<p>Is there any point in writing one of these? Even if it is true? For instance, my parents are Asian immigrants and I was thinking about writing about the "struggles" of my life in trying to be a part of this society (being discriminated etc. in this 99% white town that I live in for instance)</p>
<p>Or does anyone have any good ideas for essays that will "stand out" (say in contrast to my fellow Asians - I have heard that being a part of this minority is a disadvantage to college admissions)</p>
<p>The problem with writing the essays you were thinking about is that it doesn't really stand out and show more of who you are. A lot of Asians can write about what you would write about. Doesn't mean the topic is bad, but the essay will be pretty boring and not very personal if you just write a giant cliche. </p>
<p>Here's an essay by Sherman Alexie, a Native American writer who recalls his memories of watching stereotypical Indians. Many Native Americans could have written about this topic, but in the essay you get a sense of who Sherman Alexie himself is, and this essay is really good:</p>
<p>ShermanAlexie.com:</a> I Hated Tonto (Still Do)</p>
<p>I'm trying to give you a sense of what you're aiming for. You can try to write about the topic, but don't forget to reveal part of you in it.</p>
<p>yeah... I'd say that you can go with a "struggle" essay, but it needs to be very focused and direct, just like any good essay should be. You shouldn't just talk about a whole bunch of problems and how you've overcome them, but rather, maybe talk about a particular story and perhaps what specifically you have learned from that. I would push more of the how your life experiences have helped you develop/change rather than just moping about your problems...try to avoid a pitying tone. Even within the "fitting into a new culture" theme...there are a lot of different specifics that you could go into that would avoid a completely generic essay.</p>