Objects Tell Stories
How the things you treasure tell the story of you
College Essay Writing season is heating up as we approach summer!
I’ve shared several generative exercises such as Listing, I Remember, and I Don’t Want to Remember to brainstorm ideas for personal statements and supplemental essays.
Today’s post explores how treasured objects tell the story of you. If someone who didn’t know you walked into your house, what are some things they could figure out about you based on your belongings and where they are?
The idea for this exercise came from a meme I once saw that asked,
What 3 OBJECTS would I toss into this magic circle to summon you forth?
Pick 3 objects to be the “ingredients” for a spell to make you appear. Looking at the picture above, along with the photo bomb by my cat, Clarence, we have:
Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek: The Next Generation action figure
Large container of Café Bustelo coffee
Bath & Body Works vanilla body spray
What kind of person (spoiler alert: me) would show up if you cast a spell to summon them with the 3 objects above? What can you figure out about them?
Some things might be obvious, such as my love for Star Trek, especially Jean-Luc Picard. Read my personal essay, “The Strength of Jean-Luc Picard,” to learn more about my life-long adoration of the iconic captain.
The story behind others isn’t as obvious, like my being allergic to flowers and hate flowery or perfumey smells. I prefer the smell of vanilla, and friends and family associate me with that scent.
I was, however, surprised to learn what else the objects I chose revealed about my character. For example, a previous workshop participant pointed out the size of the Café Bustelo container, stating that it not only reflected my love (or obsession) with coffee but also that I hate to shop and put it off for as long as possible.
Hence, I got the biggest size available. So true!
Another fun way to do this exercise is to draw a circle on a plain white sheet of paper and, inside, draw the 3 objects that would summon you forth.
I’ve done this activity with students of all ages in person and over Zoom, and the results are a great way to open a window into a person’s character.
Here are 10 questions to help you brainstorm “magical” objects, which are tangible things that represent memories, moments, relationships, or values important to you:
What’s an object that reminds you of home?
What object makes you feel safe?
What object represents a challenge you’ve faced?
What object brings you joy?
What’s hanging on your bedroom walls?
What object reminds you of something that still feels unresolved in your life?
What object represents something you know now that you didn’t know five years ago?
What do you like to collect?
What have you kept from a trip?
What’s an object that people associate with you?
After answering, pick 3 “magical objects” that would summon you forth.
If someone didn’t know you, like a college admissions officer, what could they figure out about you based on your choice? How do the 3 objects reflect who you are?
Now, pick ONE object and tell the story behind the thing you treasure.
Take 7 minutes and brainstorm:
How did this object come into your life? What do you remember seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting, smelling when you first came into contact with it?
Now take 7 more minutes and explore:
If this “thing” could speak, what would it say about you? About who you were when this object came into your life? And who you are now?
I’d love to hear your answers! Comment below or message me directly.
Summer is the time for rising seniors to tackle college essays before the pressures of senior year hit. Over the next few weeks, this newsletter will focus on what admissions officers are looking for, topics to avoid, storytelling techniques, and more.
Upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a pack of example student essays and discounts on private coaching. Contact me with questions or to set up a 30-minute complimentary consultation via Zoom.
Happy Writing!