Instructions for Essay #3, due beginning of class, Thursday October 6.
- Write about something in which you really believe.
- Start you essay by stating (as I have done below) This I believe: that...
- This essay is due beginning of class, Thursday October 6.
- It must not be over 500 words (475 - 500).
- It must be word processed.
- It must follow the MLA format and have a cover sheet.
- Paperclip all your notes to the final draft.
This assignment is very challenging. It challenges you to speak from your heart about something in which you really believe. All of us believe in something. How about you?
To help you I have included one of my own essays for you to use as an example:
This I believe: that during my sixty-three years I have been blessed with some real teachers, and they have made all the difference.
I'm not speaking of those who taught me how to read, write, or do arithmetic. I'm not speaking of my family, religious instructors, friends or lovers. I'm speaking of serendipitous encounters with people who, during the unplanned moments of our intersection, took a genuine and meaningful interest in my life and well-being. We possessed personalities and temperaments that drew us together, allowing their instruction to penetrate. We approved of something in each other, and I was permitted to grasp, in ways previously subterranean, the feelings of my heart, the rationality of my mind, and the joys of self-education. They validated, in uncommon ways, that I, too, was a creature of value and dignity. They lived life as more than a chore, and encouraged me to love, to be brave, to improve, and to viscerally appreciate that life is for those who are alive.
They never charged a dime, never wanted disciples, always challenged me to think for myself, refine my skills, and keep on learning. Our association sometimes lasted a few weeks. Others I have known for years.
One teacher, John Vance, was a Marine I had as my physics teacher in boarding school. One day a toilet overflowed in the boy's restroom, causing quite a disruption. Not knowing what to do I went in search of help and found Mr. Vance. Without hesitation he walked to the troublesome toilet, looked into the bowl, rolled up his right sleeve (the one with the Semper Fi tattoo), reached in and pulled out the offending stoppage. The toilet ran free and I, a teenage boy, stood aghast at such endeavor. As he scrubbed down his arm in the sink he looked over at me with a wink and said, "Rory. In this life, every once in a while you are going to have to get up to your elbows in shit." Of course, since then I have had numerous opportunities to experience this wisdom directly. Whenever I find myself up to my elbows, I reflect back on Mr. Vance, that toilet, and reaching in doesn't seem quite so odious.
There have been other teachers who set me off in new directions: George Sheehan, running philosopher and cardiologist, taught me to go life's full distance; Gary and Marlene, my first Outward Bound instructors, taught me tenacity in pursuit and how to climb mountains; Alex and Meredith Rode, urban beatniks, brought forth my love of learning; Carl Peterson, eccentric educator, taught me how to teach children to read; Roy Masters, de-hypnotizer, taught me about mindful meditation; Henry Sojourner, fellow communard, taught me that the only thing I know for sure is that I'm alive.
I have been blessed with real teachers, and, because of them, I am more.
This will provide you with examples of other essays, writing tips, and a way for you to submit your winning essay to National Public Radio for inclusion on one their broadcasts.
Have fun, and tell me, "What do you believe?"