Sorry that some of the text is invisible. I used brackets when writing. The two different types of lists would look something like:
Jimmy (experience with Jimmy). (Lesson learned).
Bob (experience with Bob). (Lesson learned).
Sam (experience with Sam). (Lesson learned).
I (experience with X). He/she/they (lesson learned with X).
I (experience with Y). He/she/they (lesson learned with Y).
I (experience with Z). He/she/they (lesson learned with Z).
Interesting question.
Following the format of another as you did is not “copying” in my opinion, but I hope that others will respond with their thoughts.
If you go with this idea you run the minor risk of the reader (admissions officer) being familiar with it and thinking your idea isn’t original. On the whole though, I don’t think this is going to be flagged as plagiarism.
I don’t like the idea of Jimmy, and lesson learned with Jimmy. I don’t care about him. I want to hear about you. Maybe it will all be in the execution, but I suggest you stick with second format.
I understand, but the problem turns out to be that I am writing a series of vignettes about interviews I conducted. Therefore, it becomes difficult to consecutively come up with statements where “Jimmy”, “Bob”, and “Sam” aren’t the subject.
Do you mind if I PM you the “list” I wrote to have you look at it very quickly?
I think it can’t be considered “copying” if you write in a similar style but the content is vastly different. If you are not able to come up with a better way to present your ideas, i think it’s safe to stick with the series of vignettes format