I really want to do number five because my grandmother was diagnosed twice with stage 4 endometrial cancer and eventually led to her death in May. I could speak volumes about this and how she was the most influential person in my life and now that I lost her I need to develop a role model in myself. Also my mom was gone four days a week and with my dad working a full time job through all of this it was hard and I needed to become independent.
However, I could also talk about leadership as I am an eagle scout but I feel as if this is very dry.
I could talk about the disease and with cancer, but that is so overdone. Since my grandmother had cancer I feel like I could put in a personal attachment to that one but like I said I feel a little better about 5.
If theres something else I can do from something you read, please comment or PM me. What is the best idea and how should I start?
thanks
Dying grandparent is overdone – and it is hard to make it about you. I think you are looking at topics that are too big. The best essays often turn on something small. Think about what is unusual or unique about you, or a specific incident that is revealing about you. Then worry about what prompt to fit it into.
I second intparent, but that doesn’t mean you have to pick another topic altogether. Take the topic of your grandmother or of becoming independent and make it your own; say something about the subject that other people haven’t said. It’s easy to say that becoming an adult means learning to be independent and take care of yourself–and I’m sure many people have done this. But deeper than that, what does it mean to you?
This topic is done to death and too cliched. However, you could write about how death of a loved one made you realize about uncertainties of life and how that transformed you to seize every moment cos life is short and there is no time for regret.
^ Lol, that topic (the whole, “life is short” thing) is what is cliched. It’s the exact lesson that most people who write about death end with
What has been done to death is the comment that a topic has been done to death. I do not mean to be rude. But I oo not mind being contrarian. Honestly, will there never be another New Yorker article about the death of a loved one? Had the last novel about coping with illness been written? Is Hollywood going to stop making movies set in this context?
There is a saying. To paraphrase, poorly … Shakespeare already wrote all of the great stories. So give up the idea of something entirely new and write the best story you can.
I do suggest starting by setting aside the details of what happened and focusing on your personal journey. Think about how you became who you are. You seem to be clear on the theme of LEARNING TO BE INDEPENDENT. This is always a great theme. Think about Luke in Star Wars. Or any number of protagonists in other movies. This theme is universal. It has been for centuries Which is why we keep telling that tale.
The way that you became independent – what happened, how you felt, etc – will be unique. Bring in a variety of situations that contributed. Be sure to reflect a bit on each step. End up with where you are now and what lies ahead, and you will have an excellent essay that shows the reader who you are. And that will get you into college.
I hope this is helpful.