Writing a personal story is a necessary part of the process for applying for specific educational, professional, and community opportunities. Some people may also choose to write a personal story to share their life stories and memories with current and future generations. There are many different approaches and formats to writing a personal story. Here is a strategy.
Steps
Step 1. Create a personal history timeline
Start with the basic facts, including your name, where you grew up, how many siblings you have, your religion and ethnicity, and how old you were when you made a significant change or experienced memorable events.
Step 2. Identify interesting life themes that highlight your character
Achieve this goal by examining all aspects alone or with other people who know you well.
- Identify the specific challenges in your life. Think about the events and problems that have caused you pain or frustration. Suffering from a learning disability as a child, escaping a political revolution, and dealing with racism are some examples.
- Make a list of your successes in life. These are the ones you have achieved through hard work, a favorable situation, or sheer luck. Winning an academic award in high school, leading your basketball team to the title of champion, or winning a large amount of cash are examples.
- Review both lists for interesting stories or examples of changes. For example, perhaps you faced a learning disability in childhood, but diligently overcome it and graduated with honors.
Step 3. Organize your personal story
Depending on who will read it and the format requested, decide whether you will present it in a chronological or thematic format.
- Use a chronological format to emphasize a sequence of events. If your personal story includes a series of significant events that need to be described in order, use a chronological format. Start with your childhood experiences.
- Choose a thematic format to emphasize specific interests or life lessons. For example, if you are applying for a college conflict resolution program, focus on the aspects of your personal story that illustrate your interest in conflict resolution. Share life stories or events that helped shape you and that prompted you to study this topic.
Step 4. Determine the length of your personal story
If you are writing your presentation for personal use, the length will be flexible. If it is a requirement for a school or work related request, inquire about the specific length requirements.
Step 5. Write your personal story
- Start with an interesting introduction. Avoid statements like, "my name is…". You could start with a statement regarding the particular job or school you are applying for and your relationship to the particular subject of study or work.
- Use the challenges, achievements and themes identified. Build on each of these aspects of your life by sharing personal stories, ideas, opinions, life events and other observations to give the reader the picture of who you are, what is important to you, what you have learned in life and what you hope to accomplish in the future.
- Finish your personal story. Write a paragraph that summarizes the main themes and lessons of your life, and intertwine them with the most important reasons that led you to write your personal story. For example, perhaps you had an economically difficult childhood and believe that a business degree can help you create financial self-reliance for you and your family.
Step 6. Read your personal story
Set it aside for a day or two and read it again. Ask those who are familiar with your life story and your character to read it. Also ask people who don't know you well to read it to make sure it's clear and effective.
