Which of these opening lines is the strongest for a personal narrative?

My name is Tom. I spent the summer working at Country Fried Chicken. I had to stand outside in a chicken suit passing out coupons.
"Tom? Is that you?" she asked. I awkwardly turned my balky, feathered head towards the voice and groaned inside. It was Erin; the cutest girl in my grade, and I happened to be in the middle of my shift dressed as a giant chicken.
I wanted to get a job for the summer and, oh boy, did I get one! It was humiliating, but I was able to save money for college.
Mr. Wilkins pulled me aside. I thought he was going to compliment me on my work. Instead, he showed me a giant chicken suit. My first reaction was, "I am not going to wear that thing!"

1 answer

The strongest opening line for a personal narrative among the options you provided is:

"Tom? Is that you?" she asked. I awkwardly turned my balky, feathered head towards the voice and groaned inside. It was Erin; the cutest girl in my grade, and I happened to be in the middle of my shift dressed as a giant chicken.

This line immediately draws the reader into a moment of tension and embarrassment, setting the stage for a story that likely includes themes of vulnerability, humor, and personal growth. It captures attention with a relatable scenario and introduces a character dynamic that creates interest right away.