<p>I'm a junior and just had an inspiration for a possible college essay. Any advice on the direction to take this idea, or is it just crap?</p>
<p>I compete in track and field, but specifically racewalking. basically walking a funny strut around the track for a mile or so. I love it. </p>
<p>Now it's an uncommon event in itself and most people just stare at you like you're crazy. Mainly concentrated in the northeast, my location allows me to rank fairly high in the nation. </p>
<p>Last year I was able to compete at the New Balance outdoor nationals in Greensboro NC with the best of the best. I fortunately will have the same opportunities this year and next. </p>
<p>Even being such a big honor itself, I think the best part and many other athletes can agree is the backpacks the athletes receive. </p>
<p>You wait all season to find out if you make the qualifying time and then to get to compete with the best in the nation. Every participant receives a special backpack that symbolizes their achievement and is a trophy within itself, even if you don't place high up. </p>
<p>Athletes are. hyped up all season in anticipation with what the backpacks will look like and when they're finally revealed, everyone loves them and can't wait to get them. </p>
<p>The backpack becomes a symbol to other track and field athletes around the country that you were able to compete with the very best, many become intimidated by them, at least I did at first lol. The backpacks are basically worn with pride and symbolize dedication, perseverance, and hardwork to the track and field community. </p>
<p>I want to take this idea and build upon it for a possible essay, but don't know how to approach it. Any tips/ideas/critiques? Thank you!!</p>
<p>Pride, hard work, dedication are common themes when discussing athletics. So far, I am not seeing how the concept you have in mind will distinguish you from the many other athletes (not to mention students in myriad other activities that require pride, hard work, and dedication) who also have pride, hard work, dedication.</p>
<p>Select a topic that allows for an essay that is so personal that only you could write it. Perhaps what you suggested could be that topic, but so far I am not seeing it. Do you have a take on these backpacks that is different from everyone else’s?</p>
<p>You clearly have passion about this topic; that is always good. The crazy stares and backpack prizes are unique, but you need to make YOU stand out more. Either find another topic that you have the same great entusiasm for, or find a way to bring out yourself more in this topic. </p>
<p>If you have time, use this topic just as practice writing an essay about yourself. How would you conclude? That last sentence should be powerful, memorable, and all you. Is race-walking going to be able to provide you with that? Come back to the essay a month later, and then see what you think. Throw it away if you don’t like it. But the practice will have helped you understand how to write about yourself.</p>
<p>I think it’s a great topic, and I think you could work the backpack angle into it. Just make sure that the essay is about you–why do you love racewalking despite it being a goofy sport? How does it feel to be a very good at such an obscure sport. You seem to have a nice writing style, so let your humor and enthusiasm shine through.</p>
<p>I think it has potential as an essay subject. Try to come up with a strong start (a good interest hook). Some ideas–just randomly throwing them out there:</p>
<p>Start at the end of the competition, when you are awarded your backpack. Use the scene description to convey the feeling of accomplishment, etc. Instead of saying, “this was an accomplishment”, show it to the reader, describe it to the reader. Describe the backpack and how different parts of it symbolize the event.</p>
<p>Start with the contrast of racing yet still walking. Define how you can race but still be walking. How to judges determine that you are still walking? DO you have any personal anecdotes/reflections on the defining features? This is what I find most intriguing about the subject. It is a controlled race. </p>
<p>Monty Python’s Ministry of Silly Walks keeps popping into my mind, but maybe you don’t want to go there. :)</p>
<p>I agree the body of the essay needs to be more about YOU. So your first section you might want to introduce the sport and make observations on it. From there focus on the YOU in the sport.</p>