"The Challenges of Writing the College Essay"

Since the early days of middle school seven years ago,

Writing essays has become quite natural to me,

Whether as part of a test, a book analysis, or a research paper.

How challenging the college essay would be, I did not foresee.

The Common Application gives several topics to choose from:

All very vague and basic idea-starters, but nothing that gave me inspiration.

A significant experience? A significant influence? Issues of concern?

I could not think of anything creative or interesting, causing me frustration.

I sat in front of my computer for hours upon hours,

Trying to think of something that would showcase who I am through the written word.

I have not traveled across the globe or grown up immersed in cultures of my heritage;

Despite a lack of highly unique experiences, I am a unique girl who deserves to be heard.

I reflected upon my internship experience this summer

And all of the things that I learned along the way.

Knowledge I gained simply from riding the train

Helped lay the groundwork for the topic of my college essay.

In the essay I talked about how looks do not tell all

And how people have judged my personality based on my appearance and size.

After all my bouts with writer's block and shaky topics, I put together

An essay that I hope will really catch admissions officers' eyes.