaddi, a kind of rugby meets Red Rover.
One of my core beliefs as an educator is to show up for the things that matter to kids, so I go to their games, watch their plays, and eat the strawberry jam they make for the county fair. On this occasion, I met Jodelle at a robotics competition to watch her little sister Abby compete. Think Nerd Paradise: more hats made from traffic cones than Golden State Warrior ball caps, more unicorn capes than Nike swooshes, more fanny packs with Legos than clutches with eyeliner.
We started chatting as the crowd chanted and waved six-foot flags for teams like Mystic Biscuits, Shrek, and everyoneâs nemesis The Mean Machine. Apparently, when itâs time for lunch at a robotics competition, they donât mess around. The once-packed gym was left to Jodelle and me, and we kept talking and talking. I eventually asked her about the three things that matter to her most.
She told me about her mom, her sister, and her addictionâto horses. Iâve read enough of her writing to know that horses were her drug of choice and her mom and sister were her support network.
I learned about her desire to become a teacher and how hours at the barn with her horse, Heart, recharge her when sheâs exhausted. At one point, our rambling conversation turned to a topic Iâve known far too wellâher father.
Later that evening, I received an email from Jodelle, and she had a lot to say. One line really struck me: âIn so many movies, I have seen a dad wanting to protect his daughter from the world, but I’ve only understood the scene cognitively. Yesterday, I felt it.â
Long ago, I decided that I would never be a dad. I had seen movies with fathers and daughters, and for me, those movies might as well have been Star Wars, ET, or Alienâworlds filled with creatures Iâd never know. However, over the years, Iâve attended Jodelleâs parent-teacher conferences, gone to her graduation, and driven hours to watch her ride Heart at horse shows. Simply, I showed up. I listened. I supported.
Jodelle shared a series of dad poems, as well. I had read the first two poems in their original form when Jodelle was my student. The revised versions revealed new graphic details of her past. The third poem, however, was something entirely different.
She called the poems my early birthday present. When I read the lines âYou are my father figure/Who I look up to/Without being looked down on,â I froze for an instant and had to reread the lines. After fifty years of consciously deciding not to be a dad, I was seen as oneâand it felt incredible. Jodelleâs poem and recognition were two of the best presents Iâve ever received.
I Â know that I was the language arts teacher that Jodelle needed at the time, but her poem revealed things I never knew I taught her: âMy father figure/ Who taught me/ That listening is for observing the world/ That listening is for learning/Not obeying/Writing is for connecting/Healing with others.â
Teaching is often a thankless job, one that frequently brings more stress and anxiety than joy and hope. Stress erodes my patience. Anxiety curtails my ability to enter each interaction with every student with the grace they deserve. However, my time with Jodelle reminds me of the importance of leaning in and listening.
In the article âThree Things That Matter Most in Youth and Old Ageâ by Nancy Hill, she illuminates how we âlive among such remarkable people, yet few know their stories.â For the last twenty years, Iâve had the privilege to work with countless of these âremarkable people,â and Iâve done my best to listen, and, in so doing, I hope my students will realize what Iâve known for a long time; their voices matter and deserve to be heard, but the voices of their tias and abuelitos and babushkas are equally important. When we take the time to listen, I believe we do more than affirm the humanity of others; we affirm our own as well.
Charles Sanderson has grounded his nineteen-year teaching career in a philosophy he describes as âMirror, Window, Bridge.â Charles seeks to ensure all students see themselves, see others, and begin to learn the skills to build bridges of empathy, affinity, and understanding between communities and cultures that may seem vastly different. He proudly teaches at the Wellness, Business and Sports School in Woodburn, Oregon, a school and community that brings him joy and hope on a daily basis.
From  The Author: Response to Charles Sanderson
Dear Charles Sanderson,
Thank you for submitting an essay of your own in addition to encouraging your students to participate in YES! Magazineâs essay contest.
