The Life History Questionnaire—How Will it Help?
To get started, let’s deal with the insecurity thing. By the time we walk though this section using the Life History Questionnaire to get to know yourself better, you’ll see that you have LOTS to talk about!
Using the Life History Questionnaire is one of the most important things you can do in this entire book because it will help you outline your possibilities. Perhaps some things you never thought of, or assumed no one would find interesting, will jump out at you. And when you start mixing and matching the pieces, you'll see amazing and unique topics to write about.
Use the Life History form to give yourself some thoughts about which directions and angles you could use to approach the topics. Use your previous work history, education, certifications, extra studies and interests to create unique points of views for a traditional audience.
/ Fill out the following Life History Questionnaire. Brainstorm as many “labels” and answers in each section as you possibly can. Don't be afraid to go back and add more answers when they come to mind in another hour. Or day. Or week. (Look at the sample on the next page if you want ideas and suggestions. )Life History Questionnaire
Childhood
Place of birth: Era of childhood:
Memorable childhood experiences:
Early educational memories:
School, Education and Extra Learning
Type of schooling:
Certifications or Degrees:
Extra Learning, Seminars, Workshops, etc:
Work Experiences, Occupations, Career Choices
Jobs you've held:
Occupations and career moves:
Religious Experiences & Volunteer Work
Hobbies, Extracurricular, Fun
Sample Life History Questionnaire With Angela's Answers:
Childhood
Place of birth: California Era of childhood: Generation X
Memorable childhood experiences:
The beach Sidewalk ministry with my cousin
Playing at her college music recital when I was in 6th grade
The tire swing The robber stealing a bike from the neighbors’ garage
Moving to Oklahoma Getting a horse
My car wreck as a teenager
Early educational memories:
Learning to swim in preschool
School, Education and Extra Learning
Type of school: Public school until 5th grade. Homeschooled through high school.
Certification or Degree:
Massage Therapy Studied Music/Voice
Theatre Arts Education Degree program
Childbirth Education Labor Support Doula
Extra Learning, Seminars, Workshops, etc:
Gymnastic Coaching (sports safety) Babysitting Class
Lifeguard/First Responder Training Piano and Voice Lessons
Aromatherapy Introductory course Writing Courses
Lymph Drainage Treatment Education Infant Massage Class
Work Experiences, Occupations, Career Choices
Jobs you've held:
Lifeguarding Pool Manager Gymnastic Coach
Music Teacher Junior High/High School Drama Teacher
Massage Therapist at Chiropractor Babysitter
Virtual Assistant Freelance Writer Childbirth Educator
Labor Support Doula
Occupations and career moves:
Teaching Service Industries Women's Health Writing
Religious Experiences & Volunteer Work
Directing Church Choir Library Work
Christian Homeschool Group/Co-Op Classes
Hobbies, Extracurricular, Fun
Quilting Reading Writing Natural Health/Wellness
Gardening Horses Animals