Identifying characteristics of a Personal Reflective Narrative

Name: _________________ Pd. ___

DIRECTIONS: Read the personal essay below. Then COMPLETE THIS CHECKLIST to determine
whether it includes the basic characteristics to define it as a reflective narrative.
CHECKLIST:
1) Does the essay story appropriately match the required topic/prompt (see below), and does it answer ALL parts of the
writing prompt given?
____ Yes ____ No
If no, explain why not:
2) Does the essay focus on ONE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE of the writer? ___ Yes; ___No
If YES, what type of experience? ______________________________________________________________
If NO, explain: ____________________________________________________________________________
3) Did the writer reflect about the experience AND/OR explain how the experience affected him/her? ___ Yes __No
If YES, WHEN does the writer reflect? ___ at beginning of essay; ___ at the end; ___ both places or throughout
Briefly SUMMARIZE how the writer was changed/affected by the experience:
4) Underline any DIALOGUE that is used.
5) Circle any DESCRIPTIVE WORDS and/or DETAILS.
6) Draw a box around any obvious examples of CASUAL LANGUAGE or CASUAL STYLE of writing.
(For example, an occasional sentence that begins And or But -- or a sentence fragment used on purpose for special effect?)

7) Underline and draw an arrow out to the margin to LABEL / NAME any specific type of FIGURE OF SPEECH and/or
PERSUASIVE DEVICE used for special effect, etc.

Personal Essay/Anecdote -- PROMPT / TOPIC (required on 2014 Governors Scholars Application):

Tell a story about an event that involved you that your family members will be retelling for years to come. What insight(s)
did you gain from the moment described in that story? Are there any lessons you have learned from your current perspective
that you did not learn at that time? What insight(s) did your family member(s) gain?

Texted Testimony
By Rachel Cavanah
Beyond amazing.
When Dad texted to ask how things were going, that's how I described my first day renovating an
underprivileged family's home with Kentucky Changers youth mission group last July.
I'm sorry for anything I've ever done to fall short of yours and Mom's expectations and
desires, I continued in my text. I'm sorry for seeming selfish or unappreciative. Thank you for
everything you do. I love you both.
I know these were my exact words because Mom protected the entire text conversation on her phone to make
sure it never deletes automatically. It brought tears to both my parents' eyes to read how helping others helped me in
return. They've shared my message with church members, family and friends as evidence that mission work can make
even a stubborn, self-centered teenager feel humble and appreciative. Recently, a co-worker mentioned she wished her
son knew how fortunate he really is, so Mom suggested Kentucky Changers and showed her my texted testimony.
Sure, my parents were worried when they first heard what specific types of jobs I was doing. We had assumed
experienced workers would do the hardest construction and that I would contribute mostly by painting. I had never used
dangerous tools like power saws before, much less climbed on top a slippery tin roof. So I even surprised myself as I
volunteered for and accomplished these responsibilities. The biggest shock for us all, though, was that I was doing hard,
hot, manual labor enthusiastically! After all, my family and I could remember a time when scrubbing grout on our tiled
kitchen floor for a couple of hours literally made me cry. Everyone knew I was dependable if given a school assignment,
pair of ballet shoes, babysitting job, or less strenuous project, but not so much so when given a scrub brush.
Looking back, I realize I didn't sign up for Kentucky Changers with the right attitude or really expect to make
much difference. I complained beforehand because wearing shorts wasn't allowed, even with temperatures expected in
the upper 90s, and I actually doubted my decision to go when my best friend backed out. Still, with every nail I
hammered to build a needed wheelchair ramp, and every screw I drilled to put a proper roof and siding on a grateful
family's home, I not only gained more confidence in my abilities, but a sense of selflessness like never before. I learned
lessons about appreciating what I have, rather than envying what I don't, and being thankful for everything God and
family have provided for me, instead of just expecting it.
I felt changed. My parents noticed the growth and were proud, and having them see me in a different light made
me want to change even more. Sleeping on a floor for a week, sharing six showers with 50 teens, forcing down
unappetizing food while already being a picky eater, and waking up before dawn to work all day ended up being small
sacrifices.
Yes. Beyond amazing!
(499 words)