<p>7 or 8/12.</p>
<p>I agree that a personal example is OK, but it's better to draw on history, literature, or some other outside source--it shows the reader that you're well-versed in a variety of areas and can apply your knowledge to a given topic.</p>
<p>Also, I have to emphasize that you shouldn't use 9/11. It's horribly clich</p>