Begin by making a list of ten specific experiences you
have had as an adult that reveal something about who you are.
These could be sports or adventure experiences, such as hiking the Alps,
learning to guide a canoe, or even bungee jumping. Or you might
list cooking your favorite dish, browsing in a bookstore, or Christmas
shopping with a grandchild. The first time you read a particular
author. How you dealt with the death of a friend or relative.
Buying a gift for a lover. Dealing with an unexpected medical
problem. The potential subjects are endless. Remember, though,
that what you want for this assignment is a specific event or
circumstance that caused you to turn within, to reflect upon who you
are, to examine yourself in a different way.
As you edit your final piece, take your gloves off.
Shock us, entertain us, make us learn something. Experiment with
style and voice. Shake things up. Make us pay attention to
what you have to say. And have a reason to say what you do.