I'm making an assumption that your essay is personal because all your work I've read has been.

I'm willing to bet you became quiet inside while writing your piece. If so, you removed the fogginess within that allows your TRUTH to prevail. I once read that writing is nothing more than following a guided dream. I wish I could remember who said that. Anyway...it's your dream. It's your essay. Your voice...

I also believe the joy/beauty/gift/prize arrives in the act of writing, not when others read our work. Hold fast to that beauty. Don't let others rob you of that joy.