A personal narrative essay can be best described as creative nonfiction about your experiences. We can help you learn how to approach this personal piece. Use your personal experience to review the Dead Bird College Essay Example. This was written for a Common App college application essay prompt that no longer exists, which said: Evaluate significant experience, risk, achievement. Personal experience is the direct experience of an individual. It is a type of evidence and storytelling commonly used in public speaking, interviews, and academic work such as essays and research. Personal experience is generally opposed to professional experience resulting from work. However, the two often overlap; A good personal essay will explore a specific experience that created a sense of conflict in your life. The personal essay can be a way to explore how and why you were challenged or hurt by this experience. Think of it as a space where you can discuss an important moment and reflect on its impact on your life. Tone. Before you start writing your reflective essay, choose a tone. Because a reflective essay is more personal than an academic essay, you don't need to use a strict, formal tone. You can also use personal pronouns like I and I in your essay because this essay is about your personal experiences. Conclusion. The most meaningful experience of my life was defined not by its greatness, but by the depth of its impact. It was a journey of self-discovery, resilience and connection that transformed my outlook and enriched my understanding of the world. Through challenges and moments of beauty, I discovered the power of human resilience,