This first essay is a memoir that focuses on a defining event in your life, something that has shaped you in important ways. A memoir is autobiographical in that it is a story about your life told from your point of view, but it focuses on a specific period or event rather than spanning a lifetime as other autobiographical narratives can do. This personal story might touch on a defining event that was joyful or difficult or eye-opening. It might be something that happened to you in a familiar or unfamiliar setting, with family or friends or people you didn’t know. You’ll prepare this essay to read to a small group in class in Week 2. THIS IS A LOW-STAKES ASSIGNMENT and will be graded simply as no credit or full credit.  It's more about getting ideas on paper and having something to share in Week 2.  Nevertheless, it should be complete with fully developed sentences and organized paragraphs.  It will be rewritten in the 2nd half of the course.  Maximum length : two pages typed, double-spaced. Use any event from childhood or a job of some sort. Please make this appropriate and choose a positive topic. You may write a story!