Hmm, one of his arguments against this is “First, this is one of the most common college essay topics that admissions committees receive.”. Really? I’d be interested to hear if this is true from the posters here who read admissions essays. I would just be surprised if even going on a mission trip is as commonplace as they make it sound (I get that this might be more common in some areas than others, but still..), and I assume not everyone who does so applies to college (or to one that requires essays).
I think the other points he makes are valid, but I think it’s possible to write about a mission trip and avoid the pitfalls he highlights.
Edit: I see he also talks about the “cliche immigration story”. Glad D19 didn’t see that, seeing as hers helped get her into her reach…