So I’m beginning to write my personal statement (I know I’m getting a late start) and I’ve realized that a lot of my journey of defining myself has been influenced by my identity as the child of a convicted felon. My father is currently in prison, and I haven’t spoken to him in more than seven years. My maternal grandmother is an ex-con and is also estranged from me. I’m worried that a) I’ll end up telling their stories and not mine or b) adcoms will think I’ve been influenced by my family history too much. I think what really draws me to this subject is the fact that it’s taboo and somewhat risky, but I don’t know if it’s too risky.
You could turn this into a good essay, if you do it right. Focus on how all these things in your life have affected you as a person and your interests and goals, without going too much into the details of exactly who did what. Show that these events have made you a stronger person and have shaped your passions in a good way. Also, to make sure you’re getting the right point across, get other people’s opinions of the essay after you write and make sure to do multiple drafts.
Agree, that it could be a powerful essay – turn this into why and how you resolved to take a different path and why college will help you meet your goals. Make the essay primarily about you and your goals, not them. Best of luck.
Your title to this thread is your opening line. The two lines in your paragraph above about your dad and grandmom is the only thing you should write about them. The rest of the essay should be about you.