Your “Who am I?” essay is a paper where you describe yourself as a person. Mention what inspires and motivates you, what you love and don’t love, your goals and wishes, etc.
In this article, you’ll learn how to write this personal essay. (And please don’t miss a ready-made example to understand what to describe in your work!)
How to Write a “Who Am I” Essay
You’re that person who knows you best, but writing about yourself is still challenging:
You read a writing prompt for a college application or scholarship, and you aren’t sure if you understand it in detail. How do you know what exactly to mention in your essay? You can’t find words to describe your nature and skills. How do you know if that particular accomplishment or story from your life is worth including?
Easy:
Stick with us here for practical tips on writing a “Who Am I” essay, with a free template to follow.
How to start?
Ask any writer, and they will tell you that the hardest part of the writing process is to start it. It’s a kind of writer’s block when you stare at a blank screen and don’t know what to write. Below are several ideas that can help you craft a compelling essay about yourself:
- Think about one sentence that would describe you best. (A technique some authors use for inspiration: Answer the question, “What would friends write on your grave?” or “What do you want the world to remember about you?” You can start an essay with that phrase.
- In the introduction, describe yourself in general. (Be truthful and honest.)
- Discuss one or two of your hobbies. (Choose those you’re most passionate about, those influencing your mood — and maybe your skills — most.)
- Highlight your achievements but don’t boast. (Be reflective by analyzing and evaluating what you’ve achieved.)
- Add some personality to the essay. (Tell anecdotes, include examples, and be creative to keep readers engaged with your story.)
Short Essay About “Who I Am” Sample
You’re welcome to use the below template from our professional writer for crafting your future “Who am I” essays.
Here it goes:
| Standing on the precipice of adulthood, I ask myself the only question. It looms before me like a nebulous cloud. Who am I? Seemingly simple, this question is straightforward. It encompasses the complex interplay of my experiences, values, aspirations, and identity. Through this essay, I hope to answer it in this essay, providing you, dear reader, with a glimpse into the mosaic of my life. The first facet of my identity I would like to explore is my cultural background. I was born into a family that cherishes its heritage. My parents, immigrants from India, have instilled in me a deep appreciation for our cultural roots. I grew up celebrating festivals, enjoying traditional cuisine, and learning about the rich history and spirituality India offers. These experiences have shaped me into a person who values diversity, understanding, and the importance of preserving one’s cultural identity. My educational journey has been instrumental in shaping my identity as well. Throughout high school, I have been a diligent and curious student, consistently striving for academic excellence. I am passionate about technology and science, so I actively participated in corresponding contests and clubs. This pursuit has taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of pushing boundaries to understand the world around me. It has also instilled a sense of responsibility to use my knowledge and skills for social development. Beyond academics, I believed in the power of community service. Volunteering at local shelters, organizing food drives, and participating in environmental cleanup activities have all been significant parts of my life. These experiences have taught me empathy and the importance of giving back to the community. I understand my deeds can make a positive impact on others’ lives. It reinforces my commitment to social responsibility. Another essential aspect of my identity is my love for the arts, particularly music. I am an avid musician, playing the piano for ten years. Music is my refuge; it’s a place where I can express my emotions and creativity. It has taught me discipline, patience, and the beauty of self-expression. Whether I play a classical composition or compose my own melodies, music is an integral part of who I am, and it continues to be a source of inspiration and solace. My aspirations for the future shape my identity, too. I aspire to pursue a career in biomedical engineering because I see I can combine my passion for science with my desire to make a meaningful impact on healthcare there. I envision a world where cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions can improve the quality of life for individuals facing health challenges. I dream of contributing to this vision by researching and developing medical devices that can transform lives. Now I see that the “Who am I?” question is multifaceted, encompassing my cultural background, educational journey, commitment to community service, love for the arts, and aspirations for the future. These elements have all played a vital role in shaping the person I am today. As I embark on the next chapter of my life, I’m looking forward to continuing to explore my identity, learn from new experiences, and positively impact the world around me. I hope that now you see me as a prospective student who is both committed to academic excellence and passionate about using my knowledge and skills to make a difference in society. |
Actionable Tips to Improve Your Paper
Ready to start writing? Consider these helpful tips on crafting a person essay about who I am:
1) Understand your audience
Who will read your essay? Is it a college admission officer who knows nothing about you? Or, maybe it’s your school teacher with some background of who you are? Do you plan to publish your reflection for your social media followers or blog readers?
Depending on the audience, your story may change. Add details about what interests your readers: What would they want to know? Understanding your readers will make your essay more compelling (1). It will be easier for you to engage them and make them emotionally connected to your story.
2) Don’t be afraid to look vulnerable
Allow the readers to see your inner feelings. Sincerity and reflection are the new black, you know. It’s okay to speak about your strengths, weaknesses, or worries to the audience. That’s what differentiates you from other people, thus making you an individual.
Here’s the big secret:
Admission committees appreciate students’ understanding of their weaknesses and areas to grow. Communicate the willingness to change and grow. You’re just a human, after all.
Write about what you want to develop in yourself. Or, tell about life experiences that have changed or influenced you most.
3) Proofread and edit your essay
Once your essay is ready, it’s time to proofread and edit it. Here’s a short checklist of the details to fix if any:
- Grammar and punctuation mistakes (verb tenses, sentence structure)
- Spelling errors and inconsistencies in names or terms
- Typos
- Incorrect capitalization
- No logical flow or transitions between paragraphs
- Excessive wordiness and repetition
- Biased language
- Too much passive voice and redundant adverbs
- Slang
- Too sophisticated words and phrases that have simpler alternatives
That’s It: Your “Who Am I” Essay Is Ready
In this blog post, we tried to cover all the core details of personal essay writing. Now you know how to start it, what elements to include, and how to craft it for better readability and emotional connection with the audience.
We hope our 500-word essay example will help you write your perfect story about yourself. If you still have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask our professional writers for help.
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