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Never Give Up

By Jack Handey

If I could say one thing to the young people of today, it would be this: Never give up. Keep trying and pushing and struggling, even if you don’t know what your goal is or why you would want to achieve it.

As you march down the street not giving up, hold your head high and swing your elbows. People will recognize you as someone who won’t give up, and they will get out of your way. Some of them will even hide.

Some will try to discourage you. They’ll say that what you’re doing is “illegal,” or a “sin,” or a violation of the health code. They may cling to your legs, causing you to drag them along, or jump onto your back, pleading, “In the name of God, please stop what you’re doing!”

Keep going. Rest assured, they’re jealous.

“We’re not jealous, honestly,” they may say. “Just please stop!” Maybe you’ve struck a nerve.

“No, you haven’t struck a nerve,” they’ll say. “What you’re doing is just awful, and we’d like you to stop!”

Let that be your inspiration. Shake off the naysayers and trudge on, through the mud and the filth and the slime, knowing that you have a higher purpose. Remember, nobody liked van Gogh’s work, and if nobody likes yours it’s probably a sign that you’re a genius.

Look to the horizon. See that little dot? No, not that one—the one that’s even farther out. You can barely see it. Now don’t stop until you reach it. Take out your machete and hack a new path through the jungle, even if there is an old path just a few feet away. Fend off the monkeys of “good manners” and the sloths of “patience.”

We are born with the instinct not to give up. As babies, we cry and scream until we get what we want. But somewhere along the line we lose that ability. People talk us out of our crazy ideas—people who live in the so-called real world, where things “make sense.” They’ve never attempted the impossible. But you have, many, many times.

Keep pushing ahead—not in a way that seems pushy but in a way that says you won’t stop. Some people say you shouldn’t bang your head against a wall. Tell that to the woodpecker.

Along the way, there will be compromises—bribes and torture and “hunting accidents.” You may have to engage in unnatural sex acts. But don’t give up. With each unnatural sex act, you will be one step closer to your goal.

When you finally reach the first stage of success, congratulate yourself. But remember that there are twenty-four more stages of success.

Some people may ask, “If I take a rest, even a little one, is that the same as giving up?” Yes, it is. But if you need to pretend to give up—so that people will leave you alone—go ahead. Then keep doing what you do, but even harder.

Several years ago, there was a man who wouldn’t give up. He was just an actor, but he had bigger things in mind, in the world of politics. People tried to talk him out of his wild-eyed notions, but he wouldn’t listen. And that man was John Wilkes Booth.

Keep pushing and scraping and clawing and begging. Even in your dreams, don’t give up. If you dream that you are wearing nothing but underpants, try to make them expensive, executive underpants.

Eventually, all your determination will pay off. The same people who mocked your ideas and tackled you will now claim to love your vision. “We love it! We love it!” they’ll say. They’ll tell you that the governor is interested in your ideas and will bundle you off in a car to the governor’s mansion. But when you pass under the stone archway you’ll notice that it doesn’t say “Governor’s Mansion” but “Insane Asylum.” Jump out of the car and run into the woods. Keep running. Never give up running. ♦

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Never Give Up Essay Examples

Never give up is a phrase that many of us have heard throughout our lives. It has been used to encourage and motivate people during difficult times and remind them not to give in despite the struggles they may be facing. The idea behind never giving up can be applied to any situation, no matter how big or small it might seem. Whether it’s a challenge you are facing at work, school, or even in your personal life, never giving up can help you overcome adversity and reach success. First and foremost, perseverance is key when trying to achieve something worthwhile. If you don’t put in the effort and dedication necessary for success, then your chances of succeeding decrease greatly. When we face a setback or failure it’s important to remember that this is part of the process towards achieving our goals ” learning from mistakes helps us grow stronger each time we fail or make a mistake so that next time we know what not do differently. Additionally, having supportive people around us who remind us not to give up and believe in ourselves can be incredibly helpful during tough times because their motivation gives us an extra boost when needed most. Lastly, if we want something bad enough then nothing should stop us from pursuing it until we have achieved our desired outcome; this doesn’t mean there won’t be obstacles along the way but with hard work comes great reward. Keeping focused on what matters most provides determination which will lead you closer towards reaching goals – always look ahead instead of dwelling on past failures as this attitude brings forth positive energy that leads towards growth rather than discouragement. With patience and resilience anything is possible so long as the belief remains strong within oneself – never give up.

