My Earliest Years
Full name? Born in? Parents’ names? What number was I among my brothers and sisters?
Where did the family live at that time? What are some of my earliest memories?
Do I remember my favorite toys, pets, games? Are there any photos of me as a young child? How did I look?
What relatives and family friends were around? What were my parents doing for a living?
What about any rhymes or stories? Who did I play with?
Describe your mother. Your father. Your siblings. Describe your home/homes.
Starting School
I started school at what age? The school’s name was and it was located where?
Can you remember your first day? Any other day? Can you name any of your classmates or describe them?
How did you get along in school? Did you have any best friends? And boy/girl friends? What about favorite subjects?
Keep it simple and keep at it.
Growing Up
Did I have a strict upbringing? Did my parents emphasize achievement? What about religion? What about family rules? Chores or obligations?
Did your siblings share these chores, etc? Did you get into trouble? Did your siblings?
What was your parents’ attitude toward money, possessions, and “what the neighbors might think”?
How did you celebrate holidays? Any hardships?
In what ways am I like either of my parents? Brothers and sisters like parents?
Any wonderful or not-so-wonderful qualities your parents had/have?
High School Years
Name of school/schools. What did the building and grounds look like?
Who was the principal? Do you remember any of your teachers? What did they look like?
Who were your friends? What did they look like? Why were they your friends? Where are they now?
Any of your classmates gone to become rich, famous, or notorious?
Any special interests? Any after school jobs? What were your plans after graduation? Did you follow through?
If Literacy Fails, The Whole Standard of Civilized Culture Goes With It.
College or Trade School
(if you did not go, skip to the next section)
Why did I decide to go on with my schooling? Did I have a favorite professor?
How did I choose the school? Did it meet my expectations? Describe the buildings.
My Family
What number was my father/mother among his/her siblings? Name your aunts and uncles.
Where did each of your parents grow up? Did they get along with the rest of their family?
What kind of formal education did he/she have? Can you describe their “character?” What have been his/her most difficult times?
My Aunts and Uncles
(write about each side of your family)
Where were they born? When? What can I remember about their early years?
Do they have any nicknames? How did these come about? Any stories as kids? What are they like now as adults? Who did they marry? Their children?
If they have died, when and how did this happen? Where are they buried?