Your essay focused not on what is important to you, but rather on what is important to one of your students. You took what mattered to her to heart, acting upon it by going beyond the school day and creating a connection that has helped fill a huge gap in her life. Your efforts will affect her far beyond her years in school. It is clear that your involvement with this student is far from the only time you have gone beyond the classroom, and while you are not seeking personal acknowledgment, I cannot help but applaud you.
In an ideal world, every teacher, every adult, would show the same interest in our children and adolescents that you do. By taking the time to listen to what is important to our youth, we can help them grow into compassionate, caring adults, capable of making our world a better place.
Your concerted efforts to guide our youth to success not only as students but also as human beings is commendable. May others be inspired by your insights, concerns, and actions. You define excellence in teaching.
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Tips for Writing Your Motivational Statement and Essays
While itâs one of our favorite parts of the application reading experience, we know that writing essay components can be anxiety-inducing for applicants. As you start or continue your application , we hope you find this guidance on the motivational statement and essays helpful.
Motivational Statement
All students applying to the Master of Public Policy (MPP) , MA in Public Policy (MA) , MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy (MSCAPP) , and MA in Public Policy with Certificate in Research Methods (MACRM) programs are required to submit a 300-word motivational statement answering the questions: Why policy? Why Harris? (Or a version of these questions more specific to your program).
Some suggestions as you are thinking about your answers to these questions:
Answer the prompt. Donât worry about using precious space to introduce yourselfâjump right into answering the question.Â
Write first, edit later. Get your ideas onto the pageâwhether that means bullet points, idea webs, or a journal entry. Donât worry about crafting the perfect opener, meeting the word count, or checking grammar when you are first getting started. Â
Reflect. Think about the professional, personal, or academic experience that has inspired you.Â
Be specific. When answering Why Harris? , be specific to the University of Chicago and Harris. Analyze why certain programs, centers, classes, or professors made you want to apply here.Â
Optional Essay Questions
Although the Motivation Statement is required, the essay questions are optional. For all optional essay questions, we arenât just interested in the âright answer,â but how you are thinking about and approaching these complex questions.
Students applying to the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program may pick any of the three questions below. Completing question three will allow you to be considered for Pearson fellowships open only to MPP students.
Students applying to the MA in Public Policy (MA) , MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy (MSCAPP) , and MA in Public Policy with Certificate in Research Methods (MACRM) programs may choose to complete optional essays 1 and
Option 1:Â ChallengeâDescribe briefly the biggest challenge you have ever faced. How did you tackle it and what did you learn? (max 300 words)
Tip: In essay one, you may write about a personal, professional, or academic challenge when answering this question. Perhaps more than the challenge itself, we are interested in how you tackled the challenge, and what you learned in the process.
Option 2:Â CommunityâWhere do you see yourself getting involved in the community during your time at Harrisâeither at the University of Chicago or in the city of Chicago? (max 300 words)
Tip: If you are answering essay two, please make sure to speak specifically to Harris or UChicago.
Option 3: PearsonâIf you would like to be considered for The Pearson Fellowship , please answer the following: In reflecting on the complexities of past and present protracted global conflicts, please analyze what singular global conflict most puzzles you personally, and discuss why.
Tip: Please note that âglobal conflictâ can refer to a range of conflicts (i.e. inter/intra state; those involving non-state actors, etc.) and a range of issues associated (i.e. refugee crises, religious conflict, gang violence, drug wars, domestic violence, etc.). Remember to consider: Is the conflict actually puzzling? For example, does it involve actors acting against their own best interest, or operating irrationally?â And finally, for the purposes of this essay, you will not need to cite sources.
We hope you find these tips helpful as you move your application forward.
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Home Essay Samples Psychology
Essay Samples on Motivation
What motivates me as a student.
What motivates you as a student? This question delves into the driving forces that ignite my passion for learning and shape my academic journey. From the pursuit of knowledge to personal growth and future aspirations, my motivations are diverse and ever-evolving. This essay will explore...
Rising Above Negativity: A Journey in Music and Self-Belief
My Early Music Career Let me inform you about a time when I realized a life lesson. A couple of weeks ago, I started out producing music; I was once just starting as a producer, and I had no prior expertise in song theory. I...
