You and nine peers have been selected to apply for an important college scholarship. Only one student will be awarded the scholarship. You have been asked to write a brief essay to the scholarship committee in which you share an important event in your life that significantly changed you, your view about life, your life goals, or your character for the better. Apply narrative techniques, a solid prewriting strategy, and creative sentence patterns to share your story and stand apart from other applicants. The final narrative should be at least three paragraphs in length and include a clear beginning, middle, and end.

### Narrative Outline: The Day I Found My Voice

**Introduction: Topic**
A simple summer afternoon changed my life forever, opening my eyes to the power of self-expression and the importance of resilience.

**Thesis Statement**
The day I nervously took the stage at my middle school talent show, sharing my original poem, not only transformed my view of myself but also set me on a path toward embracing my voice and dreams.

**Body Topic Sentence (Beginning)**
As the lights dimmed and the chatter of my classmates faded into an anticipatory silence, I felt a mixture of excitement and fear course through my veins.

- I remember standing behind the curtain, gripping the tattered edges of my poem, rehearsing the words in my mind like a mantra.
- The auditorium was filled with familiar faces, yet I felt an overwhelming sense of isolation, as if they were strangers awaiting the unveiling of my most vulnerable self.

**Body Topic Sentence (Middle)**
When my name was announced, I stepped into the spotlight, the warmth of the lights illuminating my racing heart.

- As I began to recite my poem, a story of heartbreak and hope that mirrored my own experiences, I was astonished to find that each word resonated with my peers—a realization that sparked a shift within me.
- Their laughter during the humorous stanzas and the quiet that enveloped the room during the poignant moments made me feel connected, as if we were sharing an unspoken bond that transcended our individual realities.

**Reflection/Conclusion (End)**
That transformative moment on stage was not merely about my performance but about discovering the power of vulnerability and authenticity.

- After the show, I was flooded with compliments and encouragement that lit a fire in me; I realized that my words could evoke emotions and inspire others, fostering a passion for writing and public speaking.
- More importantly, I learned that facing my fears head-on has irrevocably changed my life goals; I now aspire to become an advocate for those who struggle to find their voice, believing that everyone deserves a chance to be heard.

This pivotal experience taught me that self-expression is not just an avenue for creativity but a powerful tool for connection and change, and it has fueled my desire to uplift others through storytelling and advocacy.