How do our journeys shape who we are? This I How do our journeys shape who we are?

What is a “This I Believe…” project? Started as a 1950’s radio show hosted by Edward R. Murdow NOW it is a series of podcasts and essays written by celebrities and regular people alike that center around how our journeys in life affect who we are. Notable writers include: Muhammad Ali, Bill Gates, Jackie Robinson, Helen Keller, Tony Hawk, Elie Wiesel, Albert Einstein, Newt Gingrich, Martha Graham, Eleanor Roosevelt, and so on...

“Dancing to Connect a Global Tribe” Essay / Voice Example http://www.npr.org/2009/03/29/102423050/dancing-to-connect-to-a-global-tribe “Dancing to Connect a Global Tribe”

“America’s Beauty is in its Diversity” Essay / Voice Example http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99965179 “America’s Beauty is in its Diversity”

“I am still the greatest” Essay / Voice Example http://www.npr.org/2009/04/06/102649267/i-am-still-the-greatest “I am still the greatest”

Example Jigsaw Think-Pair-Share With your group, read the example your teacher has given you. Name the belief that this person has focused on. Discuss WHY the writer believes that and HOW he/she SHOWED you that in his/her essay. Discuss any writing techniques (or moves) that you see the writer use. Be prepared to share out to other classmates about your example essay.

Jigsaw Discussion: Each of the people in your row should have read a different essay Share the stories and techniques of your author - what did he/she believe in? How was the story set up?

Guidelines

What does it look like? Introduction: 1 sentence/short paragraph that draws the reader in Body: Personal experience / story about your life that shows why you believe what you do or how you came to that belief Conclusion: 1 sentence / short paragraph stating what you believe. The guidelines on the website suggest….

Tell a story about you Be specific Consider an event or moment that helped to shape this belief Tell the things you know that no one else does Your story does not have to be heart-warming or gut- wrenching...it may be funny or lighthearted. Most importantly, it should be REAL

Be Brief 350 - 500 WORDS!!!!!!

Name your Belief You should be able to state your belief in one sentence, otherwise you may not be writing about a belief, but something else. You should focus on 1 core belief.

Write about what you DO believe in, not what you DON’T believe in…. Be Positive Write about what you DO believe in, not what you DON’T believe in…. Also...no one wants to read a political or religious rant, save those for social media (just kidding!). But seriously, no preaching.

Be personal! This essay is about YOU!! Use first person and avoid the royal “we” Tell your own story, not someone else’s.

Caution! If someone has the guts to write about their parents’ divorce or their grandparent’s death or being humiliated on the sports field, you’ll not only respect their courage in saying it, you’ll listen hard. And if they ask you not to repeat it, you won’t. Writers need a community of readers in order to thrive. You are that community for others and for me. We need to have a code of honor here. I need to trust you and you need to trust each other.

Brainstorm a list of possible beliefs or pivotal experiences in your life. Try on a few different topics: What beliefs have a stronger story? Which ones have more passion behind them? Start by either writing the story that goes with the belief or why you believe in that particular topic. Can’t pick a belief statement? See your teacher for help! Your Turn!

Get stuck? Read for inspiration!

https://thisibelieve.org/themes/ To see a wide range of topics on TIB website and get inspiration