<p>I'm writing my personal statement for the general prompt, and I've addressed the three unique labels (ex gang member, first generation student, young father) that set me apart from others. I relate these to my determination, and start to describe all the obstacles I overcame in leaving my past life, and how it created confidence. I end by touching on how fatherhood has pushed me to return to school, and made me determined to succeed (3.8 over last four semesters). </p>
<p>I am struggling with the middle section about my first few semesters in school. They were a GPA of about 2.4 or something. With my current gpa they combine to be a GPA of 3.54. My issue is addressing the poor first 3 semesters I had. I was recently released from juvenile hall, and was just trying to create an identity for myself, but really had no idea what I was doing in college. I think it planted the seeds for success because when my son was born I didn't want those semesters to be the example he followed, and I soon really valued education. </p>
<p>Do you guys think that is valid reason enough for my lackluster start or should I include the financial struggle I had having just moved out, and obtained a job as well?</p>
<p>I don't want them to think I was just lazy, I really had a lot going on. I was young, and dumber than most. I was trying to do what I thought a good member of society would do, and juggled full time hours, and an identity crisis on top of school.</p>
<p>Please help! I'm stressing!</p>