<p>So basically: I have cerebral palsy. It's mild, but it still impairs my ability to walk and do other things. I've had surgeries because of it, the latter surgery being a pretty traumatic childhood experience (learning to walk again, being stuck in my house for 3 months, etc).</p>
<p>I've been planning to write this as the Common App essay because it really is central to my identity, but not in the way that it leaves me at a disadvantage. I don't think about that at all, really... It's more about what it did to my mental fortitude, how it made me grateful for what I had and made me more driven to succeed.</p>
<p>I just don't want to come across as a victim while I'm writing this. Any advice?</p>
<p>I would approach it exactly as you’ve described - it’s been debilitating, obviously, but it’s also central to your identity. You can insure against the pity reflex by giving objective descriptions of the surgeries (should you choose to mention them) and the physical effects of palsy. </p>
<p>Instead of </p>
<p>-The inpatient surgery left me in excruciating pain and bedridden for one month. I struggled valiantly to retain my sanity. Every night was a black abyss that threatened it’s permanence whenever I closed my eyes. </p>
<p>-When they wheeled me out of Boca del Diablo Hospital, I saw the sun for the first time in two weeks. It’s brightness was piercing. But liberating. The lead surgeon required that I stay indoors for two months. Although I couldn’t leave the house, I would set my wheelchair by the window and practiced my calligraphy in front of the morning rays. For seven weeks I did this. Though my body could not venture beyond the glass panes, there was no such confinement for my mind. </p>
<p>Keep it dignified and classy.</p>
<p>If you write it in a positive frame of mind, I think it will come through. FWIW, a friend of d’s has CP and is a motivational speaker. There is nothing wrong with using some humor and using some really difficult situations as examples. It can engender some empathy, but that’s okay. Feel free to pm or email me if you want some input as you go.</p>
<p>Approach it objectively and use “show don’t tell” when you’re about to get deep.</p>