For the essay about describing the environment in which you were raised, I am considering talking about my parents’ divorce. Their divorce is the biggest thing that has happened in my life, and I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for it. The main thing that I am struggling with is how I’d organize the essay. Does anyone have any tips? I’d really like to share specific ideas with someone, but I’m not sure who would be a good person to go to. Thanks!
“I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for it”
This is what you need to focus on. How have you behaved differently (specific example(s)) than you would have without having gone through this? These should be positive things.
The general consensus here seems to be that, if you want to PM specifics to someone, choose an adult with posting history. I am a college freshman, so that would leave me out.
You certainly could discuss your parents’ divorce, but about 50% of all marriages end in divorce. Maybe you could try focusing on something else unique about your upbringing?
Keep it about you, not the marriage/divorce. Can you think of an instance when you were affected and describe how you felt and what you came away with from processing that? Maybe a time when you wanted to share something with both of them but we’re with just one, when you were jealous of a new partner, took responsibility for a sibling, had to adjust to s new BF/gf/stepsibling, or learned something surprising about them, etc. Most of the really effective essays I have read revolve around one other two events, often mundane, that allow for some personal history to be revealed in the course of providing context.
I would try writing a couple of essays. Don’t worry about perfection. You’ll be surprised at what starts to come out and feel right.
^^ Exactly!!!
Lots and lots of kids have parents who have gotten divorced. But none of them shared your exact experience.
Instead of the big topic: DIVORCE, find one small example that illustrates what you learned: the time you got a flat tire and realized that dad wasn’t home anymore, and that you were going to have to change your own flat… that sort of thing. It’s not about your parent’s divorce, but about what you’ve learned about yourself as a result.