Personal essays are a powerful way to share your experiences, insights, and perspective with the world. Whether you’re writing for a school assignment, a publication, or just for yourself, the key to a great personal essay is finding a topic that resonates with you and your readers. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore 20 things you can write personal essays about to inspire and engage your audience.
- Childhood memories that shaped who you are today
- Overcoming a significant challenge or obstacle
- A life-changing event or decision
- Exploring your cultural identity and heritage
A Defining Moment
One of the most impactful things to write about in a personal essay is a defining moment in your life. This could be a pivotal experience, a turning point, or a revelation that changed the course of your journey. Maybe it was the day you discovered your true passion, the moment you stood up for something you believed in, or an encounter that altered your perspective forever.
When writing about a defining moment, focus on the details that make it vivid and real for your readers. Use sensory language to transport them into the scene, and don’t be afraid to share your emotions and vulnerabilities. Explore how this moment changed you and what you learned from it, and consider how it fits into the larger narrative of your life.
For example, you might write about the first time you performed on stage and how it ignited your love for theater, or the conversation with a mentor that inspired you to pursue a particular career path. Whatever your defining moment may be, make sure it’s something that genuinely matters to you and has had a lasting impact on your life.
Overcoming Adversity
Another powerful topic for personal essays is the experience of overcoming adversity. We all face challenges and setbacks in life, and sharing your story of resilience and perseverance can be incredibly inspiring to others. Whether it’s battling a serious illness, navigating a difficult relationship, or overcoming a personal fear, your triumph over adversity can make for a compelling and relatable essay.
When writing about overcoming adversity, be honest about the struggles and obstacles you faced along the way. Don’t gloss over the hard parts or pretend it was easy – your readers will appreciate your authenticity and vulnerability. Focus on the lessons you learned, the strength you discovered within yourself, and the growth that came from the experience.
For instance, you might write about how you overcame a learning disability and went on to excel academically, or how you rebuilt your life after a significant loss. Whatever your story may be, emphasize the qualities and strategies that helped you persevere, and consider how your experience might inspire or encourage others facing similar challenges.
A Travel Experience
Travel has a way of broadening our horizons, challenging our assumptions, and teaching us valuable lessons about ourselves and the world around us. Writing about a meaningful travel experience can make for a rich and engaging personal essay, whether it’s a solo adventure, a family vacation, or a volunteer trip abroad.
When writing about a travel experience, focus on the moments that stood out to you and the insights you gained along the way. Maybe it was a conversation with a local that changed your perspective, a breathtaking view that left you in awe, or a cultural tradition that fascinated you. Use vivid descriptions to transport your readers to the place you visited, and reflect on how the experience impacted you personally.
For example, you might write about how a backpacking trip through Europe helped you discover your independence and adaptability, or how a service project in a developing country opened your eyes to global inequalities. Whatever your travel story may be, emphasize the growth, learning, and transformation that occurred as a result of your journey.
A Passion or Hobby
Writing about a passion or hobby that brings you joy and fulfillment can make for a delightful and inspiring personal essay. Whether it’s a creative pursuit like painting or writing, an athletic endeavor like running or rock climbing, or a unique interest like collecting vintage records, your passion can reveal a lot about who you are and what makes you tick.
When writing about a passion or hobby, focus on the role it plays in your life and the meaning it holds for you. Maybe it’s a way to express yourself creatively, a source of stress relief and mental clarity, or a means of connecting with others who share your interests. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate the joy and satisfaction you derive from your passion, and consider how it has shaped your identity and values.
For instance, you might write about how your love for baking became a way to show love and care for others, or how your dedication to martial arts taught you discipline, perseverance, and self-confidence. Whatever your passion may be, let your enthusiasm and authenticity shine through in your writing.
A Relationship That Changed You
Our relationships – whether with family, friends, mentors, or romantic partners – have the power to shape us in profound ways. Writing about a relationship that changed you can make for a poignant and relatable personal essay, as it explores the ways in which our connections with others impact our lives and identities.
When writing about a relationship that changed you, focus on the dynamics of the relationship and the lessons you learned from it. Maybe it was a friendship that taught you the true meaning of loyalty and support, a romantic relationship that challenged you to grow and communicate better, or a mentor who believed in you and pushed you to reach your full potential. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate the significance of the relationship and the ways in which it transformed you.
For example, you might write about how your relationship with a grandparent shaped your values and perspective on life, or how a tumultuous romantic relationship taught you important lessons about love, boundaries, and self-worth. Whatever your relationship story may be, emphasize the growth, learning, and transformation that occurred as a result of your connection with this person.
A Mistake or Failure
While it may seem counterintuitive to write about a mistake or failure in a personal essay, these experiences can actually be incredibly powerful and relatable. We all make mistakes and face setbacks in life, and writing about how you learned and grew from these experiences can be both cathartic and inspiring.
When writing about a mistake or failure, be honest and vulnerable about what happened and how it affected you. Don’t try to sugarcoat or downplay the experience – your readers will appreciate your authenticity and relatability. Focus on the lessons you learned, the resilience you developed, and the ways in which the experience ultimately made you stronger and wiser.
For example, you might write about how a failed business venture taught you valuable lessons about risk-taking and perseverance, or how a mistake in a relationship helped you develop better communication and empathy skills. Whatever your story may be, emphasize the growth and learning that came from the experience, and consider how your insights might be valuable to others facing similar challenges.
