I am currently writing my comonapp essay, and the prompt Im using is " Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family. "
I have Type 1 Diabetes and wanted to write about how my diagnosis caused me to mature faster than my peers since managing diabetes is in only the patient’s hands. Does this sound too "pity me"ish since it is the disease that made me have to mature, or is it ok, since it is based on maturing(which is a positive thing)?
Well, it depends on how you put it. “I’ve had Type 1 Diabetes for so long and I’m struggling with that” would not be very well seen, whereas if you talk about how you dealed with this illness and what qualities managing it allowed you to acquire then yes, it will be great. Remember, what matters is what aspects of your personnality you communicate to the readers.
Show. Don’t tell. My daughter, who also has Type 1 Diabetes, would agree completely with your thesis (I would too). The writing needs to show who you are and why you say this. Just being T1D won’t convince anyone. Write about the things you have had to do because of this condition and let the readers reach the conclusion “what a mature and responsible” person this is (or whatever else you want them to know about you).
All day today, my daughter has been on the phone trying to transfer her endocrinology care (leaving for out of state college tomorrow). Release of informations, wrong fax numbers, prescriptions not being sent to the right pharmacy, and insurance issues are all part of her now-adult life.
Ultimately, you are writing about you. Not diabetes. But you can use it to show who you are and how you will contribute to the community.
"Sheryl asked my friend Brenda and I to have a sleepover. Brenda grabbed her pajamas and a toothbrush, said bye to mom, and was at Sheryl’s in 10 minutes. For me, however, it will take longer. How much insulin is left in my pump? Does Sheryl’s mom know what to do if I have a low blood sugar episode? Should I bring some non-sugary snacks? How will staying up late affect by blood sugars? "
My D wrote her essay on a similar topic – her focus was on the positives and how it increased her maturity, empathy etc. and how it impacted what she thought she might want to do with her life. She did very well in terms of admissions (got into her ED school and her rolling/EA schools). Just be sure it doesn’t turn into a “woe is me” essay and you will be fine.