<p>Is it OK to use a classmate's first name in a college essay?</p>
<p>My intention obviously isn't to violate one's privacy, but to make the essay more personal. It's just that much more personal when you say "[Name]" rather than "A classmate of mine." </p>
<p>Is it appropriate?</p>
<p>I’m also wondering this</p>
<p>It depends on context. If you’re telling a story, it’s better to use names.</p>
<p>I dunno. If you drop a name out of the blue, such as “I realized this when I was talking to Sam. After a conversation, we both decided…” WHO IS SAM?
You’ll have to say “Sam, a good friend and classmate of mine” or something. </p>
<p>I think that would be better than just saying “I was talking to a classmate of mine”.</p>
<p>Well the name is fairly integral to the essay. It’s my girlfriend’s name.</p>
<p>Mebe just say “my gf”</p>