<p>I was thinking about writing about when my violin teacher fired me. (yes…he quit on me). He quit on me because i was so disrespectful. One time, i was just swinging my bow while he was tuning my violin and it flung into his stomach…lol. and often, i would get so discouraged because he would yell at me when i did something wrong even though i practiced a lot that i would start “giving up,” showing the anger/upset in my face, slouching my body, playing faster/playing slower, etc. This all happened in 5th grade so im hoping i can portray the fact that ive grown from this lack of respect, and that ive learned part of getting better at something is not just practicing, but also respecting constructive criticism as well as more experienced people.</p>
<p>I like a heavy emphasis on now seeking, honoring and responding to constructive criticism. </p>
<p>That could make for an interesting topic.</p>
<p>I think reaching back to 5th grade goes too far, I’d try to keep your story either more current or more all encompassing. Also, what you are describing would risk making too much of a negative impression, it just made me cringe.</p>
<p>It made me cringe too. I think colleges want to know who you are now, and agree that 5th grade is too long ago. Everyone has hopefully matured since 5th grade, so there is no need to tell them that you have. </p>
<p>“I think reaching back to 5th grade goes too far”</p>
<p>“I think colleges want to know who you are now, and agree that 5th grade is too long ago.”</p>
<p>Mmm, I don’t agree with the above statements if given as general college essay-writing advice, but for your particular essay, I believe they’re right. I refuse to believe that this (pretty common)experience really impacted you so much that you need to mention it 7 years later. :)</p>
<p>5th grade IS too long ago, but if you focus on who you are now compared with who you were, it’s fine. Just don’t spend half the essay talking about the past; you only have a few hundred words to make the admissions officer love you, so don’t waste half of it on who you aren’t anymore. disari21 is also right in that an essay dating that back ago should be very impacting in order for you to make it your main topic. </p>