<p>I've been struggling with the Common App essay. I have no idea what to write about. I try and try, but nothing jumps out at me. Nothing inspires me to write an amazing essay. Recently, as I was once again looking over the essay prompts, an idea struck me - the fourth prompt asks about a place you feel content. I feel very satisfied when playing Pokemon, so why not write about that? </p>
<p>I honest to God think I could write a pretty interesting, engaging essay around this. It's the only idea that actually gets me excited about writing the essay. It's not just "I really like Pokemon hurr!!" This is something that has been a part of my life since I was a young child. Through all the (occasionally tumultuous) years, it has been there, an ever constant stress reliever. More than almost anything, it brings me, well...contentment. </p>
<p>On the one hand, people say you should be innovative, different. On the other, maybe this is too out there. Video games aren't exactly seen as high art, and many people - especially older adults - look down upon video games. Especially since this is a children's game. What do you guys think? Should I just discard this idea and pursue another?</p>
<p>Cheap fodder for all manner of sustained metaphors. In this de-facto programming language, Pokemon must be channeled through the notion of “familiar terrain.”</p>
<p>There you go. Metaphoric, idiomatic, phraseology. </p>
<p>I say go for it. If it inspires you, it should ultimately work (with some adjustments). Make a rough draft and try reflecting on some possible factors that might help evoke a bond. Try singling out factors that might help solidify the bond. </p>
<p>Another way of doing this:
List all the things you like about Pokemon. List the things you dislike about comparable games. Make a few other lists to help brainstorm and eliminate irrelevant factors. Of course, this approach can be applied to a broad range of essays. But it’s a low cost method of analysis that helps to isolate salient factors. </p>
<p>Try to draw parallels between the question and the way in which you go about answering the question.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses! I guess I’ll go ahead with the essay, then. Still a little nervous about using this topic, but so long as I treat it delicately and produce a well-written essay, I think it should be okay.</p>