<p>But how it positively affected me?</p>
<p>I think you want to make sure that your essay is about you…write a draft and see what what you think. If the focus is on someone else, then choose another topic.</p>
<p>Yeah I know, I haven’t written anything yet but I’m planning on the entire essay being about the effect it had on the relationship between my family member and me and how it changed the way I think and whatnot.</p>
<p>I agree with siliconvalleymom. Could be an interesting and provocative essay if you can keep the focus where it belongs - on yourself and especially on how it has impacted your perspective and goals in life. Try it, and get someone objective to read it and see if it conveys the messages you are trying to get across.</p>
<p>That might actually be really interesting because it is quite unique (not everyone can say they’ve had the experience)</p>
<p>I would recommend that you highlight how the arrest affected your growth as a person (ie - more mature outlook, resilience to a devastating event, ability to adapt, expressing compassion, forgiveness) and maybe tie these things together with how it will lead you to be a better candidate for the colleges you are applying to (ie are you interested in a helping profession, law, etc because of this experience; what you now bring to this college that may have a beneficial impact on other students as well</p>