<p>I guess I am about to share way too much information on this forum but I need honest unbiased advice. </p>
<p>I recently was a graduate student abroad in the Middle East. I was unable to finish my masters there because I was diagnosed with cancer and returned to America for treatment. Now that I am out of treatment and almost like my former self I would really like to continue/finish my education. Returning overseas just doesn’t seem like the right option anymore for obvious health related issues. </p>
<p>How do I explain my unfinished masters program in a statement of intent? I did not even finish the semester so I could just leave that portion of my education out but I feel that some graduate school is better than none at all. Do I mention my own struggle to battle this well known disease? It seems a little in poor taste but if it will increase my chances of admittance I am willing to accept some pity. I have already encountered this problem in the workforce and was told to keep that information to myself as no one want to insure an employee with a medical folder as thick as mine. Obviously not a problem as a student but Universities could still see me as a liability. I know statements of intent are just supposed to be about ‘what I want to study’ and ‘how a university is the perfect fit for me’ but I just do not know how to approach the situation in which I find myself. Advice would be helpful.</p>