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Okay, so, I grew up in a military family and moved around a lot. I'm considering writing my college essay on this experience. Any advice from fellow military kids or anyone who knows about this? Should I focus more on the challenges or the positive aspects of being a military kid?
Writing your college essay on your experiences as a military kid can be an engaging and unique topic allowing you the opportunity to highlight your adaptability, maturity, resilience, and worldly perspective. Here are some tips to help guide you through the process:
1. Strive for Balance: While it's important to discuss the challenges of being a military kid, like saying goodbye to friends and adjusting to a new environment, you also want to emphasize the positive aspects. You might talk about the invaluable experiences you've had, the diverse group of people you've met, or how moving frequently has allowed you to adapt quickly to new situations.
2. Make it Personal: Keep in mind that your essay should ultimately be about YOU. Your experiences as a military kid are a big part of your identity, but admissions officers want to see who you are, apart from that. Use this as an opportunity to explore how these experiences have shaped your character, beliefs, or goals.
3. Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of simply telling the reader that you've moved around a lot, show how these moves have shaped you. For example, you could describe a tradition that your family maintains no matter where you move, like a game night or a special dinner, to illustrate your ability to adapt and maintain a sense of home regardless of location.
4. Avoid Clichés: Try to veer away from overused narratives like "each move made me stronger." Instead, home in on specific incidents or reflections that encapsulate your unique experience and what you've learned from being a military kid.
Remember, your goal is to offer insight into who you are as an individual and how you've grown from your experiences. Take your time to craft a narrative that does that effectively. Good luck!
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