This document provides prompts and guidelines for a personal reflection essay assignment. Students are asked to write an 800-1000 word essay describing a time when words failed to adequately capture an experience, whether it was a moment, realization, feeling, or something that was seen. They are prompted to describe what happened, what made it unique, how they processed it without words, and to use sensory details. They should also reflect on whether they tried to share it with others and how difficult that was, and whether the experience increased self-awareness or a sense of universal connection. The assignment is intended as self-exploration and discussion of possible structures will occur in class.

1. Eng. 102 Palmer
Personal Reflection Essay
800 - 1,000 words (1.5 - 2 pages)
When was a time words failed you?
Explore a time when you had an experience that was hard to put into words. This can be a
moment, a realization, a feeling, or something you saw that knocked you to the ground or took
your breath away (positive or negative).
- What was this happenstance? What made it so unique?
- When you can’t put something into words, how else do you process it?
- What sensory descriptions can you use to describe the experience (sight/ touch/ hearing,
etc)?
Was this something you attempted to express to people, or singular (kept to yourself)? If trying
to share, how easy/ difficult was it? Do you feel you were successful? Why are some things
harder to describe than others?
Did the experience make you more aware of yourself? Did it seem universal (i.e., connection to
others that could have a similar experience)?
This assignment is an ​exploration​ . We’ll discuss possible organization/ rubrics in
class. The above are prompts ​only​ . Most importantly, attempt to be true to the
experience/ help someone else feel what you felt.