<p>I don't think it's trite if you craft your essay carefully. Don't forget they want you to tell them about a quality you will bring to the University. Be specific about what you learned about yourself, how you changed, and what you can bring to the U from that experience. For instance, if it changed the way you view yourself, will that experience help you to not judge others as quickly as you might have before? I think you get my drift here...</p>