- Life Lesson
Main Disadvantages Reward System and Recognition
The reward system is a group of neural structures responsible for incentive salience, associative learning, and positively balanced emotions, particularly ones which involve pleasure as a core component. The Reward is the attractive and motivational property of a stimulus that induces appetitive behavior, also known...
- Reward System
Carl Rogers and Annaâs Case Study
Carl Rogers was born on the 8th of January 1902 and passed away at the age of 85 on the 4th of January 1987. Rogers was known for developing the person-centered approach and helping found the humanistic approach. Rogers was influenced by Abraham Maslow who...
- Abraham Maslow
My Ambition Far Exceeded My Talents
One important thing to ask about Ambition is if being too motivated is inherently wrong or selfish. This question is important because ambition is motivation, which helps business-men create businesses, Writers to write novels, and Creators to create. A common misconception seems to be that...
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Motivation: Learning What Motivates You
The theoretical structure is the essential piece of each study since its fill in as a manual for deliberately distinguish, the coherent and entirely characterised relationship among variable. It doesn't just help researchers decided the relationship among variable yet, also, equips the researcher with a...
- Personal Experience
Motivation Of People Seeking For Revenge
People tend to become extremely motivated in the pursuit of seeking out revenge on others for various reasons. From something mediocre to an extreme. Revenge is the forceful desire to inflict hurt or harm to another for a wrong suffered at their hands or just...
Application Of Motivation Models In Employee Engagement
Introduction Motivation Motivation means the procedure by which an individual's endeavours are empowered, coordinated, and supported toward accomplishing a goal. The given definition has three key components: vitality, course, and persistence. Vitality The vitality component is a proportion of power of the drive. An inspired...
- Employee Engagement
- Persistence
The Promising Advantages of Honor Codes for the Student's Future
My name is Rosine Uwayesu, and I am currently a sophomore at Tyler Junior College. I am pursuing an associate degree in Biology to complete my pre-med qualifications. After I finish my associate degree this coming fall of 2019, I plan to transfer to UT...
- Honor Codes
How My Favorite Author's Work Has Changed Me
Starting with an exercise to describe your favorite person, Finding a Job in Tough Times by Dr. Tim Johnson leads the reader on a journey of self-discovery. Through introspection, reflection, and self-direction, the book challenges the job-seeker to become more emotionally fit to weather the...
- Favorite Author
How Motivation and Dedication Helped Me to Find My Goal in Life
When you have motivation, it helps you build determination to achieve your goals and do things that exceeds your limits. It is hard to strive for success and happiness when there is no motivation in the air. You need it to keep you from failing...
How to Succed in College and Avoid Dropping Out
College success can be defined in several ways depending on a studentâs goals and why they enrolled in the first place. Some students focus on completing the next class task or assignment and overlook the overall effect that education plays in their future life. Which...
- Success in Education
Finding the Motivation to Focus on One Objective
We should all figure out how to focus on the extremely significant errands that will have the best effect on accomplishing our satisfaction and objectives throughout everyday life. We just can't stand to invest important energy to randomly experience life doing the simple things that...
Selfishness as an Integral Part of Human Nature
âIt is truth universally acknowledged that humans are selfish and self â centered. Selfishness is not a characteristic only a bad person has, but is part of our human nature. Despite most human beingâs perspectives, âselfishness is the driving force behind everything we do.â(Richard) We...
- Personal Qualities
- Selfishness
Who Moved My Cheese: Overcoming the Obstacles
The author of Who Moved My Cheese is Spencer Johnson. He was not only a writer but a physician too. He graduated from Notre Dame High School and then got a Bachelor of Arts degree in phycology from the University of Southern California. He then...
- Overcoming Obstacles
- Who Moved My Cheese
Child Development Theories: The Narratives and Application
Introduction Theories on child development centre around understanding how children change and develop through the span of youth. Theories of development provide a framework for thinking about human growth and learning (Cherry, K. 2019). Such theories focus on different parts of development which include social,...
- Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
The Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as the Motivational System of Achievements
The Maslow's hierarchy of needs is one of the best-known theories of motivation. According to humanist psychologist Abraham Maslow, our actions are motivated in order to achieve certain needs. Abstract: Maslow believed that each individual has a hierarchy of needs, consisting of physiological, safety, social,...
The Loss of Motivation in Professional Chess
It is very unfortunate that players go from the pristine state of 'What can I learn?' to 'How can I improve my rating?'. And when it comes to kids, parents (and I am a parent of a chess player) are guilty of that shift in...
High Motivation and Obstacles to the Peak PerformanceÂ
Overybody loves peak performance and it is their desire to achieve it, however, many people are forced to quit due to the numerous obstacles associated with peak performance. As we already know that it is not easy to achieve peak performance, there are many obstacles...
Health Coaching: Motivating Lifestyle Change
As life becomes more fast paced and cutthroat with each passing second, chronic illnesses such as stress, hypotension and chronic pain become more common. Whatâs most unfortunate about such illnesses is that they do not have a solid cure, as they arise due to a...
- Healthy Lifestyle
Nelson Mandela as the Source of Motivation for Young Activists
Providence College has been granted $250,000 to construct a statue on campus that commemorates heroism. The statue will help as a reminder to educate students and future generations qualities like independence, courage integrity, and resourcefulness. This is why Nelson Mandela should be memorialized, he embodies...
- Nelson Mandela
The Social Network: Motivation of Facebook's Founder
Introduction: The Social Network narrates the story of Mark Zuckerberg, a young computer engineer attending Harvard University. After breaking up with his girlfriend Zuckerberg decides to create a site to rank the young appeal of Harvard co-eds. He uses his exemplary computer knowledge to download...
- The Social Network
How Motivation Helps Overcome Academic Challenges
According to Usher and Morris (2012), the cognitive process is a process to acquire information and knowledge which are added to the previous beliefs and thoughts. The development of cognitive processes is mostly depending on how the support it receives from the surrounding environment. They...
- Academic Challenges
Motivational Drive of the Nestle Employees
To enhance their corporate image and also to ensure that employees are involved in activities intended to improve and promote good quality of life, many employees in the region have been engaged in various activities aimed at giving back to the community. Since 2011, they...
Hierarchical Control: Link to Productivity and Motivation of Workers
To put it plainly, hierarchical control is the procedure of consistently dispensing, assessing, and managing assets to accomplish authoritative objectives. To effectively control an association, administrators must realize what execution criteria are, yet in addition discover how to impart that data to representatives. Control is...
Brainology: Transforming Students' Motivation to Learn
Life is a learning process, and every day, we encounter situations that will force us to learn. Some ways can help us to learn better, but they come with a lot of challenges. The need to succeed is one of the pressure students face in...
Research Report on Motivations of Serial Killers
Abstract The study investigated the contributing factors of why people become serial killers. The study methodology involved twenty case studies of killings that took place in the United States. The case studies were limited to 1960s up to date. The case studies were screened for...
- Serial Killer
Swimming as a Tool to Develop Motivation in Young Children
In the last decade, much of the research produced around physical education suggests that teacher behaviour in the learning environment and the type of instructional approaches they use, significantly affect the degree that students learn (VanTassel-Baska, J. 2012). Numerous different teaching styles have been proposed...
- Childhood Development
Mahatma Gandhi, Motivation to Continue for Millions in India
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi has been an ideological, political, and profound pioneer of India. He was conceived in 1869 in Porbandar, India, yet a Hindu fanatic killed in 1948. He considered law in London and came back to India to rehearse his investigations a while later....
- Mahatma Gandhi
Medicine â The Perfect Industry For Me
I was inspired to study Medicine the moment I witnessed a dural splitting craniocervical decompression procedure. I undertook work experience at the Leeds General Infirmary within the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. During work experience, I observed different surgeries, from Paediatric Neurosurgery to Cancer Surgery on...