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How to Easily Tackle a “Never Give Up Essay”

The attitude towards a never give up essay differs among various students. Some feel that this is a motivational paper which has been exhaustively written on by many renowned authors.

However, what many students forget is that there is no monopoly of ideas. That one new idea that they would bring on board in a “never gonna give you up essay” might be all that someone else has been yearning to hear. That leads us to the sole purpose of this post, to bring you to that point of making a unique paper that would give hope to many on the verge of giving up.

Essential Tips on the Structure of a Never Give Up Essay

Never give up essay titles play a critical role in the reception of your paper. For you to catch, not only the eyes but hearts of many, the title should be:

Unique A Catchy Hook In line with the tone of your essay Of interest to you and the reader too!

Introduction

A top-grade essay on never give up introduction paragraph should be both engaging and informative. It should be able to connect with the reader’s current state of emotion or feeling at first glance. Your introduction should:

First, give the context and background Set up the scope and purpose of your essay Show the reader that he/she is in the right place

Have you ever read or heard about the importance of an oasis in a desert? Well, your essay body should be more or less the same – quenching the thirst of your reader sufficiently. The never give up a paragraph that makes up the organisation provides the real chunk of meat. You can achieve this by using:

Real-life experiences Surprising facts or statistics Human interest occurrences that relate to the situation

You should also choose the right words for never giving up.

The Conclusion

One dirty little secret that you can use here is a punch line, for example: “Take the blow, get back up, and punch it back.” Make the reader see how all that comes to us in this life can make them who they want to be.

Now to the most anticipated essay example!

Sample Speech on Never Give up on Your Dreams “We all have dreams on our minds, but hardly do we manage to achieve them in our first attempt. There is nothing as sweet as dreaming, you know why? Dreaming is all about what we love and hope for the most. But do you know what is the most adorable in all these? Making dreams a reality! There is only one making this happen – by never giving up! It implies that you do not let your failures be a stumbling block, but rather act as your stepping stone. I remember the story of Albert Einstein, who made 1000 attempts to make a light bulb. True to his resilience, there was light at the end of the tunnel. My father was the firstborn in a family of four. He grew up in a humble background where having two meals a day would call for a grand celebration. Being raised by a single mother, the siblings grew up knowing nothing but the smell of poverty. It must have saturated their minds and reached to their lungs. When he was around ten years old, their mother passed on, leaving them as orphans. It meant that life for them had to take a different turn. Being the firstborn, my father had to take up the leadership mantle for the three siblings. He would move from bin to bin and collect as many leftovers as possible. In the evening, the four would have their “feast.” After that, they would resort to their cartoons in anticipation for yet another day. However, my father had a dream, and no one was going to shutter it. He wanted to be an aeronautical engineer at all costs. Therefore, he would visit the airport daily and watch the planes take off and land. One day, a certain man pulled over by him and rolled down his tinted Prado car window. “Young man,” he began, “I have noticed that you are always here. What is it that you want?” Without hesitation, my father let out his dream, “I want to be an aeronautical engineer.” The man sighed a bit and told him, “Well, then, your dream has just become true.”

The man was the head of the engineering department at the airport. He took my father in and enrolled him in the engineering classes. The rest is history!

To sum up, never give up, use every obstacle to better yourself and pursue your dream!”

