Jennifer Crichton

Prewriting for Essay #1

Write out responses to these questions:

1.) Is a "fresh start" at college alluring to everyone? Why or why not?

2.) Is "the allure of a fresh start" at college one of the reasons you chose to go to college? Why or why not?

3.) Do you believe people, especially college freshmen, choose who they will become? Why or why not?

4.) Should a purpose for going to college really be about the “fresh start” and the “clean slate”? Or is this focus too distracting, too far away from academics? Should college really be about academics only?

5.) How have you changed since you've been at college? Have you noticed yourself acting, eating, socializing, or dressing differently than you did in high school -- or before beginning college? If you don't see any noticeable changes yet, speculate about why you might or might not change dramatically.

6.) Crichton says her friend Dan realized that "while he's of his background, he's not identical to it." Do you feel as though you are "identical" to your background? Why or why not?

7.) In what ways is a student a “soul in transit,” as Crichton says? In what ways can college offer students the chance to “re-make” themselves? To “re-make” their lives? Do you believe it will happen to you? Why or why not?