The document provides definitions and guidance for writing a personal essay. It defines a personal essay as a written explanation of something important to the author containing examples from their life showing why it would be useful for others to hear. It advises starting with either the story or the key message, and notes that being specific is better than general. The document encourages the reader to choose a theme such as triumph, shame, enlightenment or fear to develop their own personal essay.

1. How to write
something that is
alive.

2. Definition:
A personal essay is a written explanation or
description of something that is important to you or
that you believe to be true containing several
examples from your life that show why you think it is
useful for other people to hear about.

3. Definition: The This-I-Believe statement
A personal essay is a written explanation or
description of something that is important to you or
that you believe to be true containing several
examples from your life that show why you think it is
useful for other people to hear about.

4. Definition: The This-I-Believe statement
A personal essay is a written explanation or
description of something that is important to you or
that you believe to be true containing several
examples from your life that show why you think it is
useful for other people to hear about.
also know as elaboration

5. The problem

6. What goes here?

7. Discover the
Message
Start with
the story...

8. Start with the
message
Discover the
Story

9. Specific is always better

10. almost always
Specific is always better

11. Elaboration

13. People should spend
more time in Nature

15. Your turn...

16. Start with:
Triumph
Shame
Enlightenment
Fear