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Home Essay Samples Life Never Give Up

Never Quit Or Give Up: Personal Story Of Not Stopping

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Never Give Up — The Human’s Dilemma To Give Up The Idea Of Giving Up

The Human’s Dilemma to Give Up The Idea of Giving Up

• Categories: Never Give Up

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Words: 1921 |

10 min read

Published: Mar 18, 2021

Words: 1921 | Pages: 4 | 10 min read

• Burton, N. (2012, March 20). Jean-Paul Sartre on Bad Faith. Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/hide-and-seek/201203/jean-paul-sartre-bad-faith
• Hendricks, S. (2018, March 1). The meaning of life: Albert Camus on faith, suicide, and absurdity. Retrieved from Big Think: https://bigthink.com/scotty-hendricks/the-meaning-of-life-albert- camus-on-faith-suicide-and-absurdity
• Mark, E. (2016, February 22). Taoism. Retrieved from Ancient History: https://www.ancient.eu/Taoism/
• O'Brien, B. (2019, April 23). What Are the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism? Retrieved from Learn Religions: https://www.learnreligions.com/the-four-noble-truths-450095

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Short Essay On 'Never Give Up'

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Never Give Up Essay Example

All of us have many dreams in our minds, but hardly a few manage to get them fulfilled in the first attempt. Dreaming is the sweetest thing ever because we always dream about things we love and hope for. The best way to reach your dreams and hopes is to work to achieve them and to change them to reality and never giving up in any situation. "Never give up” means keep trying and never stop working for your goals. For many people, failure is nothing but the first step towards success. This should be our approach in life. For instance, when small babies learn to walk, they fall down many times. But they don't give up. They keep trying and when they make it, their happy faces say it all. It is rightly said, "Winners never quit, and quitters never win" I remember that one moment in the late 90s, it was half-past ten in the night, and my uncle was talking to my grandfather that he could not work more in that company because they are not paying him good according to his qualification and he wants to quit that job. My grandfather said to my uncle, "you know boy never give up is key to success”

My father was a marine soldier, so he was always strict with everyone, even me too. His decisions were always straightforward. If he commits any decision that means that’s his final decision and we have to follow them. He always told me to never give up. His words are always strong with me. I remember those days when he always pushed me to work out and he always competed with me for pushups and he always won. He doesn’t like to lose because he was a marine soldier. I remember that day when we both were competing against each other. His arms and shoulders were too strong, he would start from, ten, twelve, eighteen, twenty-five, thirty-five, and fifty.

He told me to get down on the floor and he started counting one, two and I ended at ten and then I heard my dad's voice come one you can do it two more and five more, and again two more like that I end at twenty push-ups. He would see my reddened, sweating face and pain in my body but still, he wanted me to continue. I just heard the words never give up and you can also do it and then I fell down and I said no more. Then, with his squinting eyes, he would laugh at me, a high laugh, and said do you think you can do more than me?'' I was so angry and would not answer and look at him; I just went to my next exercise. I never thought that was easy at all. That was the way I felt for so many years during my teens when I was ten years old. I still love to challenge my father. We had always been in a physical relationship with each other. We never communicate with each other in speech as well as in writing. My mother always wrote me letters and called me on the phone when I was in high school. Even my dad never helps me in my studies too, but he is always in the stands during my tennis games. He always tries to communicate with me during the game about how I have to play. He always shows me new moves for my game because he was a great athletics and tennis player. That shows how much he had a love for me. I remember that game when I was almost losing my tennis final in high school. Whereat the end of the set my father came to me and talk to me that how can I back into the game and how can I beat my rival. He told me never to give up, to fight till the end of the game which is always stuck in my mind.

I remember how happy he was when I won that final tennis game. At that moment something occurred to me, something unexpected. My feelings changed towards my dad within a second. I realized that I was feeling sorry for my dad. He was always right that if you have self-determination and confidence, you can chase and win anything in this world. That day that moment sticks in my mind and now whenever I have that kind of situation I always go back to my earlier days and solve my problems. I remember that one time, a few years ago while I was still in high school; one of my dreams was to move to the United States and to pursue a college education there. I tried and I failed with accomplishing this plenty of times. But no matter what anyone said and no matter what obstacles I came across I had made a promise to myself to never give up on that dream because I always had those three words of my father with me "never give up”.

