Tip 3: Use Direct Dialogue

If words are exchanged, if somebody thinks (probably you, since you're the subject of the essay) don't just report it: show it using direct dialogue.

Direct speech with quotations and such make a piece come alive.  Using exact words said in the voice and vocabulary of the characters adds personality and flavor.  If part of your story has characters who speak another language than English--use it.

In one story about growing up in Paramount a Chinese-American student quoted the Spanish that was used to make him feel like he was an outsider: "Tu eres una idiota. Pobrecito.  Revuelve a China!"  You don't need to have a degree in Spanish to understand: you know it means "We don't like you.  Get out!"  As well a recent essay I edited centered on an eccentric French speaking man.  Instead of  greeting with "Hello!" he says "C'est quai le capital de Nebraska?"  I know very little French, but we know what he means.  And it's more invigorating when we can hear his French ask trivia questions about middle America.  We get he's a little different than your average bear--and you don't have to waste any telling words explaining things (boring!)

You should also use the same techniques when describing thoughts.  Be direct; say it straight.  It's always more compelling and you want your essay to be a breath of fresh air, a relief from the stacks of dull and dry.