<p>i am writing an essay about this village i spent alot of time in (and how it represents the situation in my lawless country) and i am mentioning someone i knew who died because her husband forced her to get an abortion after someone 'predicted' that their third child will also be a girl. i am applying to columbia ed. will adcoms not like me mentioning such things?</p>
<p>No, it's fine. Unfortunately, this is not an infrequent tragedy. Just remember that the essay is about you. So write about how this tragedy affected you.</p>
<p>Yeah it sounds okay if you make sure the essay is focused on you. Random curiosity -- what's the country?</p>
<p>yes the essay is focused on me because as far as i can think this incident is one that truly shook me up. i am from pakistan</p>
<p>LoveColumbia, my personal condolences to your country on the earthquake tragedy there this weekend.</p>
<p>Make sure the essay is about more than just "being shook up" - make sure you show how you learned, grew or changed from the experience.</p>
<p>thanks carolyn, it is heartbreaking to se so many people die this way :(</p>
<p>thanks for all your advice, yes my essay talks about what i learnt and how i grew from it (i also work for a women's rights organisation- and i joined after this so i may tie that in)</p>
<p>Your tying in what you saw in your village and the work you now do for a woman's rights organization will be virtually essential for your essay to have maximum impact.</p>
<p>Adcoms aren't seeking stories that simply shocked or pained the writer. Adcoms want essays that show how a student has become a person who stands up for their beliefs or who passionately and assertively pursues activities in an EC or academic interest.</p>
<p>i am describing that incident as the reason why i got involved in a women's rights organisation</p>
<p>It sounds to me like a terrific subject for an essay.</p>
<p>I agree! :)</p>
<p>thanks for your support parents :)</p>