The document outlines an essay assignment focused on exploring significant influences in one's life, specifically highlighting the importance of unique personal experiences. Students are encouraged to describe either a real or fictional figure that has inspired them, along with the depth of that influence. It also emphasizes creativity and personal reflection, requiring the use of specific descriptive elements in the essay.

2. Hobbies Fears
Sports Unique Favorite Food
Favorite Book Dreams
Talents
Review: Your essay should be about a combination of factors, not just one. Step
back for a second and think about all the elements that make you who you are.
You want to come across as someone who is UNIQUE. Remember, you have to
stand out.

3. Who?
What?
Source of When?
Influence
Where?
Why?
How?
Last time we focused on YOU. This time, we are going to focus on who (or what)
influences you. This is a very common essay question. You need to be able to
intimately describe who/what influences you, as well as tie that in to how it
makes you, YOU.

4. Who?
What?
Source of When?
Influence
Where?
Why?
How?
Today, specifically, we are going to focus on WHO. This usually means your
“hero” or simply someone who’s had a great influence on you. You STILL need to
be able to answer what this person did or when it was they influenced you.

5. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence
on you, and describe that influence.
Describe a character in fiction, a historical
figure, or a creative work (as in
art, music, science, etc.) that has had an
influence on you, and explain that influence.
These are two questions from Stanford University’s admissions process. Note
that you are given the option to describe either a real person or a fictitious one.
Remember, someone doesn’t have to exist in real life to be an influencer.

6. With famous figures, it’s pretty easy to answer the “what he/she did to influence
me.” Go beyond that. Remember the questions from the first class? Try to dig
deeper like that. What books would this hero put in their soup? Try to draw
connections that force you to think deeper.

7. Sometimes you’re given the option of writing about a fictitious hero. Don’t pass
up the opportunity to REALLY dig deep! Everyone knows why Spider-Man is a
good guy, but who knows what he would name a flower? That’s the kind of
creativity you need to have.

8. Group Assignment: Pick either one of these two figures and write an essay
describing how they influence you. You must use ALL 12 of the following
descriptions in your essay:
purple, rosemary, curry, cricket, green, waterfall, rubber, plastic, iron, bitter, th

9. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbhzLI-vNjE
Homework: Watch the following video, “Making An Olympian: Gabrielle
Douglas.” While watching, put yourself in the shoes of Gabby Douglas. Write an
essay for Stanford University’s admissions process explaining why your mother
has had such a great influence on you.