- About Myself
- Career Goals
My Career Plans In The Childcare Area
In the last 2 years I have realise that I really want to work with children and young people because everyday is different and full of unknown. I am a person that it is always willing to learn something new and try new things to...
My Enthusiasm And Dedication To Study Mathematics
Transire suum pectus mundoque potiri, there is no other sentence that could better describe the purpose of maths and its austere beauty. Iâd like to study mathematics to educate the eye and the ear of the mind, to be able to see or hear its...
My Fascination With Economics Studies
I believe we can have a better world. But to improve it I must understand it. This course will help me do that. Shadowing a QC Judge allowed me to observe the impact of judicial institutions on society, see how the judge came to conclusions...
My Interest In Clinical Psychology As A Future Career
Psychology changes lives. It can be the catalyst to change a mindset, to solve a problem and to create a therapy. It can give you the tools to better yourself in ways you thought you couldn't and creates a sense of hope that you can...
Physiotherapy â The Best Career Option For Me
Being an advocate of good health and fitness, physiotherapy excites me as a career option. For me life is at its best when u can make a difference to somebody else life and being a physiotherapist can give me this opportunity, Physiotherapy helps those who...
The Reasons I Choose To Study Natural Sciences At University
Science is fundamentally important to me, it represents progression in time; the more we research and experiment themore we are able to understand the world we live in. I love science because it attempts to explain every single action that ispossible in ways which can...
The Reasons I Choose To Study Philosophy, Politics And Economics (PPE) Course
In July 2018 I interned at the Elysee in President Macronâs speechwriting office, witnessing the meticulous research and data analysis over different disciplines required to craft a major policy speech. It illustrated how addressing complex societal problems requires broad interdisciplinary knowledge. Looking forwards, combining philosophyâs...
The Reasons I Deserve An Opportunity To Join CRSâ Fellows Program
My experiences and vocation as a pharmacist make me the ideal candidate for the CRSâ Fellows Program. Your organization is known to help the poor and vulnerable overcome emergencies and access affordable healthcare. I know that with my background in pharmacy and interest in supply...
- Personal Life
Extrinsic And Intrinsic Motivators Within Sports
In professional sports athletes can be paid up to very large amounts of money. Through these large sums of money being paid this can lead to athletes becoming more extrinsically motivated rather than intrinsically motivated. Intrinsic motivation is where a person (athlete in this case)...
- Adventure Sports
Importance Of Perseverance In Reaching Your Life Goals
People complain, they complain about their situation without even trying to change it. They ask me: âWhy should I even tryâ âIâm doing this so long, I canât reach anythingâ they keep doubting themselves. But you know what is gonna make the big difference in...
- Modern Society
Human Motivation Theory By David McClelland
In any organization it should be considered vital to identify the underlying motivational forces of team members. Pinpointing motivators can help better understand the individual worker and to manage and motivate them in the best possible way in teams. David McClelland proposed his Human Motivation...
- Organizational Culture
Homework Assistance And Children'S Task Persistence
A childâs motivation in school context may be affected by many environmental factorâs, however, it is well known that the role a mother playâs may be crucial. The study conducted by Viljaranta et al. (2018) observes the longitudinal relation between a motherâs assistance with schoolwork...
The Importance Of Emotional Management
Motivation has been outlined in varied ways in which over the years, however a standard element of the various definitions is that motivation could be a force that energizes, activates and directs behavior. In 2006, Franken outlined motivation because the arousal, direction, and persistence of...
- Developmental Psychology
- Human Behavior
The Reasons Employee Motivation Is Critical For A Company
Motivation is the main stimulus directing the activities and actions of employees. It drives them to accomplish an objective or to satisfy desire. Comprehending what incites employees at work ensures that a business not just has workers that have the education, inclination and capacity to...
My Motivation To Pursue A Career In Theatre
Bringing people together to enjoy a production is a magical and memorable experience and over the years Iâve had the privilege to watch and perform in some amazing productions. I believe that taking young people to live theatre provides a host of developmental benefits, including...
