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  • Workshop
  • In-Person: Seaport
  • Teen (13–18)
  • YAWP/Teen
  • 1 Week

Teen Summer: Reinventing the Personal Essay

No Longer Enrolling

  • $475.00 Non-Member
  • $450.00 Member

Class Description

Class Description:

Want to write a personal essay but you're tired of the same old 5 paragraph structure? The Latin origin of the word 'Essay' means 'a try, an attempt, to ascertain,' and in this class we will attempt different essay models to explore the right fit for our nonfiction stories. Our course will focus on Personal Essays and related hybrid genres to help students see the art of an essay beyond an assignment or formulaic structure. We'll discuss how to bring multiple voices, and diverse sources of information into nuanced, multifaceted conversations with one another, rather than points and counterpoints as a means to prove an argumentative thesis. We'll read the work of Hanif Abdurraqib, Ross Gay, and Alexander Chee to get the latest takes on personal essay writing. Students will explore tensions and curiosities in the subject of their choosing, and be encouraged to use writing as a mode of thinking through the problem, instead of conveying a predetermined answer. We'll also spend class time specifically discussing tools for the college essay and preparing students to stand out in their applications. For writers age 13 - 18 ONLY. This class was previously listed as, Essay Writing for College and Beyond.

Takeaway:

Students will leave with:

-Tools to approach writing topics important to them on their own terms and scope, without the guidance of an assignment

- A way of utilizing sources and citations as a means of joining the conversation, rather than proving a point

-A way to write essays as a means of problem-solving and storytelling, rather than building a predetermined persuasive argument

-New essay structures that may incorporate other genres like poetry, fiction, podcasting, video presenting, memoir etc.

-A jumpstart to a strong college application essay for students entering their senior year

Class Format:

This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood. Students who need an MBTA pass to commute to class and/or a lunch stipend can request one using this form. Snacks, pens, notebooks and chromebooks (limited amount) will be provided!

Space Accessibility:

Our space is fully ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.

Covid-19 Updates:

GrubStreet is a mask-friendly space. When our community Covid risk level is low or medium, masks are optional. We are currently at a high community risk level, so masking is required. Learn more about our Covid-19 Policy here.

Registration Instructions:

  • If the student is under 18, parents/guardians must complete this permission form online. You only need to fill this form out ONE TIME, NOT for every class. If you cannot remember whether you have already filled it out, please email [email protected] and we will check for you! If you do not complete this form, your registrations could be voided and the cancellation policy will apply.
  • If the student is 18, simply let us know by emailing [email protected].
  • If you are registering on behalf of a student, add their email in the “For a Friend or Child?” field on the right-hand side of the screen at check out. This will send them a direct link and reminder to create their own profile with GrubStreet.
  • Please register with your preferred name :)

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***If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected]. We’re looking forward to writing with you this summer!***

Scholarships Format/Location

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.

This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.


Covid-19 Update:

GrubStreet's space will be mask-optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in person.


Space Accessibility:

Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA-compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.