As a former AP Program Information writer for the College Board, Kelly Jean now leads college essay writing workshops across the country with the purpose of teaching students how to extend their story in the reader’s mind through a college essay.
Model Labratory School at Eastern Kentucky University
Last week, I had the honor of visiting Model Laboratory School in Kentucky to lead a three-day college essay writing workshop for the seniors and juniors to help them find and focus their personal stories. 
We even had a No, YOU Tell It!-style story swap on the final day, where they read each other’s drafts out loud and gave group feedback to inform their revisions. Here are some student takeaways about their stories and the experience of writing personal narratives:
I used to think college essays had to be about trauma, but now I know it can be about small moments, too.
I used to think failure was a bad thing, but now I know it makes you who you are.
I used to think I couldn’t support my friends when they needed it, but now I know there is more than one way to express compassion.
I used to think that playing music was a passion only serving myself, but now I know that it is a gift that can be shared with anyone who is willing to listen.
I used to think that I had it all planned out, but now I know that I can’t prepare for everything.