Identity & Growing Up

• “A moment when I realized I was changing as a person…”
• “Something I wish adults understood about teenagers is…”
• “I used to believe ___, but now I think ___.”
• “A time I felt proud of myself was when…”
• “If I could talk to my younger self, I would say…”

Relationships & Friendship

• “Someone who changed my life without realizing it…”
• “A friendship I miss — and why it mattered…”
• “A moment I felt supported, really supported…”
• “When I felt left out — and what I learned…”
• “Someone I admire and why they matter to me…”

Feelings and Emotions

• “A time I felt strong emotions and didn’t know what to do…”
• “When I felt misunderstood…”
• “A moment I felt truly seen…”
• “Something I struggle with but rarely talk about is…”
• “A time I surprised myself…”

Living in NYC

• “What NYC looks or feels like through my eyes…”
• “Something that only someone from my neighborhood would understand…”
• “A moment on the subway I’ll never forget…”
• “What community means — in my borough…”

Challenges & Pressure (without exploiting trauma)

• “Something that is harder than people think is…”
• “A moment I felt pressure — and how I coped…”
• “What I wish people knew about mental health…”
• “A time I struggled but found a way forward…”

Hope, Dreams, Ambition

• “One dream I have for my future…”
• “Something I want to achieve — even if it feels impossible…”
• “A moment I felt hopeful…”
• “What keeps me going when things get tough…”

Creative Writing Prompts

• “Write a letter to your future self.”
• “Write a poem where every line starts with ‘I am…’”
• “Write a story where the main character is based on your emotions.”
• “Describe a feeling as if it were a person.”
• “Write from the point of view of your memory.”
• “Write a scene you wish had happened differently.”

Immigrant & Multicultural Identity

• “Between two cultures — one at home, one outside.”
• “A tradition I carry”
• “Things get lost in translation - an accent, a phrase, a misunderstanding.”
• “I am from…”
• “What my family brought with them.”