Up and down. Up and down we went. My husband and I huffed and puffed up a ridge, down into a lovely canyon, and then back up and down, descending and ascending over 1500 feet during our 6 mile hike last weekend.

It was a spectacular, clear day. From the high points we could see places you rarely see from lesser distances. And from the bottom of the canyon, we enjoyed nature up close -- the sound of an animal rustling in the brush, invisible but clearly present. We dined at a charming picnic spot along a creek, reveling in the quiet, simple break from our hectic schedules and the rare opportunity to just talk.

When you are deciding what to write about in your application essays and personal statements, examine the peaks and valleys in your life. What trail did you take? Did you see things that you don't usually see? Delight in a special moment? Perhaps the view from the top, insight gained at those low points, struggle of ascent, or speed of descent would make an engaging essay.