Struggling to write a college essay?

Originally appeared online in the teen series Your Healings -  October 21, 2025.

It was college application time. Though many described the process as grueling and exhausting, I saw it as an opportunity to share my experiences with Christian Science, deepen my understanding of myself, and bless each reader through my writing.

At first, the process was relatively smooth: fine-tuning personal statements, curating my story, researching schools, and speaking with alumni. I didn’t really encounter difficulty until I reached the final of four supplemental essays for one school. I had rewritten this essay multiple times, but nothing stood out. The message felt flat, misaligned with what I truly wanted to say.

Then, inspiration struck. I realized I had been approaching the essay the wrong way. Instead of trying to showcase myself, I needed to highlight God’s wonderful works in my life. My role was not to impress, but to express—to reflect God, Mind, in every word. I knew that turning to God meant there could be no misstep. Trusting in Him, I leaned into the understanding that nothing bad could come from sincerely sharing God’s love with the world.

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