Finding Gratitude in the College Essays
by Jackie Hundt, Director of College Counseling & Test Prep
While some seniors have hit submit on their college applications, the season is not yet over. Many are in the midst of a final push to submit regular decision applications before the New Year, and others will work diligently on scholarship applications as spring approaches. The college application itself is fairly straightforward, but the essay prompts are not. These prompts challenge our young people to think deeply about themselves, their experiences, their futures, and their place in the world.
“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude. ”
The task seems daunting for many, and for obvious reasons. Most of the writers responding to these prompts are only 17 or 18 years old, with this likely being the first time they have shared very personal details of their lives with others. Undoubtedly, these college-bound seniors must also overcome the requisite writer’s block at some point in the process—we’ve all been there. And, it goes without saying that they adhere to basic grammar rules, eliminate spelling mistakes or other errors, and address the prompts head-on. A well-crafted response often includes a healthy balance of introspection, creativity, research, and forward thinking. College essays are not for the faint of heart.
Now, you may ask, “Where is the gratitude in all of this?” I have found gratitude in so many places after reading countless college essays, whether they were written by my son, my friends’ children, Crosby Scholars, or our ILLUMII clients. In fact, I distinctly remember last year telling my husband how grateful I was for my son’s teachers, who helped get him to this pivotal point.
Reading my son’s essays gave me a little glimpse into who he was and who he wanted to become—lots of gratitude found there, because for years all he told me about the happenings of his day was “not much.” While college essays are met with resistance, they do encourage growth and self-discovery in our youth, and guide them in discerning which college they will call home. In short, the essays contribute to their advancement.
Many essays also describe serious personal struggles. Knowing the young people persevered, trusted me with their stories, and now sit next to me full of hope and optimism brings a level of gratitude that words cannot describe. Working with students has revealed how we live in an amazing and supportive village, and how together, we are raising wonderful children who have so many talents and much to offer. Thank you for all these good things!