I was stressing over how to kick off my Common App essay for weeks. Every time I tried to write, I'd end up with a blank page. Then I realized I just needed to write without worrying about how it sounded.
One day, I grabbed my laptop and just typed out a story from my life—no pressure, just raw feelings. I found that focusing on the details really helped me connect with my own experiences. Later, I picked the best lines and crafted a stronger intro. Has anyone else had similar breakthroughs?