Although it wasn’t the most far-out dream, it was still something I really, really wanted to do. I worked hard through high school, I got a job on the side to help me save up money, and I looked around for schools and places I could imagine myself living. I did this all by myself, and it eventually paid off. I am now living and studying in the United States, and loving every single day of it. I’m proud of myself for never giving up. I now know to keep motivated for my dreams, and that with work hard, fight and passion, anyone can do anything. To sum up, never giving up is the key to success in human life. If someone gets good support from their family and friend’s things will definitely work out in the end. I don’t think that I will ever give up on my life now. I am doing my majors in computer science and I am not going to stop now till I do not achieve my goals.

Never giving up is the attitude that one should carry and live his/her life with, no matter what the situation is. One should keep struggling and fighting with the odds and should wait for the day when he/she will find what he/she has actually been looking for in his/her life. Failure is not an option for anyone. Even though you have failed in any process, you should stand up and do it again, but in any case, you should never give up on your dreams. One should never give up on his/her goals, and one should never give up on a struggle that he/she is doing for attaining something which is very important in life. This attitude has great importance in our lives. To be able to never give up is a virtue that not many people possess. Keeping all the above points in mind, always make sure that no matter what the situation is, you should never ever give up on your life.

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Never Give Up Essay Example

Whether big or small, everyone faces obstacles every day. What matters is how you handle the challenges, and whether or not you give up. “Never Let Go” showcases the importance of working hard and never giving up. It consists of a ladder, lion, infinity necklace, rope, and watch which represent the mindset needed to never quit. I was inspired to create this portrait based on my personal experiences and challenges.

The first symbol, the ladder, represents ascension and the realization of potential. When working towards a goal, it is natural to fail. Each mistake needs to be turned into motivation to try again. For example, in gymnastics, I was put in the same level twice. I saw this as a huge setback, but it motivated me to work hard. I learned that each setback is one step up the ladder of success. The second symbol is a lion, signifying the importance of courage. When you confront a challenge, it might be hard at first. You must be brave enough to overcome the hard part. This is why I am not afraid of trying new tasks. I learned not trying is even worse than a failure. The next symbol is the infinity necklace, which represents the idea of never giving up. To be infinite means to be endless, and you should not end until you have reached your goal. For example, I couldn’t come up with an idea for science fair. It took me a long time, but I kept trying and found a topic that took me to Regionals. I learned that even if it takes time, you should not quit. 

The fourth symbol is a rope, symbolizing the importance of persistence. If you let go of the rope while climbing, you will fall. You must persist till the end and not give up. I experienced this while climbing ropes in gymnastics. When we have to climb multiple ropes, my arms feel like letting go. But, I cannot just stop in the middle or else I will get hurt. This taught me to always begin with the end in mind and to persist. Consistency is as important as persistency, which is symbolized through the watch. To work like clockwork means to work according to plan. In order to do that, you must work consistently. For example, you cannot just relax for a long time, and then work hard at the last minute. If you do this, your work will be much harder and you will feel like giving up even more. This is why I space out my school work everyday.

All five symbols in the portrait have one common point-- positivity. The yellow and orange colors in the background symbolize the optimism and warmth needed when facing a challenge. The blue shirt represents how calm you need to be in order to succeed. You should not get easily frustrated by mistakes. The image placement also plays a key part in the portrait. The rope and ladder are the two biggest symbols because persistence and learning from mistakes are very important. The lion is near the heart because the courage to continue comes from your heart. The watch is small because it might seem insignificant, despite its importance. Similarly,  it might feel like it consistency does not matter as long as things get done in the end. Since the main message is to never quit, the infinity sign is on the neck in the center, where it is visible.

Whenever I face a tough situation, I do not give up. I learn from my mistakes and I am brave, persistent, and consistent to overcome my obstacles. I have felt like quitting many times in life, but I knew that this would lead to a greater failure. I learned that if you work hard and never give up, you can accomplish anything.

