Narrative Spark

Session 2 of 6: Facilitator Guide

Rising Senior Series

Literature & Narrative

Session Purpose

To master "Distance Traveled" storytelling for Texas Essay A. Scholars will draft narrative hooks that turn their first-gen status into professional resilience.

Timing & Resources

Focus: Asset-Based Writing

Required: Spark Slides, Essay Hook Worksheet

Pacing Guide

Time	Activity	Instructional Notes
5 min	The Hook Analysis	Slide 2: Compare the "Band Student" list vs. the "Early Morning" narrative. Which one has more heart?
10 min	"Pioneer" Brainstorm	Worksheet Part 1. Scholars identify moments where they figured things out alone. This is "evidence" of grit.
10 min	The 3-Sentence Draft	Hands-on drafting in the dashed box. Monitor for "passive voice"—tell them to use strong verbs!
5 min	The Mirror Swop	Swap and circle the strongest word. Validate each other as "Pioneers."

Translation: Hardship → High-Yield Strength

"First-generation students often view their challenges as deficits. In college literature, these are assets. Navigating a tax form for your parents is financial literacy. Caring for siblings is early leadership."

Facilitator Tip:

Scholars are drafting for their future self. Help them realize that their junior year story is the literature that unlocks their senior year wins.

Narrative Spark

Narrative Spark Facilitator Guide

Narrative Spark Slides

Narrative Spark Worksheet