I am a student about to apply. One of my essays is about how I was bullied in middle school, so I gave up my culture to be more social, only to be introduced to a community that helped me rediscover my pride for my culture. Although the overall outcome is positive, I’ve had multiple people say that the bullying part could blacklist me from colleges since they will think that I am depressed and that I cannot function well with other people( there must be a reason why I was bullied). Yet if I change anything, the entire theme changes because it’s not about cultural rediscovery anymore. Can anybody help me?
I think what makes your story different is that it was over your culture, not the fact that you had problems getting along with people. (not that anyone should ever be bullied for any reason). I also think it’s part of maturing and growing into who we all are, to be ok and proud of our background and our parents. This can be true if you are from another culture or not. That story can make a great essay.
It’s not about being blacklisted. It’s about writing an essay that shows the college that you would be a good addition to their school. Write an essay that shows them who you are, but write it in such a way that you’re selling your application.
Just about any topic is fine for essays as long as it doesn’t have offensive content. It’s s matter of how the subject is presented and how well the essay is crafted in telling the AO more about you. Some subjects are more difficult to wield than others. Those that border on offensive, hackneyed, making excuses, obvious plots for sympathy, bragging, etc can cross lines outside of self promotion.
You seem to have thought s lot about this subject and it appears to have affected you deeply. The experience seems integral to who you are. So you have your topic, and the challenge is presentation. IMO.