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How to Start a College Essay: 5 Effective Techniques

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Impressionable Openers

Descriptions and demonstrations, show vulnerability, be authentic, stay personal, fun & quirky, common mistakes to avoid in your college essay.

• Ways to Overcome Writer's Block

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a College Essay

College essays are a huge part of your college career. If not huge, one of the biggest, and for someone who has been there and done that, I know the amount of pressure the beginning of a college essay, as well as the entire essay, can put on your shoulders.

Not only are you trying to juggle things like word count and grammar errors, but you're also trying to create the perfect college essay introduction that will attract admissions officers to your application or professors to your writing skills. And that, itself, can feel impossible, fill you with dread and self-doubt, but just breathe. I am here to help all present and future students know how to start a college essay.

Today is all about starting a college essay. I have come up with five easy and effective techniques that will help you create essays so good you're going to leave your readers wanting more , starting with your opening sentence! So, this is for all college students and college applicants. Stress no more! This guide was created to help you write a successful college essay. Let's get into it.

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The beginning of your essay should, first and foremost, always have a strong opening sentence . This sentence sets the tone for not only your readers but for the entire essay. Having a wobbly, almost interesting opener can steer an admissions officer and/or professor away, so you want it to be strong. And it doesn't have to be complicated! Less is more in this situation. Here are a couple of ways you can accomplish this.

• Look within and be relatable
• Use your real life for inspiration
• Think about ways to evoke emotion

Here are some examples of impressionable openers:

• Example 1: When I was 11 years old, my mother told me she had cancer over breakfast.
• Example 2: Maybe yellow isn't my favorite color.
• Example 3: I sat next to this girl in class who made me feel stupid.

DISCLAIMER : your opener should ALWAYS adhere to the essay prompts. These are just a few examples that can capture your reader's attention almost immediately.

In order to keep readers interested, visuals are key . Image-based descriptions will not only add value to your writing, it will give your readers front seats to your essay's journey. These descriptions let actions speak for themselves.

Here is an example of a description and demonstration in an essay:

• Example 1: "I was sitting on a bar stool when the word 'cancer' hit me like the smell of her coffee brewing on the stove. The Rice Krispies were popping in my cereal bowl, and MTV Jams was playing in the background, yet all I could hear was the sound of doom all around me. The lips of my mother were moving, but I was frozen, crumbling on this stool like my mother's health. She was sick, and I didn't know how sick or what that even meant, and that terrified me."

Why This Works:

Here you can clearly feel the writers emotional state: shocked, still, scared. Not only is this moment at breakfast traumatic, you feel frozen in time with the writer. Using descriptions like this will evoke so much emotion and leave your reader wanting more.

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Something one of my teachers told me in high school was any good essay will have personal elements in it, no matter the topic. That always stuck with me and became the way I approached my college essays. Showing vulnerability in your writing will always guarantee interest. It also evokes emotion.

You can show vulnerability by:

• Being honest
• Explaining what's going on inside underneath the exterior
• Describe what's going on around you at the moment
• Letting go of the fear of being seen
• Connecting with the topic
• Being transparent about mistakes/flaws

Examples of showing vulnerability:

• Example 1 : My mother telling me she had cancer over breakfast was not on my bingo card this year.
• Example 2 : I never thought losing someone I love would change me.
• Example 3: I had to lose everything in order to gain everything.

I know being vulnerable can be tough for some , but showing this side of you to college admissions officers and/or professors will not only make you stand out, but it can also help free you of things that might be weighing on your mind. Not to sound corny, but it can be therapeutic and make you a better writer . Just make sure you are staying on track with the essay prompt, and you're set!

Whether it's believed or not, an admissions officer wants to see pieces of you in your personal statement, so starting your essay by showing authenticity is a major major key. Along with being vulnerable, there are a few ways you can achieve this.

