A Moment in Time

Admiral William H. McRaven | Two Historical Writing Prompts

Walk in Their Skin — History provides the evidence. Empathy guides the questions.

What can students learn about themselves by examining the words and experiences of another person?

In his 2014 University of Texas commencement address, Admiral William H. McRaven shared ten lessons drawn from his Navy SEAL training, demonstrating how discipline, perseverance, courage, and ordinary actions can influence our lives.

This 24-page high school writing mini-unit invites students to listen to the original speech, discover the man behind the words, and complete two independent writing assignments.

Two Writing Assignments

1. The Person in My Mirror — Personal Introduction Speech

Students begin with an original poem or riddle, then write a 4–6 paragraph personal introduction examining their past, present, and future.

They prepare and record a 3–5 minute speech using audio or video. This assignment emphasizes self-reflection, organization, writing, and oral communication.

2. Inspiration to Change the World — Historical Speech Analysis

Students write a 3–6 paragraph analytical essay exploring how Admiral McRaven used his experiences to encourage the 2014 graduates and why his message may resonate beyond that audience.

Students develop a claim, examine evidence from the speech, conduct additional research, and provide citations.

What's Included

• 24-page printable PDF
• Two-page parent/teacher introduction
• Historical background on Admiral McRaven
• Original speech recording link and QR code
• Two complete writing assignments
• Writing organizers and student checklists
• Two 16-point assessment rubrics
• Two authentic student writing examples
• Historical references and teacher guidance

Educational Focus

Recommended for Grades 9–12

Ideal for high school English language arts, homeschool writing, historical speech analysis, rhetorical thinking, character education, and public speaking.

Both assignments can be used independently or together. Students are encouraged to develop their own interpretations rather than reach a prescribed conclusion.

No additional textbook or purchase of the full speech study is required.

Part of the Walk in Their Skin Collection

These writing prompts complement the full A Moment in Time study, which separately includes five personal reflections, letters across time, and a personal time capsule activity.

This mini-unit contains the two writing assignments only—not the complete time-capsule study.

Created by Hancock Learning Studio.