Essays

[nsaran]

Hi,

Thanks in advanced for your time.

I would really appreciate your advice on essay writing. I have been thinking long and hard about the "what are your 3 top accomplishments" essay and I have come up with 2 decent topics (business related) and what I think should be a good third topic. But, I'm not sure because its personal and not work related (which I think is ok). I'm also worried that this topic could be pulling off the sympathy card too much although its a true story.

Basically, 1.5 years ago I experienced a very traumatic accident that basically left me with a broken back, not paralyzed but unable to walk for 4 months. I see overcoming the physical issues (relearning how to walk, etc) and emerging out much more grateful, confident, and with a clearer vision/outlook of life, etc as a huge personal accomplishment. But again, I'm afraid this will make the admisssions committee think that I'm trying to get them to feel sorry for me when that isn't the case at all.

So what do you think?

Thank you for your help.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear nsaran,

Wow--good for you and happy to know you are walking again. I do think you can write about this experience as it would be significant for anyone. It is all in how you present it. I'm sure it has shaped how you view the world now, so it is an important part of who you are as a person. As long as you keep it focused on the accomplishment of regaining the ability to walk with minimal details on the accident, I think it will be fine.

Best of luck,
Lisa