Senior Memory Book
Assignment
You will be putting together a Senior Memory Book, consisting of 1.) a personal mission statement, 2.)
at least eight “chapters,” and 3.) an epilogue. Yes, you will be asked to share this with the class (if you
want to omit some details when sharing with the class, you may). You may include more than eight
chapters if you choose, but you do not have to. You may choose from the examples of chapters below
or you may create your own chapters (with my approval, of course).
Each chapter should include some sort of description about the contents of the chapter and should be
approximately 250 words in length and MUST be typed. If it is not typed, it will not be accepted.
Each chapter must be illustrated in some way. You can use photos, magazine cut-outs, original artwork,
stickers, drawings, etc. For the photos, please include captions so we know who is in the photos.
You have creative freedom with this! There is not just one way to put this together; you can put
it together “scrapbook style,” with Movie Maker or PowerPoint, in “children’s book” format, etc.
You choose the form that your “book” will take! Make it as unique as possible! 
Grading: Each chapter will be critiqued and graded using the Memory Book rubric (see attached). If
your Senior Memory Book is complete, typed and shows creativity and thought, your total grade will be
no less than a 70. The more thorough and creative you are with your descriptions and decorating your
book with drawings, pictures, photographs, magazine/newspaper cut-outs, brochures, etc., the higher
the grade will be. Any book that does not contain all eight chapters will receive a significantly lower
grade, regardless of how creative and/or fancy it may be.
Personal Mission Statement (see attached handout for information about this).
 This should precede the chapters.
Chapter Ideas (Choose at least eight and organize them carefully; yes, you can change the titles
if you wish):
 “My Heritage”
Write a description of your background, being sure you include your parents’ genealogy. Do
some research. Include the history of your family name, origination, etc.

“Before I Was, There Were . . .”
Write a brief description of your family tree, including a family tree chart that includes your
parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings. You may need to interview older
family members to help you with this. EXTRA CREDIT: Have one or more relatives write a
brief reflection about your family before you were born (your parents’ marriage, births of
older siblings, any memory they have from before your time, etc.). I recommend that you have
this handwritten, as you will cherish this handwriting more than you can imagine one of these
days. 

“Suddenly, I Became Me”
When and where were you born? Were there any unusual or humorous circumstances
surrounding your birth? How was your name chosen? What were the first couple of years like?
(Look back at your baby book – first tooth, first word, first step, etc.) What memories do you
have of your first five years? Were younger siblings born during that time? Any childhood
illnesses? What are some of those stories your mom tells that you wish she didn’t?

“School Bells”
Your earliest years in school — K through 5 (first day jitters, anticipation, learning to read,
special school programs, special teachers/friends, school programs/plays/musicals, etc.). This
is an EXCELLENT place to include some of your childhood photos, artwork, schoolwork,
drawings, etc. 

“I Grew Up Here”
Research and describe your childhood town, neighborhood, rural community, etc. Describe how
your home(s) has changed over the years, what the neighbors were like, and any special
hangouts around your neighborhood.

“My First Boyfriend/Girlfriend/Crush”
Recall your first boyfriend, girlfriend, or crush from elementary school. What memories or
details are associated with him/her? What was the attraction? How did you become
boyfriend/girlfriend? (a note, a kiss on the cheek, simply because you held hands, etc.?) How
did the relationship end? 

“My Best Childhood Friend”
Recall who you would consider to be your best friend from your childhood. Who was this
person? Describe him/her. What were some of the things you did together? Recall your
funniest, craziest, and/or scariest times together. Include pictures, if possible!

“Hide and Seek”
Describe in detail some of the games you played as a child.

“I Wish I Could See _________ Again”
Tell about a childhood friend that you have no contact with anymore but would like to see again.
Describe this person. Why would you want to see this person again? What were some of the
things you did together? Recall your funniest, craziest, and/or scariest times together.
Include pictures, if possible!

“I’m Really in Love This Time, Mom”
Recall your first serious romance. Describe the person. How did you fall in love? How did you
know? Did the person love you in return? Describe the relationship (its beginning and its end).


“Let’s Take a Vacation”
Describe a memorable trip you took with family or friends. What made this trip so memorable?
Who all went? Include pictures, if possible!

“Let’s Go to the Movies”
Favorite movies at different times in your life — childhood, early teen years, now. Why did/do
you like these movies?

“High School — The Early Years”
Your freshman, sophomore, and junior years in high school — highlights, troubles, successes,
heartbreaks, friends, teachers, coaches, etc. You could include descriptions of some of your
fond memories from your freshman – junior years (this could also include memories of some
things other people did that you find amusing, funny, silly, sad, memorable, special, stupid, etc.).
Include pictures, if possible!

“At Last, I’m a Senior”
Write a reflection of your senior year. How did it feel to go through all of those “lasts” (last
time for summer reading , last pep rally, last ballgame, last swim meet, last dance
competition, last school dance, etc.)? Was your senior year everything you expected or was it
different? What are you feeling now, as you get ready to embark on a new chapter of your
life? EXTRA CREDIT: Have one or both of your parents write a brief reflection of the past
twelve years and/or have a teacher/coach write a memory to put in your book. I recommend
that you have this handwritten, as you will cherish this handwriting more than you can imagine
one of these days, especially if it’s from your parents. 
Epilogue (this will appear separately from the chapters; it is the end of your book)
 “If I could live my life all over again, I would…” OR “Why I would not change anything about my
life.” Write a thoughtful, reflective paragraph or two. 