THE ASSIGNMENT $($one paragraph$)$

Oftentimes we unconsciously become the product of our surroundings $-$ we aim to fit in with our families, our friends, and our communities. However, what happens when we begin to question our motivations to fit in$?$ What happens when we begin to question the conventions $($societal norms$)$ within the very groups we strive to belong to$?$ How does this impact the life we then create for ourselves?

What is your opinion of the idea that a person has the power to forge their own path in life?

Write one paragraph in response to the writing prompt above. Since you're writing from a personal perspective on a very personal topic, you're welcome $($and encouraged$)$ to use personal pronouns $($such as I feel, I think etc.$).$ Here is a brief breakdown of format:

MAIN IDEA: Open the paragraph with a direct answer to the question $($approximately $1-3$ sentences$).$ This is your controlling idea, or thesis statement, and it should be clear to me $($your reader$)$ what it is you are "arguing." You will be "proving" and supporting this point in your paragraph.

EVIDENCE: This is the "what happened." Tell me about your personal experience. $($approximately $5-10$ sentences$)$

ANALYSIS: This is the "why it matters." Tell me what your life experience showed you, shows us $($your readers$),$ and shows the world $($universal lesson$).($approximately $5-10$ sentences in length$)$

LAST THOUGHT: Wrap it all up$.$ Bring your reader's attention back to the main point and summarize to close. $($approximately $1-3$ sentences$)$

Total Length: Approx $15-30$ sentences