• Reflect : Take the time to reflect on your experiences, values, and beliefs that have shaped who you are today. Let your values, passions, and interests shine through in your writing.
• Mind Your Voice : Write in your own voice and avoid trying to sound like someone you're not. Authenticity comes from being genuine and true to yourself.
• Tell Your Story : Share personal anecdotes and insights that show your unique perspective.
• Be True to You : Focus on what matters to YOU (as long as you're on topic!). Write about what is meaningful and important to you rather than what you think admissions officers want to hear.

Above all, be open . Showing introspection and self-awareness in your essay will show any admissions committee who you are beneath the surface, as well as your personal growth.

You can also begin your essay being as random and silly as you'd like . It goes hand-in-hand with other important factors like vulnerability and authenticity. But don't get too crazy . Beginning your essay with something strange will definitely draw readers in. Let me show you what I mean.

• Example 1 : I start my mornings off in silence and solitude to keep people away from me.
• Example 2 : Sometimes, I like to circle big words in complex articles to learn new words. Yeah, but to also keep one in my back pocket for later use.
• Example 3 : Being the youngest child means getting away with everything you want, and that's exactly how I like it.

Do you see how each sentence draws you in? Not only are they light-hearted, but they also make you want to know why you want to keep people away in the morning and what kind of weapon you're forming against others with new words. And every youngest sibling will attest to feeling that exact same way. All of these examples are sure to make your essay fun, show who you are, and leave readers wanting more.

Years of writing college essays have taken me through every high and low of the process possible. And when they're good, they're great! But for some reason, my mistakes stick out more than anything. So, I've compiled a list of common mistakes to avoid when writing your college essay .

• Avoid Being Cliche - While you want to be captivating, you want to avoid overly used syntax and phrases that could potentially lose your reader's curiosity. For example, "in today's day and age," "follow my heart," "don't judge a book by its cover," etc. are all cliches that can be avoided by thinking outside of the box.
• Using Vocabulary to be Impressive - I know you want to impress the admissions committees, but it's important to stick to what you know and not what you can allude to. That is, use verbiage that resonates with your personality. Using extravagant words can work against you, and they can also sound forced. College admissions officers want to see the real you, so show it to them.
• Steer Clear of Controversy - Though it's not said enough, your college essay should tell your personal story and not touch on things that can stir the pot. For instance, talking about politics and religious beliefs may not be the route you want to take UNLESS it's called for in the college essay topic. And if so, stay on track with the essay prompts.
• Procrastinating : Waiting until the last minute to start writing your essay will bite you in the butt. You will feel rushed and end up writing a poorly crafted piece. Give yourself enough time to complete an essay draft, edit the draft, and repeat this two-step cycle until your essay is complete.
• Lack of originality : This goes hand-in-hand with avoiding cliches. Your college essay should exude a lot of your personality, so show admissions officers and teachers who you are! Include your cultural background, test scores that you're proud of, any future aspirations, etc. This all depends on the essay prompts, of course, but in my experience, every essay topic has room to show who you are.
• Ignoring the prompt : This is a major key. STAY ON TRACK. Make sure to carefully read and understand the essay prompt, and write your essay accordingly. The last thing you want to do is write a college essay that has nothing to do with the prompt. Reading is essential here.
• Lack of focus : If you want to know how to start a college essay, that means knowing how to stay focused. Find a quiet space, turn off electronics, hide your phone, and really nestle into how you want to capture your reader's attention. This will help you use your five senses clearly, keep your writing strong and not write an overly wordy essay. Focus is the tool here.
• Poor organization : Make sure your essay has a strong structure with clear transitions between paragraphs. An outline will work best to accomplish this. If you go into starting your college essay without a plan, be prepared to hit all roadblocks.
• Neglecting to Revise and Edit : Like procrastinating, don't fail to revise and edit your work. Always, always, always proofread your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors , as well as clarity and coherence.
• Not Seeking Feedback : Listen, I know that completing an essay is an accomplishment in itself, and you immediately want to submit it, but it's so beneficial to have others read your essay for feedback. You can only spot so many holes in your work when your eyes are constantly reviewing it, so a second, third, or even fourth set of eyes can help point out areas for improvement.

