I’m writing my essay about how I was able to raise awareness and gather support to change a school board’s decision to let an international transfer student walk at graduation through social media and news outlets. Should I include this girl’s name (with permission of course) or should I change it? If I used the real name, colleges would be able to look up the story and see that it’s true. However, I feel like it’s probably frowned upon to use real identities. Help?
Since it doesn’t sound like you’re talking badly about her, I don’t see why you shouldn’t use her name.
Maybe first name only?
Her name isn’t relevant to your own chances. Using it might cause adcoms to wonder about your judgment. That simple. This isn’t news reporting.
Nor do you make a big deal about not naming her. Did you advocate she be allowed? If so, if it was important, your GC can also mention it.