A Personal Belief or Value
Writing about a personal belief or value that is central to your identity and worldview can make for a thought-provoking and engaging personal essay. Whether it’s a political stance, a religious conviction, a philosophical perspective, or a moral code, exploring the roots and implications of your beliefs can reveal a lot about who you are and what you stand for.
When writing about a personal belief or value, focus on the experiences and influences that shaped your perspective, and the ways in which your belief informs your actions and decisions. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate how your belief has played out in your life, and consider the challenges and rewards of holding fast to your convictions.
For instance, you might write about how your commitment to environmental sustainability has influenced your lifestyle choices and career path, or how your belief in the power of education has motivated you to volunteer as a tutor or mentor. Whatever your belief may be, let your passion and authenticity shine through in your writing, and invite your readers to consider their own beliefs and values in light of your perspective.
A Moment of Clarity or Realization
Sometimes, it’s the small moments of clarity or realization that can have the biggest impact on our lives. Writing about a moment when something clicked for you – whether it was a sudden insight, a long-awaited epiphany, or a quiet moment of understanding – can make for a powerful and relatable personal essay.
When writing about a moment of clarity or realization, focus on the events or experiences that led up to the moment, and the ways in which your perspective shifted as a result. Use vivid sensory details to bring the moment to life for your readers, and reflect on the significance of the insight and how it has influenced your life since then.
For example, you might write about how a chance encounter with a stranger gave you a new perspective on compassion and kindness, or how a difficult conversation with a loved one helped you realize the importance of honesty and vulnerability in relationships. Whatever your moment of clarity may be, emphasize the growth, learning, and transformation that occurred as a result of your realization.
An Act of Kindness or Generosity
Writing about an act of kindness or generosity – whether one you received or one you performed – can make for a heartwarming and inspiring personal essay. These moments of compassion and connection remind us of the goodness in the world and the power we have to make a difference in the lives of others.
When writing about an act of kindness or generosity, focus on the impact it had on you and those involved. Use specific details and anecdotes to bring the moment to life, and reflect on the lessons you learned about empathy, gratitude, and the human spirit. Consider how the experience has influenced your perspective and actions since then, and invite your readers to consider their own capacity for kindness and generosity.
For instance, you might write about how a stranger’s unexpected act of kindness helped you through a difficult time, or how volunteering at a local charity opened your eyes to the power of community and compassion. Whatever your story may be, let your authenticity and appreciation shine through in your writing.
A Turning Point or Life-Changing Decision
Life is full of turning points and decisive moments that can alter the course of our journey in significant ways. Writing about a turning point or life-changing decision you faced can make for a compelling and relatable personal essay, as it explores the choices we make and the paths we take.
When writing about a turning point or life-changing decision, focus on the factors that influenced your choice and the impact it had on your life. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate the significance of the decision and the ways in which it transformed you. Reflect on the lessons you learned and the growth you experienced as a result of your choice, and consider how your experience might be valuable to others facing similar crossroads.
For example, you might write about how deciding to pursue a career in medicine instead of law changed the trajectory of your life, or how choosing to end a toxic relationship helped you rediscover your self-worth and independence. Whatever your turning point may be, emphasize the courage, wisdom, and resilience it took to make your choice, and the ways in which it has shaped your identity and values.
A Personal Struggle or Challenge
We all face personal struggles and challenges in life, whether it’s grappling with mental health issues, navigating difficult family dynamics, or overcoming self-doubt and insecurity. Writing about a personal struggle or challenge you’ve faced can make for a powerful and relatable personal essay, as it explores the ways in which we confront and overcome adversity.
When writing about a personal struggle or challenge, be honest and vulnerable about your experiences and emotions. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate the impact of the struggle on your life, and the strategies and support systems you used to cope and persevere. Reflect on the lessons you learned and the growth you experienced as a result of your struggle, and consider how your insights might be valuable to others facing similar challenges.
For instance, you might write about how therapy and self-care practices helped you manage anxiety and depression, or how setting boundaries and communicating assertively helped you navigate a difficult relationship with a family member. Whatever your struggle may be, emphasize the resilience, strength, and wisdom you gained from the experience, and the ways in which it has shaped your perspective and priorities.
A Place That Holds Special Meaning
Places can hold incredible significance in our lives, whether it’s a childhood home, a favorite vacation spot, or a city that feels like a second home. Writing about a place that holds special meaning to you can make for a rich and evocative personal essay, as it explores the ways in which our surroundings shape our identities and experiences.
When writing about a place that holds special meaning, focus on the sensory details that bring the place to life for your readers. Use vivid descriptions of sights, sounds, smells, and textures to transport them to the location, and reflect on the emotions and memories the place evokes for you. Consider how the place has influenced your perspective and values, and the ways in which it continues to hold significance in your life.
For example, you might write about how summers spent at your grandparents’ farm taught you the value of hard work and connection to the land, or how living in a diverse urban neighborhood expanded your understanding of culture and community. Whatever your special place may be, let your affection and nostalgia shine through in your writing, and invite your readers to consider the places that hold meaning in their own lives.
Conclusion
Writing a personal essay is an opportunity to share your unique experiences, insights, and perspective with the world. By exploring topics that resonate with you and your readers, you can create a powerful and engaging piece of writing that inspires, informs, and connects. Whether you choose to write about a defining moment, a personal struggle, a place that holds special meaning, or any of the other topics we’ve explored in this guide, the key is to be authentic, vulnerable, and reflective in your writing.
By sharing your story with honesty and insight, you have the power to touch and transform others in ways you may never know. So don’t be afraid to dig deep, take risks, and let your unique voice shine through in your personal essays. The world needs your story, and you have the power to tell it in a way that only you can.