<p>I plan to write my Common app essay on my dad's influence on me. The theme is that he taught me how to balance relaxation with work, and to truly appreciate my loved ones.</p>
<p>I was also planning to explain how his impulsiveness led to a drug addiction, but how his recovery truly instilled the above values in my personality.</p>
<p>I know talking about a personal drug addiction is a huge no-no for the essay, but would college admissions officers see an immediate family member's drug addiction and recovery as a bad topic (especially seeing how it's only part of the story)?</p>
<p>Thank you so much, I didn't really know where else to ask this.</p>
<p>It seems really awesome to me.</p>
<p>Well as long as you got something out of this, then colleges will know you learned something. Its worth writing about then.</p>
<p>Thank you guys. I’ll be sure to focus on the positive/lesson learned for sure.</p>
<p>I agree; I don’t think admissions officers would make judgements on you because of the situation. Just handle it carefully and avoid provocation of sympathy.</p>
<p>Thanks. I’m planning to avoid any perceptions that I’m provoking sympathy by not even going into details of the addiction. I’m essentially going to say how long it lasted and then focus on the recovery and subsequent positive development and maturation. Sound like a good way to go?</p>