Bland

[morrigirl]

I have been thinking about graduate school this morning, or, more specifically, the dreaded personal essays. Apart from deciding to do more creative writing, get my learner's permit, go to Homecoming, and save money to go see Gayle next August, I have also decided it is God damn time I apply to SLC's creative writing MFA program. I've been working here for over two years and I still haven't done it. It's disgraceful, not to mention a waste of a great opportunity.

Putting the application together shouldn't be too hard. I'm sure Dean Bailey and one of my bosses would be willing to recommend me. I can whip up a couple of writing samples, no problem. The only things that make me uneasy are the personal essays. SLC requires three separate ones between 500 and 1200 words each. Each of the following questions/topics must be addressed in their own essay:

1. Write an autobiography
2. State in general and specific terms why you want to pursue graduate work.
3. Why do you want to pursue your graduate studies at Sarah Lawrence College?

I can come up with answers for both 2 and 3, but 1 worries me. Write an autobiography? In 1200 words or less? Okay, not only is that an incredibly small amount of space in which to recount one's ENTIRE LIFE, but I don't know what to say about myself. None of my really formative experiences reflect well on me: being abused by my mom, being chronically depressed, being a slut, getting kicked out of college, surviving the suicide of a loved one etc. etc. Apart from that, I don't really know what to say about myself. When you get right down to it I'm an unremarkably average person. I don't stand out in any way. I haven't won any awards, participated in any clubs or organization, or had any conventional hands on learning experiences. I've been trying to think of a theme or topic I could use to frame the essay and...I just can't come up with anything.

Anyone have any sage advice to offer on this front?

Comments

[satinalien.livejournal.com]

You're right - you don't have any awards or things. But that's because you were too busy living. And as for your formative experiences, it speaks volumes that you came from them, grew, and are now the amazing woman you are.

[irishelf.livejournal.com]

My personal essay had to do with the events that led me to choose my major in the first place. I started with my earliest experiences with music, and went from there.

Did writing help you through any of those times where things were difficult for you? I mean, those experiences in and of themselves aren't good, but getting through and over them, I'd say, is an excellent show of character.