Personal Essay Gets Student Published in National Magazine

Personal essay writing is what common app essays are all about. Yusuf Rasul, 21, wrote his first story, "Algol", for WritersStudio.us in grade school. However, it was this alum's personal essay that first got him published in a national magazine. His reflections triggered my own. Here he is in his own words:

"I’ve always found peace within writing. Whether I’m reflecting on my day and planning the next, or crafting my own world into existence, being able to express everything on a piece of paper makes everything easier.

Writing with WritersStudio.us was beneficial in finding my own style of writing. It taught me useful frameworks that I was able to apply on my own. The writing workshops also helped me become concise with my words. That’s been very helpful with getting my point across, both in writing & while speaking.

My first (published) personal essay was about my first experience with I’tikahf. I had an amazing time at the Darussalam Mosque. My mom’s friend suggested that I share the experience and inspire others as well. I was initially nervous as I didn’t know if my writing skills would be strong enough for my work to get published. However, as I continued to write, it all came naturally and began flowing really well. Seeing my personal essay printed, I felt very accomplished as this was the first time my work was being shown to the public. I showed my family and friends and they all really liked it, too. It felt surreal.

What motivates me is the fact that my writing can have a positive impact. If I inspire just one person that it makes it all worth it."

As the owner of WritersStudio.us I, too, began my career contributing personal essays for the "Teen Scene" column in India Post. What I didn't know then was that I would make a career out of them. And I urge all of you who've written an essay for college to think of all the ways your essay can be reused. Will it be a springboard to a podcast of your own, a VLOG maybe, a novel, an anthology?

Apparently, there is truth to the saying, "write what you know about". I became a columnist for Oman Observer discussing career, marriage and motherhood. My personal essays found a place as commentaries for NPR. I found myself sharing why I adopted the hijab at age 22 or how I just can't survive hot weather, despite all my formative years in hot countries! With PRI, I discussed how American-Muslim parents help their kids survive labels like "terrorist", and the emotional challenges of setting new roots in the US. Did I know then that my writing would be translated into Arabic, Urdu, Hebrew, French, Tagalog as I wrote for Common Ground News about Muslims in America? Not at all. For OnBeing, I discussed Ramadan and what observing it means to me. Who knew readers and listeners would be interested in my personal reflections? I certainly didn't when I began writing.

Sometimes our careers unfold before us because we put one foot in front of the other. Even when we don't see a clear path ahead of us. I did not end up writing personal essays or creating WritersStudio.us where I coach students on their college essays as part of a big picture plan. It kind of fell together. I was simply making my way forward, accepting opportunities and ideas as they came my way.

And that is the reality I remind myself of whenever I can't see the path ahead or feel nervous as to my "next". One foot infront of the other. That is all I am responsible for. Saying "yes" to opportunities without letting my insecurities get the better of me. Yes, much like Yusuf Rasul did. I can't wait to see where his personal essay and his first publication will take him. Just as I look forward to all my students recycling their own common app essays as one of many rungs to a bright future.