Is this an iffy topic to write about for my common app personal statement?

jennaforest
Tue, 09 Aug 2016 04:28:20 +0000

Hey guys, looking for some advice here!

So the topic I think I’m gonna do is this one:
Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

I wanted to talk about the time in 9th grade when my brother was admitted to a mental hospital for a few weeks after hitting my dad and hurting himself and he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
I wanted to discuss how because of this situation how I’ve matured because as a result, my dad focused a lot on my brother (who was like 24 at the time) and I had to grow very independent and start cooking for myself and taking care of the house etc. I learned to start looking over my grades by myself and not relying on my parents. I’ve also learned life lessons like how to be patient with people (like my brother) and other stuff.

Is this an iffy thing to write about? I’m going to write mostly about what I learned from the situation not about the situation.

Is it worth mentioning that my brother has abused me and the entire situation has resulted in me having general anxiety and panic attacks or no?

Thanks so much!