4. Reflect on the life
changing events you have
done or have happened
to you all the way back
from when you were in
pre-school till now.
5. QUESTIONS TO
THINK ABOUT…
Did you take interesting classes?
Did you have a memorable
summer experience?
What are some things you’re most
proud of?
Did you face a tough challenge?
Did you have interesting hobbies?
How did you spend your free time?
What was your favorite time in
school?
6. JOT DOWN YOUR
THOUGHTS
Write only one or two
words… not a
paragraph.
If you worked at a
music shop, just write
“music shop.”
7. TIPS
1. Draw a circle around each thought so they are
separate from your other thoughts
2. Jot down as many thoughts as you can (10-20)
3. Do not organize or censor your thoughts… be
open and free as much as you can!
10. Positive & Negative Events in life
• Working in a fast food restaurant or law firm
• Helping your neighbors move in
• Taking a fantastic class
• Tutoring a child
• Baking cookies for the holidays
• Designing a website or your MySpace page
• Acting in a school play
• Reading an amazing poem
• Running for school election
• Winning a basketball game
• Parents’ divorce
• Family illness or challenge
11. People who have influenced you
• Parents
• Relatives
• Mentor
• Favorite teacher
• Hard teacher
• Coach
• Scout leader
• Minister
12. Other Ideas
• Academic major/minor • Hobbies
• Achievements • Honors
• Adventures/risks • Ideas
• Assignments, papers or projects • Interests
• Classes • Internships
• Creative works • Jobs
• College years: freshman, sophomore, • Pets
junior, etc. • Places you’ve lived
• Elementary or junior high school • Places you’ve traveled
• Family heritage/culture • Reading
• Favorite memories • Sports
• Favorite quotes or song lyrics • Summer activities
• Fun & leisure • Theories
• Games • Vacations
• High school years: 9th grade, 10th • Volunteer activities
grade, etc. • Writing
13. Analyze your map!
Connect (by drawing lines) the obvious connections.
For example, if you have a bunch of instruments listed
or anything related to music, connect all the different
music related ideas. Or, connect all your part time
jobs/volunteer experiences.
14.
15.
16. What do the commonalities mean?
• If you worked a summer camp and
was a babysitter, do you enjoy
working with children?
• If you played sports, did you enjoy the
competition? Being part of a team?
Being a leader?
17. Connect the Dots
What are the connecting
themes or threads that
run through your life?
Do you seem to use
certain skills over and
over again?
18.
19. Find a partner to share your themes.
Find themes in your partners map!
20. Write down your top 5
skills/strengths/themes
Use these themes & skills
to help you choose a
career/major.
