<p>Okay so I've had a pretty eventful life:
-mother left when I was 3, met her again when I was 11, but still don't get along
-raised only by my father
-moved from france to america when i was 4
-i'm half-black
-i was somewhat forced to become responsible and independent early on due to living with a single dad
-none of my family lives in America so we're pretty much alone. </p>
<p>So, I started writing essays, but they ended up sounding like soap operas. I don't want to start a pity party when I write, but all those things have greatly changed my life. </p>
<p>How should I write it in an interesting way without it sounding like every other dramatic essay?</p>
<p>Maybe if you tried to focus your essay on one specific part of your life, rather than trying to write your entire biography in 500 words? Focus is key.</p>
<p>Is there some particular activity that you and your dad like to do together? If so, perhaps you can talk about that and then explain briefly why you two have to do it without your mother or other family members with you. Or, just write about how the two of you have created this unusual family unit that is really strong and has made you a better person (list the way it has changed you). You may be able to include a short explanantion about how having to deal with the situation has allowed you to be a more independent, empathetic, stronger individual and that will serve you well as you move away to college to be on your own. Stress the positives: independence, reliability, strength, etc.</p>