Proposal Title
Self-Discovery through the Personal Essay
Abstract
The triumphs and traumas of our past help shape us, yet sometimes our identity is still difficult to figure out. Who am I? Why am I here? Why did that happen to me? What is my purpose? Writing is often the best way to approach the answers to such profound questions, to work through previous pain or happiness or distress. It is one thing for a student to verbally discuss these ideas with friends, family, or counselors. It is another thing entirely to look inward, to be absolutely honest with oneself, and then write about it. Crafting a personal essay forces us to think about serious issues differently, causes us to slow down and attempt to make sense of the world, to make connections. Most importantly, the process can be cathartic and therapeutic. The personal essay is an invaluable way to not only discover ourselves but also our own self-worth. This panel, using the work of Lesley students who will bravely share their stories, demonstrates how this can be accomplished. The intended audience is the entire Lesley community, with a focus on those interested in creative writing or those who have a desire to possibly share their own stories one day. Perhaps this panel will be the catalyst for them to do so.
Start Date
28-3-2018 11:10 AM
End Date
28-3-2018 12:00 PM
Presentation Type
Panel
Disciplines
Creative Writing
Full Text of Presentation
wf_yes
Self-Discovery through the Personal Essay
U-Hall 3-092
The triumphs and traumas of our past help shape us, yet sometimes our identity is still difficult to figure out. Who am I? Why am I here? Why did that happen to me? What is my purpose? Writing is often the best way to approach the answers to such profound questions, to work through previous pain or happiness or distress. It is one thing for a student to verbally discuss these ideas with friends, family, or counselors. It is another thing entirely to look inward, to be absolutely honest with oneself, and then write about it. Crafting a personal essay forces us to think about serious issues differently, causes us to slow down and attempt to make sense of the world, to make connections. Most importantly, the process can be cathartic and therapeutic. The personal essay is an invaluable way to not only discover ourselves but also our own self-worth. This panel, using the work of Lesley students who will bravely share their stories, demonstrates how this can be accomplished. The intended audience is the entire Lesley community, with a focus on those interested in creative writing or those who have a desire to possibly share their own stories one day. Perhaps this panel will be the catalyst for them to do so.
