This is probably the only non-cliche and non-sobby thing in my life that I can write about. I’m not sure how to write this essay yet, but working at Arby’s is one hell of an experience.
Working fast food is actually a teenage cliche, believe it or not. Make sure YOU are the focus of your essay. If you can do that, then go for it!
But…but…all my friends and people on this website write about divorce, death of grandparents, moving, depression, and sports!
Jk, I have no idea.
Seriously, don’t sweat the “cliché” thing. You’re a teenager, living a life that’s probably very similar to a lot of other teenagers-- your experiences are bound to overlap.
And I think you could say so much based on working a part time job. I know that my first job, a bazillion years ago, taught me a lot about real responsibility. My own 2 older kids have grown up so much and in so many ways as a result of their jobs.
Go for it. Come up with a rough draft and see how it goes. And you’re right-- I would much rather read about how you learned to deal with customers while still keeping the fries on than “divorce, death of grandparents, moving, depression, and sports!”
It’s not so much the topic that matters, it’s giving the college a reason to say yes to your application.
And, absolutely, “Show, don’t tell.” That means paint the reader a picture-- use concrete examples-- of how working at Arbys has changed you for the better.
Thanks man!
That’s fine, don’t worry about the cliche issue! Agree with @bjkmom. The reason so many essay topics can be cliche is because most people don’t put their heart and soul into writing it - they just want to look good and “impressive” from scoring the game-winning soccer goal, or going on a volunteer trip to a 3rd world country on a first class plane ticket straight from daddy’s wallet.
If you’re writing about fast-food, maybe focus on something small about it and amplify that small detail or observation. I’d think about the 5 senses at a fast food restaurant, if I were you.
Smell: What do different things smell like around the place? For this, just write a bullet list on smell-related adjectives or descriptions. EX: It smells ___ (poignant, fresh, salty, like rotten tomatoes, etc.)
Sight: What does it look like? How crowded is the place? What are some visually appealing things about the place? What about not-so-appealing things?
Sound: How’s the atmosphere in the morning? Can you overhear people’s conversations? What about at 4:00 PM? 9:00 PM?
etc. etc. you get the idea
Another important idea to grasp is things you love or hate: How do you feel when you’re commuting to work? What feelings go through your head? What makes you frustrated with customers? What do you love about taking orders from hundreds of different people every day? How do you act towards them that can tell the adcoms about your personal character? What about your co-workers? What role do you play when you’re working there - are you the clown, the serious one, the efficient one, the awkward one, the bossy guy, the team player, etc.?
You should totally check out this video: I know it’s a bit political, but try and really see how the girl improved as a person and gained more self-confidence by working at McDonalds (I’m sure it can be applied to Arby’s as well!)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyEbvehRPhY <<<
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