Have you ever kept a journal or a diary? It might be time to pick up those collections of private thoughts, wince through your pre-teen love poems, and give it a good read. So much happens to us throughout our adolescence, it is easy to forget the small events that impacted our goals, motivations and mindset on a daily basis. Journals are natural wells for these kids of experiences and reflections, and often all it takes is a reminder of one small story to get the essay topic ideas flowing. Plus, revisiting old free writes can be a fun exercise in acknowledging where your writing has been and how far it’s come.