<p>would writing about the suicide of a parent sound like im trying to get sympathy? i think i'd tell it more as a story rather than just its effect on me. </p>
<p>my other possible essay topics are about a cousin who is a bestfriend and worst enemy.. kinda interesting, or a school trip to greece, which is a pretty cliche topic.. traveling to another country and sorta getting a new outlook on life.</p>
<p>what do you think? i really need help with this!</p>
<p>I can't imagine a situation that would have more impact on a child than the suicide of a parent. If you can write it without being maudlin and show how it affected you in the long term, what you've learned about life and yourself, then do it. i wouldn't just try to tell the story, that would be too sterile and sound false. Your essay is supposed to tell them about YOU, so you'd have to discuss how it affected you.</p>
<p>I'd stay away from the cousin friend/enemy thing. Could sound catty. You're right about the trip to Greece being cliche.</p>
<p>If you're comfortable talking about your parent, go ahead. And although you sound quite well-adjusted, you have my sympathy for a very difficult loss.</p>
<p>thanks lafalum.. its been really hard but i realize that i have to get on with my life. it's affected me so much though, i know i would have no problem writing 500 words about it..</p>
<p>anyone else have thoughts?</p>