You may use the writing we began in class, or use the same techniques to write about another subject.
Start with a 1-3 line core story from your own life. Consider and list questions the story raises.

Please write a personal essay about an interesting or meaningful experience that you have had.
Research the facts behind the personal experience. Open the story out to a wider audience by building on issues raised by your experience.
Incorporate historical data, conduct interviews (optional) and/or explore the cultural or political issues raised in your personal essay.
Re-write the essay, using your research to create a work of literary journalism.
You must cite and incorporate at least three sources from your research.
Remember, the point is not only to tell the story of your experience, but to use real research to uncover a fact-based and socially meaningful story within your personal narrative.

Making it personal will change the texture of your journalistic style, but this is still journal-ism rather than journal-ing.