Essay Question:

Anna: An Animated Historical Short is a poignant film about the dramatic experiences of an enslaved woman named Anna. An early scene between the protagonist and her mother, Nan, showcases the sacredness of one’s inner life. Nan tells Anna to “guard safe her mind and her spirit.” She insists that Anna understand that “no matter how you are treated, you keep ‘the in here’ safe, and tell it ‘I loves you.'”

Compose a 1000 word essay that meditates on your relationship to Nan’s sagacity.

What evidence can you provide of your effort to “guard safe your mind and your spirit”?

What examples can you offer as proof that you cultivate and nurture the sanctity of your inner life and that you reflect on its meaningfulness? Indeed, what witness can you make of being invested in the inwardness of intellectual work?