<p>I am nearing the end of a 5 year enlistment in the military. While in the military, I did a number of things that are impressive, from both a veteran and civilian perspective. I was able to do these things through determination and discipline. </p>
<p>However these triumphs came after what could be considered a failed high school career. As a sophomore in high school I started drinking, both in school and out, and lived a life that is far more in line with Oscar Wilde than any minor should. The downward spiral culminated with a Hunter S. Thompson-esque day that resulted in my suspension, expulsion from student body leadership, and the termination of my athletic pursuits. I graduated a semester early, and enlisted in the Army two weeks after my 18th birthday.</p>
<p>I bring this up because as you could imagine, I have a rather unique story and situation to expound upon in my personal statements and essays. Would writing about my high school indiscretions, the personal failure that they resulted in, and how the military turned my life around be a detriment to my admissions? I only ask because really I can’t tell my life story without talking about my own alcohol abuse and irresponsibility.</p>
<p>** TL;DR: Would discussing underage drinking from 5 years ago reflect negatively on me to the admissions office **</p>
<p>I believe if your story is about a convincing “turn around” and total change it will be beneficial. Also it is important that your essay describing this period of you life be well written.</p>
<p>For an essay with this sort of theme, should I focus more on the events that changed my life, or the end results? Length is such a problem, as its hard to condense the overarching narrative of the last 4.5 years into a 500 word essay.</p>
<p>In my opinion the difficult part is writing “your story” in an interesting manner that is not a recitation of a group of facts but rather like a film that captures the readers interest. While I am not sure how to advise you how to do this exactly, I would say that view this as an exercise in writing a story about yourself and what about you that made this dramatic change possible. (You made the change and the Military did not change you!) I would also say to think about one or toe major things you feel are most important about this period and start writing…you need to write this essay four or five times to get it right. You have a good subject and topic…give it a shot and don’t be afraid to ask for some help in having your work reviewed. Hope this is helpful!</p>
<p>I have been thinking about your essay and a theme might be alcoholism…life lessons…what led you down the path…how you reversed…all in the form of story!</p>