Above all, trust the writing process. Though I do want you to be aware of your jargon, don't get too wrapped up in thinking you're making a mistake. That's what editing is for! Once you complete your college essay, you should always revise and edit accordingly . What you thought sounded good might make you edit it to sound great. Just keep in mind that many colleges are looking for honesty and authenticity vs how well you can sound on paper . So, if you're aware of these factors, you'll be good to go.

Ways to Overcome Writer's Block

Take it from someone who has suffered from chronic writer's block, it's a pain to get through . Imagine being on a writing streak so good that when you stop, the entire essay writing process stops as a whole. It's definitely a challenge, but after 10 years of writing essays and really honing my craft, I learned a few things that have helped me get through even the thickest of writer's blocks, and I want to share them with you. Check them out:

• Take a break : This works every single time. Take a short break and step away from your computer to clear your mind and come back with a fresh perspective. For me, 15 minutes is all I ever need. If you need more time, that's okay. Just try not to make your break a rest.
• Freewriting : Sometimes, I'd start writing without worrying about my structure or grammar to get the ideas flowing, and surprisingly enough, I found my essay taking a pleasant turn.
• Change your environment : Move around. Don't underestimate the effects of a different location or workspace to stimulate creativity. Try coffee shops, bookstores, a park, or a new room in your house. New environment, new energy.
• Set small goals : This one is actually the most important. Some people get overwhelmed with the word "essay" for things like lack of proper writing skills, pressure to write a great essay, etc. But if you try breaking down your writing task into smaller, manageable chunks to make it less overwhelming, it can help. For example, set a goal of three paragraphs one day, take a day to edit those paragraphs, two more the next day, and so forth. Find a formula that works for you.
• Brainstorming : Write down all your ideas--everything. No matter how small you think the idea is, write it down. Even if these ideas seem unrelated, they will help you generate new thoughts and connections.
• Read or listen to music : It took me a while to realize this helps, but engaging in other forms of art can inspire new ideas and break through mental blocks. And new creativity can lead you to impress admissions officers.
• Talk it out : As a writer, it's hard to let people in on the creative process, but discussing my ideas with a friend, family member, or colleague helped me gain new perspectives and insights.
• Relax and Meditate : Hear me out: it works! Practice deep breathing and/or meditation to reduce stress and anxiety that may be contributing to writer's block.

I won't sugarcoat it: the college application process can be intimidating , but it doesn't have to throw you off your game. When it comes to college essays, I see them as opportunities to be fun and expressive. Trust me when I say if you have fun with it, you'll attract the reader's attention , paint vivid details, and write an essay that will leave the admissions officer wanting you at their school. So, take it one step at a time and watch your personal statement come to life.

How can I make my college essay stand out to admissions officers?

Simply put, be yourself. As long as you stay on track with the essay's topic, showing pieces of yourself will allow admissions officers to know more about who you are. Essays are meant to show readers who you are, how you feel, and what you think naturally, not robotically, so be authentic in your writing, and you'll be sure to stand out amongst the rest.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a college essay?

Some common mistakes to avoid in your essay are using cliches and boring wording. You also want to avoid procrastinating, wasting time, not focusing, not editing, etc. When writing your essay, you want to make sure you give your writing the time and attention it deserves, so make sure you're aware of what is pulling you away from your writing. This will help you stay focused. If you have any other doubts, refer to the section about mistakes in this article and let it guide you to success.

How important is the college essay in the admissions process?

Your college essay is key in the admissions process . It's an admissions committee's first impression of you as a writer and potential student, so it should be taken very seriously. Trying to cut corners or rush through the writing process will be obvious, and it will stand out more than things like test scores, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any other positive influence you've had in your life. So, don't take the easy way out and really work on your essay.

Feeling confident in your college essay skills and want to explore some other essay content? Explore our blog on the comma splice to enhance your technical writing skills!

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5 strategies to unlock your winning college essay.

