GSangha2010

Hello everyone!

For my college essay I'm going to answer the question:

Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.

From what people have told me I should stay away from writing about my parents. Originally, I wanted to write about my father who definitely had a influence on my life, but not as most would expect. (he drank a lot and was abusive and eventually died when i was in 8th grade)

My english teacher told my class that collages want to know that mature person is studying in their campus, so we should try to show that over the year we have become mature.

If I wrote about my father I would probably write about how my:

Self determination/motivation increased (ex. i used to be overweight and now im not, and i became more serious about school work)

My family and friends can rely on me much more than before (ex. I am always supporting my friends and mother, and take care of my grandparents on weekdays)

Learning to control anger and sorrow (ex. After my fathers death I was able to face serious problems without freaking out and I now I face my problems head on instead of ignoring them.)

Do you guys think it would be a bad idea writing about my father?

teenage_cliche

The general worry about this particular essay topic is that it's very easy to write about the person instead of writing about their influence on you. Remember that the essay is supposed to be about you, not about your father.

That being said, your ideas sound good. The second and third ones in particular sound like they could be a compelling. I think if you remember to write about yourself, your essay will be fine.

Innate

You can write about this topic since you would try to elaborate that how your father's death made you more mature and serious. It would be a ice topic.