<p>I was wondering whether writing the CA essay on being poor would be a good idea. This would fit with the background prompt. Do you have any ideas or suggestions on how to write such an essay without sounding like a pity case? </p>
<p>This is really "central to my identity", but I don't want to come off as a whiner who asks for pity.</p>
<p>It depends on how you write it. It could be a great window into what created you to be the person you are. OR it could sound whiny and complaining and entitled. It’s all up to you. </p>
<p>what did you accomplish inspite of poverty?</p>
<p>@bomerr, well, I’ve done pretty good in school, managed to win a competitive scholarship for an exchange program, achieved some awards, one for community service from the US Dept. of State. Also, I have some leadership positions and am the only student to ever fund a club at my school. I’m involved in a couple of NGO’s as well, for one of which I am a spokesperson. </p>
<p>These are the first things that come to my mind.</p>
<p>unless those things are directly tied to being poor you should mention this ib the additional comments section. </p>
<p>I think it’s a very good idea and you could approach it in many ways. From one point, you could tell a story recounting a particular incident where this struck you the hardest and how it affected you (or how one of your accomplishments made you realize that this struggle didn’t hinder you but aided you). From another point, you could maybe write a creative essay about yourself and looking at your life through an outsider’s lens
If you don’t want to be too creative, then just talk about how your family has helped you and you’ve helped those around you and how your accomplishments are tied to all this 
Good luck </p>
<p>@bomerr, can you give me an example of something directly tied to being poor? </p>
<p>@12345n, thank you for the great advice, particularly the part about how this struggle aided me. It’s always a good idea to put a positive spin on things.</p>
<p>e.g. you volunteer at a homeless shelter to help other people. </p>