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CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 29: People walk through the gate on Harvard Yard at the Harvard ... [+] University campus on June 29, 2023 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that race-conscious admission policies used by Harvard and the University of North Carolina violate the Constitution, bringing an end to affirmative action in higher education. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

The college application season is upon us, and high school students everywhere are staring down at one of the most daunting tasks: the college essay. As someone who has guided countless applicants through the admissions process and reviewed admissions essays on an undergraduate admissions committee, I've pinpointed the essential ingredient to a differentiated candidacy—the core of your college admissions X-factor .

The essential ingredient to your college admissions X-factor is your intellectual vitality. Intellectual vitality is your passion for learning and curiosity. By demonstrating and conveying this passion, you can transform an average essay into a compelling narrative that boosts your chances of getting accepted to your top schools. Here are five dynamic strategies to achieve that goal.

Unleash Your Authentic Voice

Admissions officers sift through thousands of essays every year. What stops them in their tracks? An authentic voice that leaps off the page. Forget trying to guess what the admissions committee wants to hear. Focus on being true to yourself. Share your unique perspective, your passions, and your values. Authenticity resonates deeply with application reviewers, making your essay memorable and impactful. You need not have experienced trauma or tragedy to create a strong narrative. You can write about what you know—intellectually or personally—to convey your enthusiasm, creativity, and leadership. Intellectual vitality shines through when you write with personalized reflection about what lights you up.

Weave A Captivating Story

Everyone loves a good story, and your essay is the perfect place to tell yours. The Common Application personal statement has seven choices of prompts to ground the structure for your narrative. The most compelling stories are often about the smallest moments in life, whether it’s shopping at Costco or about why you wear socks that have holes. Think of the Common Application personal statement as a window into your soul rather than a dry list of your achievements or your overly broad event-based life story. Use vivid anecdotes to bring your experiences to life. A well-told story can showcase your growth, highlight your character, and illustrate how you've overcome challenges. Intellectual vitality often emerges in these narratives, revealing how your curiosity and proactive approach to learning have driven you to explore and innovate.

Reflect And Reveal Insights

It's not just about what you've done—it's about what you've learned along the way. When you are writing about a specific event, you can use the STAR framework—situation, task, action, and result (your learning). Focus most of your writing space on the “R” part of this framework to dive deeply into your experiences and reflect on how they've shaped your aspirations and identity.

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The most insightful college-specific supplement essays demonstrate depth of thought, and the ability to connect past experiences with your future life in college and beyond. Reflecting on your intellectual journey signals maturity and a readiness to embrace the college experience. It shows admissions officers that you engage deeply with your studies and are eager to contribute to the academic community.

Highlight Your Contributions—But Don’t Brag

Whether it's a special talent, an unusual hobby, or a unique perspective, showcasing what you can bring to the college environment can make a significant impact. Recognize that the hard work behind the accomplishment is what colleges are interested in learning more about—not retelling about the accomplishment itself. (Honors and activities can be conveyed in another section of the application.) Walk us through the journey to your summit; don’t just take us to the peak and expect us know how you earned it.

Intellectual vitality can be demonstrated through your proactive approach to solving problems, starting new projects, or leading initiatives that reflect your passion for learning and growth. These experiences often have a place in the college-specific supplement essays. They ground the reasons why you want to study in your major and at the particular college.

Perfect Your Prose

Great writing is essential. Anyone can use AI or a thesaurus to assist with an essay, but AI cannot write your story in the way that you tell it. Admissions officers don’t give out extra credit for choosing the longest words with the most amount of syllables.

The best essays have clear, coherent language and are free of errors. The story is clearly and specifically told. After drafting, take the time to revise and polish your writing. Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or trusted friends, but ensure the final piece is unmistakably yours. A well-crafted essay showcases your diligence and attention to detail—qualities that admissions officers highly value. Intellectual vitality is also reflected in your writing process, showing your commitment to excellence and your enthusiasm for presenting your best self.

Crafting a standout college essay is about presenting your true self in an engaging, reflective, and polished manner while showcasing your intellectual vitality. Happy writing.

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