Naturally Lefty

When students sit down to write their college or scholarship essays, one of the first things I hear is:

“But I don’t have anything special to write about!”

It’s a common misconception that you need a dramatic story, a groundbreaking achievement, or a once-in-a-lifetime experience to stand out. In reality, the most powerful essays often come from everyday moments. What matters is not what happened, but how you reflect on it and what it reveals about your character, values, and growth.

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Why Everyday Topics Work

Admissions officers and scholarship readers review thousands of essays. Many of them blur together—another essay about winning the championship game, acing a test, or volunteering abroad. But when a student writes about something simple, like teaching their younger sibling to ride a bike or working a weekend job at a café, it feels fresh and real.

Why? Because these essays:

• Show authenticity – You’re not trying to impress; you’re showing who you are.

• Highlight reflection – The ability to see meaning in small things demonstrates maturity.

• Stand out naturally – Few students think to write about small, everyday experiences, so your story feels unique.

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Everyday Life = Essay Gold

Here are examples of ordinary experiences that can turn into extraordinary essays:

• Cooking with family – What does learning a recipe teach you about tradition, patience, or creativity?

• Part-time job – How did stocking shelves, serving customers, or babysitting sharpen your resilience or leadership skills?

• Commuting to school – Did you notice something about your community, your habits, or the way you use your time?

• Daily challenges – Maybe managing, helping with chores, or balancing homework shaped your perseverance.

• Hobbies – What has painting, playing chess, running, or baking taught you about problem-solving or discipline?

The magic lies in connecting the dots between the experience and the bigger picture of who you are.

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Reflection Over Description

Think of it this way: writing about baking cookies isn’t really about the cookies. It’s about what baking represents: care, creativity, or persistence when the first batch burns.

When brainstorming, ask yourself:

• What did this moment teach me?

• How did I change or grow? What challenges did I overcome?

• Why does this matter for my future?

Those questions shift the essay from being just a story to being a powerful reflection of your character.

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A Real-World Example

One of my students once wrote about folding laundry. Yes, laundry. On the surface, it seemed too ordinary. But in reflecting, the student realized how this small act represented responsibility, teamwork in the family, and finding calm in routine. The essay wasn’t about laundry—it was about maturity, reliability, and gratitude. It stood out precisely because it was so genuine.

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Final Thoughts

Your life doesn’t need to look like a movie, in fact, it’s often the smallest, most everyday experiences that carry the deepest meaning. Admissions officers and scholarship committees want to know who you are, how you think, and what matters to you. Everyday life gives you the perfect canvas to show that.

So next time you think, “I have nothing to write about,” pause and look around. Your winning essay topic might already be sitting in the ordinary moments of your daily life.

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✍️ Need help turning your everyday experiences into an essay that shines? I coach students to find their authentic voice and craft essays that open doors. Reach out at WritingWithSonia@gmail.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.