<p>I have drafted two possible USC essays. I was interested in writing about what an experience I have had that has helped me realize what is important to me--essentially the "what are your values, and why?" essay. I have also gotten tips from people that say, "show your passions" in your essays, but how do you do so through a "values" essay? If I write about the way my life is, and how certain things have helped me to define what is important to me, does that necessarily show my passions? Do I have to swerve the essay into saying, I'm passionate about this, this and this? I feel like if I have to do this, it will make the essay less genuine, and more geared toward to, "Hey look! I love to do this and this" rather than an honest story telling of something that has helped me figure out what is important to me.</p>
<p>What is your opinion? Should I just go with a direct story answering the prompt? Or should I also subtly stick in a "by the way...this is also a passion of mine..blah blah" The second way to me seems less effective, but if I just tell a story, I might not "show my passions"? Any ideas/tips?</p>