Case Scenario:
Imagine that you have been invited to speak to an assembly, athletic team meeting or other group at your former high school. You are talking about your career and what you have achieved. Because we're in the realm of fantasy, we imagine they paid your expenses to make the trip, and you were given release time from your job. Cost is not an issue.
After your speech, the principal comes up to thank you. The principal then says, "We're worried about Larry (or Linda, if you prefer).
"Larry has been in and out of trouble since 8th grade. He's from a broken home, doesn't like rules, likes to cut class and has no idea what he wants to do. He's healthy and has an above-average IQ: your classic underachiever. He is thinking of dropping out of school to take a minimum wage job.
"But Larry was impressed with you. He was saying he would like a career like yours. Would you mind writing him a personal letter, persuading him to stay in school? Or at least give him 3 pieces of advice?"
Of course you say yes.
Write this student a letter offering 3 solid reasons to stay in school, based on your own experience. For example: "Larry, if you want to be a corporate executie, you need to stay in school, develop interpersonal skills and learn how to dress for success." Then you would have a paragraph on each.
Alternatiely, you might say, "Linda, if you want to join the Air Force, you need to finish school, get in shape and choose a specialty you would enjoy." Then you could have a paragraph on finishing school, another on getting in shape, and a third on choosing a specialty. You could raise one objection, such as the need to survive bootcamp, and defuse this objection.
Conclude with a statement relating to your own experience OR tying your advice specifically to the student's background (you can make up any details).
You must take a position but you can (and should) offer counter-arguments.
If you have recently given advice to a real person, you may (a) provide a complete description of that person and (b) direct your essay to that person instead of our imaginary Tom or Tina.
Expectations: Write a persuasive letter, 500-800 words, encouraging or discouraging the student from following your career path. Be very specific.