Thanks. Yes, that thread is invaluable. It’s not an excuse essay - there was really nothing needing excuse, and that’s not the focus of it. The focus is that kid had to leave home at age 16 (although still has parental involvement and support, obviously) and live under less-than-ideal circumstances, and handled it all well. Fact is, it was very hard for him to stay motivated, but that’s not his point. It would be a “just the facts” response.