<p>for the past four years i have spent nearly all of my free time babysitting for the same family; this is something that i'm dedicated to, and i can't stand the thought of quitting. will colleges like this, or will it look like a waste of my time?</p>
<p>You could look a little emotionally needy if you're not careful.</p>
<p>Just curious, what about it makes it something that you are "dedicated to" and you "can't stand the thought of quitting"?</p>
<p>something that you're absolutely obsessed with from the beginning of time.</p>
<p>It could turn into a great essay. If this is something you love to do, tell the colleges exactly what you learned in all of those hours and why you loved doing it.</p>
<p>To be honest, I don't think it's great. Unless there's something unusual about the family and your role (ie, you're homeschooling the kids, one or more of them is severely handicaped, etc.), it's going to look pretty limiting. It's not that doing this is a waste of your time--the problem is that if it prevents you from doing anything else, it's going to hurt your application.</p>
<p>No, it won't hurt your application. It's a job. Just like if you worked at Burger King or CVS. It involves significant responsibility and leadership opportunities. The fact that you also love it is a bonus. Working with kids is a great thing to write about.</p>
<p>What will matter is why you like it so much. If the reason is that you have enjoyed being involved in the upbringing of the kids, that could be a good reason particularly if you plan on being a teacher, child psychologist, etc.</p>
<p>If you love, love, LOVE the family and are heartbroken at the thought of leaving them, you could come across as an emotionally needy person who lacks the strength of character to go away to colllege.</p>
<p>actually, Northstarmom, i am planning on majoring in child/developmental psychology! i think that this job is more aligned with that career path than working at a restaurant, for example. if i use this for essay material i will be wary of sounding too attached & needy.
thanks for all the feedback!</p>