scong1

I wanted to talk about how I'm normally a quiet and reserved person, but how it taught me how important it is to reach out to others. I was going to write about my experience with going to a brand new church and not making any friends at one of their camping trips. And it wasn't until the very last day that a group of four people reached out to me and accepted me. I had to hold back my tears because throughout the trip I hadn't eaten for days so that people wouldn't stare at me in the dining hall and I had no roommates (while everyone else had 4-5). Although I had tried my best to be sociable, my attempts were futile since the entire congregation had already been friends since elementary school. So when I returned home, I tried my best to reach out to others who seemed to be in need of a friend.

Is this a bad idea? Even though this event REALLY impacted me, I feel like it might make me seem like someone who isn't outgoing or active. Thoughts? Criticisms?

upmaster

I'm wondering the same thing. I was almost going to focus on my shyness in an essay about speech team but decided against it.
I think if you changed into an outgoing character in the end it can work

qialah

Hard to say without reading it, but in concept it sounds fine. Focus on what you learned from the experience and how it changed you.

fauxmaven

I think you should seek help from a counselor at your school. Maybe you are depressed and don't know it.

scong1

Mm, I'm pretty sure I'm not depressed. It happened 3 years ago.

eCoachJen

If you're going to write about this experience, I suggest you focus on how the kindness you received on last day of your trip made you a better person. Show specific examples of how you've grown from this. Focus on the positive and not negative.

Hope it helps. Good luck,