Admissions experts note that a great essay isn't just about the trauma itself, but about the character you developed because of it.
Start with a specific moment from the video. Describe the atmosphere of 2021—a year of transition—and the person you see on the screen. Introduce the idea that recording oneself is an "act of faith," a way of saying that your story deserves to be heard.
Focus on your "personal expertise"—what you know better than anyone else because of your unique life path. Photo by Stephanie Land (@stepville) · Instagram 2021- estephania.mp4
Tie the 2021 footage to who you are today. Emphasize that while the video is a static moment in time, it represents the "decent first draft" of your future career and personal expertise. Tips for a Standout Essay
Reflect on the challenges captured or implied in the footage. If the video touches on struggle (similar to Stephanie Land’s work on poverty and motherhood), discuss how these barriers didn't just define your situation but sharpened your resolve to graduate and create art. Admissions experts note that a great essay isn't
If this video is for a college application or a scholarship—like those for Eastern Illinois University's Homecoming Court —it likely needs to highlight your . Essay Draft Idea: "The Power of the Witness"
Moving from being a subject of a story to the author of one. Introduce the idea that recording oneself is an
Discuss the process of turning raw experiences into a structured narrative. Writing or filming an essay is an exercise in self-love and compassion; it allows you to look back at your younger self as a "witness" to your own survival and progress.