<p>My family was homeless throughout my junior year. We just found a place to live last month. That year had a huge impact on who I am, and I'm proud that I was still able to attend school full time, support my disabled mom and sister, stay involved in what I love (theater and poetry), and generally keep my head above the water in that situation. I want to write about it for the common app, but I want to avoid anything that could be perceived as a sob story. I want to appear strong and tenacious, not like I'm asking for pity.
Am I treading into dangerous waters? Is this too heavy a topic? I'll be making some mention of my circumstances in the additional information section, but I'm wondering if it would be appropriate to expand on this in an essay. What do you guys think?</p>
<p>This is an AMAZING topic - like you say, be careful to not make excuses or complain, but this is the kind of thing that adcoms EAT UP.</p>