Analysis Of Theories Of Job Satisfaction
Motivation refers to the drive and effort to satisfy a want or goal. Satisfaction refers to the contentment experienced when a want is satisfied. Motivation implies a drive toward an outcome, and satisfaction is the outcome already experienced. Job satisfaction is a general attitude, which...
- Job Satisfaction
My Motivation To Take A Role In The Medical Field
Desire to excel to the best of my abilities has always been a personal trait of mine and being aware there are obstacles to overcome, has only encouraged me further to achieve my goals and ambitions. A profound interest to study this degree course stems...
Best topics on Motivation
1. What Motivates Me as a Student
2. Rising Above Negativity: A Journey in Music and Self-Belief
3. Main Disadvantages Reward System and Recognition
4. Carl Rogers and Annaâs Case Study
5. My Ambition Far Exceeded My Talents
6. Motivation: Learning What Motivates You
7. Motivation Of People Seeking For Revenge
8. Application Of Motivation Models In Employee Engagement
9. The Promising Advantages of Honor Codes for the Student’s Future
10. How My Favorite Author’s Work Has Changed Me
11. How Motivation and Dedication Helped Me to Find My Goal in Life
12. How to Succed in College and Avoid Dropping Out
13. Finding the Motivation to Focus on One Objective
14. Selfishness as an Integral Part of Human Nature
15. Who Moved My Cheese: Overcoming the Obstacles
- Critical Reflection
- Milgram Experiment
- Growth Mindset
- Lev Vygotsky Theory
- Problem Solving
- Birth Order
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Challenges in College , Getting Into College , Going Back to College , Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students
Inspirational College Application Essay Decoded!
Updated: July 11, 2022
Published: October 29, 2021
If you are applying to a college that requires a college application essay, you will undoubtedly want your college essay to leave a lasting impression on its readers.Â
Many colleges request a college application essay; some colleges will provide prospective students with the topic they want you to write about, while others will leave the choice up to you. Â
So, how do you write an inspirational essay? Thereâs no single right way to source college essay inspiration, but there are some recommendations that weâve compiled here to help you along with your process.Â
What is a Personal Statement?
A personal statement, or college application essay, is an opportunity to share something about yourself through writing that the college admissions team wonât necessarily glean from your resume , transcript, or letters of recommendation.Â
It provides applicants with the space to share more about their personality and complement the other pieces of your application to offer a well-rounded picture of who you are.Â
Things to NoteÂ
Before you get started on your college essay, there are some important things to keep in mind . Youâll likely have been spending a lot of time compiling all the other components for your application, which may include transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and more.Â
When it comes time to write your personal statement, be sure to:
Read the Directions Closely
Many prospective students and enrolled students will note that their college essay was the most challenging aspect of completing their college application. This is because it requires the most thought, time, and can also be somewhat open-ended. As such, itâs vital that students read the college essay guidelines and directions closely. In itself, the college essay is like a test for college admissions committees to see how well you can follow directions.Â
Avoid ClichĂ©sÂ
There are many inspirational essay examples you can choose from to find ideas, but when using inspiration, avoid using clichĂ©s. While clichĂ©s exist for a reason because they are based in truth, many students will likely use them. To prevent your essay from getting overlooked, use your own words and voice to describe what you write about so that you can stand apart.Â
Once you have your essay drafted, be sure to plan enough time to proofread and edit your work. Even if you feel unsure of putting words on the page, write them down. You can spend time making it better with a second, third, and fourth look. The proofreading stage should also include an objective set of eyes (someone you trust) who can give you their honest opinion about your essay.
