A Farewell To College Essay Writer's Block

"Do not worry. You have always written before and you will write now. All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.”

Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast

You're a stressed-out high school senior staring at a blank screen. For five minutes. Or forever. There's really no difference in your mind. This is what college essay writer’s block feels like. Ugh.

Hemingway has some advice: write the truest sentence that you know.

What happens when you stop over-thinking an essay topic and allow yourself the freedom to be spontaneous – and real? In this moment, what is the truest sentence that you know?

For example, the University of California reminds you that “personal statements are just that – personal.” Your writing needs to be authentic.

Here’s a gentle suggestion –

Unplug from all devices. Get centered. Breathe. Think about who you are as a person, and not just as a high school student.

Reintroduce yourself to the thoughts, ideas and feelings stirring within. Allow them to guide you in writing one true sentence. And then, another. And another.