In no way do I want to come off as giving off a sob story or trying to earn sympathy or something. I have a Speech impediment that interferes with the ability to say my own name. I can’t say R and my first and last name both have R in it. I was going to name my essay something along the lines of “My Inability To Say My Own Name” and talk about the struggles I’ve faced (Dreading anybody asking me my name, dreading having to repeat myself, “Popcorn” in class, having people comment on it) In the end I would talk about how I overcame my fear of public speaking, ect, even though I still cannot say R and how these issues made me realize that (____). I couldn’t express myself the way I want to. When I was younger I would start to cry after attempts to say it when asked. It’s just really tough, avoiding saying the word R, having so much anxiety every time the teacher says that shes going to go down the rows and ask people to read, or anything like that. Do you think that if I word this correctly and make it seem like this was a positive aspect of my life and I grew from it that it would be a good Essay topic?
My second essay topic I was thinking about was something do with religion but I’m sure so many people have done that and I wanted to be unique. Thoughts?
It seems like a wonderful topic to use! It’s interesting, unique, shows personal growth and maturity. If you choose this topic, I would advise that when you are writing your essay, make sure to go into depth on how the speech impediment has shaped who YOU are today. Use an active voice! Don’t just provide anecdotal evidence. All in all, I think you could really make this topic work!
I did an essay on the same topic this year. And it came of brilliantly. I wrote about how I overcame the problem and won a district level debate competition and how my struggle shaped me and always inspires me. It will be an. amazing essay, if you can write it well. Write about the first time you entered a public speaking competition or something.
PS : My problem was just like yours, I stammered on several sounds, though I have overcome almost all of those problems now.
I think the success of the essay depends largely on the approach.
They’re looking for kids who will succeed in college. If your essay tells how you’ve managed the issue, or managed in spite of the issue, it could be good. But if it’s simply a narrative of the problems you’ve had, probably not such a great idea.
I always recommend that writers spend no more than 1/3 (or less) of the essay discussing the adversity. The rest should focus on the personal growth.
The other trap a few writers fall into is getting all pep-talkie at the end. E.g., “Now that I’ve overcome X, I know that nothing will stand in my way as I reach for the stars!!!” You probably weren’t going there, but it’s something to watch out for.