When I started my Common App essay, it felt overwhelming at first. I had so much pressure to write something perfect right away. But here's what actually helped me: I gave myself permission to write a messy draft first.
I just spilled out my thoughts like I was chatting with a friend. I focused on getting my story down without worrying about the opening line being catchy or profound. Once I had all my ideas on paper, I went back and found the parts that felt the most authentic, and those ended up being great starting points.
Honestly, it made the whole process way less stressful! If you're stuck, try that approach. It really works!