My instructor requested that I write a reflective prep paper for my final essay.

Will I use words like (I, me, myself or personally) when referring to myself in a reflective essay?

What words do I start the thesis statment with in a reflective essay?

My instructor wants me to write a brief introduction paragraph about the topic and then a thesis. I have already decided on the topic, brief introduction paragraph and I have my scholarly references sources. I am not sure, where the reflective part comes in at, I assume that it is included in the thesis part where I am to argue or prove something about the topic of my essay.

Here is his instruction for the thesis part. I assume this where I do the reflective part.

[Thesis: Develop your thesis statement. This will become the point or perspective you will argue or prove in the paper]

In a reflective essay, it is common to use words like "I," "me," "myself," or "personally" when referring to yourself. This is because reflective essays are designed for you to express your thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences.

When it comes to the thesis statement in a reflective essay, you can use different words or phrases depending on the topic and purpose of your essay. However, it is important to start your thesis statement with an indication of reflection or personal perspective. Here are a few examples of how you can start your thesis statement:

- "Through reflecting on my personal experiences, I argue that..."
- "In my reflection on [topic], I have come to the conclusion that..."
- "Personally, I believe that..."

The reflective part of your essay should be integrated throughout the entire paper, not just limited to the thesis statement. It's not just about arguing or proving something, but also about critically analyzing and reflecting on your own experiences, thoughts, and emotions related to the topic. You can incorporate reflection in various ways, such as discussing how your perspective has changed, what you have learned, or how your experiences have shaped your understanding of the topic.

Remember to use your scholarly reference sources to support and supplement your own ideas and reflections. By incorporating both scholarly sources and personal reflection, you will be able to develop a well-rounded and insightful reflective essay.