<p>I have to fill out this "brag sheet" for guidance for admissions next year, which is nothing out of the ordinary for my school. But the issue I'm having is that there is a section that asks for a description of the most challenging life experience/event and how it has helped you to grow as a person.</p>
<p>I'm debating whether I should mention my abusive family history - that's probably the most obvious and the only thing that comes to mind. However, I'm just a little reticent because it still is kind of unsettling for me to mention it or casually talk about it in some impersonal manner. Granted, the abuse is long over, but yeah...it's never really over.</p>
<p>The problem is that I don't want guidance to see this as some kind of red flag and start intervening (doubtful, though, but it has happened to others). Last year, a teacher in my old school found out about my family history and tried to intervene/help. Long story short - it was kind of a mess and almost unnecessary. Also, another thing is that I don't risk the chance of having my counselor write a recommendation letter, making me seem as if I'm still struggling through it because I don't want colleges to think that I'm not emotionally/mentally sound. It's a bit of a stretch, I know, but I'm just trying to be careful. </p>
<p>Another thing is that my guidance counselor and I don't have a great relationship - it's just very impersonal and awkward. She seems like she really hates her job as if it's a burden. (Not to be mean or anything, the guidance department in my school is plain awful and sort of clueless, pretty much looking for their own self-interest. I don't feel comfortable at all)</p>
<p>So, mention it or not? Other than that, I don't know what else to talk about. </p>
<p>Thanks...and sorry being kind of convoluted.</p>