A Step-by-Step GuideÂ
Your college essay isnât going to write itself. You have to put in the work, but it can be overwhelming to know where to start.Â
Hereâs a step-by-step guide that should help you start and finish your inspirational college essay.Â
Organize and BrainstormÂ
Before you get started on drafting your college essay, organize your thoughts. If youâve been given essay prompts, dedicate at least 5-10 minutes to each prompt to think about what you may write about. Â
Choose Your TopicÂ
Based on how much you come up with for each prompt, you can choose which prompt will suit your story the best. If you have an open-ended prompt, think about defining moments in your life, your passions, inspirations, achievements, and the like to come up with some ideas of what you can share.Â
Create an OutlineÂ
There will be a lot of details that youâll want to add to your essay to convey your point(s). To keep the flow organized, begin by outlining what you will talk about. A clear starting point is a brief introduction with a hook sentence to grab the readerâs attention. Then, list where you will go next with main points and supporting evidence (anecdotes from your past, examples of your point, etc.). Finish up with a conclusion that reiterates your main point (topic/gist), and close out with something that leaves the reader thinking or feeling something strongly so that your essay lingers in their mind.Â
Once you have your outline sorted, you can get to drafting up your inspirational essay. While itâs difficult not to edit as you write, try to let everything out. Youâll have time to clean it up after, but allowing your train of thought to appear on the page may lead to something brilliant.Â
Many college essays will provide you with a maximum word count. Remain aware of this word count as you write.Â
Pro Tip: If you use Google Docs, go to Tools> Word Count> Select âDisplay Word Count While Typing.â
The chances are, youâll probably find it easier to write more than less. To cut down your word count, read each sentence and ask yourself if that sentence or word is necessary to convey your point. Keep an eye on grammar and spelling. Even though you will use the word processorâs spelling and grammar review upon completion, it doesnât always catch everything.Â
After youâve edited down your college essay, read it over a few times, and entrust someone (or multiple people) to give you some feedback. Try not to take the feedback personally, as the people you allow to read your essay will likely have your best interest in mind, and they are just trying to help you write a better final product.Â
College Essay InspirationÂ
Youâll want your personal statement to be considered an inspirational college essay. To make this vision a reality, remember to:Â
- Be passionateÂ
- Be specificÂ
- Be yourselfÂ
Some topics that make for inspirational college essays include stories about:
- Overcoming a challengeÂ
- Learning something newÂ
- Making a significant life changeÂ
- Sharing an epiphanyÂ
- Expressing your interests and reasoningÂ
Your Story is ImportantÂ
Whether you believe it or not, your personal statement and story is important. No two people have the same life circumstance or outlook as another, so sharing your truth with a college admissions team can be the root of inspiration, and ultimately, admission.Â
Believe in yourself and your words, and take the necessary time to prepare, edit, and write your very own inspirational essay for college. The truth is that it can be all the difference to granting your acceptance into the college of your dreams.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
When it comes to choosing a topic for your motivation essay, there are a few things to consider. First, think about what aspect of motivation you find most intriguing. Is it personal motivation, motivation in the workplace, or maybe the psychology behind motivation?
Written by Cecile Richards, Lindy West, Lady Gaga, and more, these essays are filled with inspiration and wisdom to guide you through your day.
10 Lines on Motivation Essay. Motivation is significant for the overall growth of your mind as well as personality. It helps you focus on your goals based on values and skills. Motivation is a necessary resource to improve and work productively during changing times as well as threats.
1. Research the Institution to which you are applying. 2. Be Creative. 3. Get Personal in your Motivational Essay. 4. Adopt a Straightforward and Succinct Tone. 5. Clearly Explain your Motivation. 6. Share your Professional Goals. 7. Find The Right Balance. 8. Back up what you’re saying. 9. Ensure that your Essay is Grammatically Sound. Conclusion.
The three things I found most inspirational about your essays: You asked. You listened. You connected. We live in troubled times. Tensions mount between countries, cultures, genders, religious beliefs, and generations. If we fail to find a way to understand each other, to see similarities between us, the future will be fraught with increased ...
May 02, 2024. While it’s one of our favorite parts of the application reading experience, we know that writing essay components can be anxiety-inducing for applicants. As you start or continue your application, we hope you find this guidance on the motivational statement and essays helpful.
Essay Examples on Motivation. Cover a wide range of topics and excel academically today. Start now đ for FREE!
There are many inspirational essay examples you can choose from to find ideas, but when using inspiration, avoid using clichés. While clichés exist for a reason because they are based in truth, many students will likely use them.