How would you approach this in college essay

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC transferred in 9th grade to a private high school. Many existing students were cliquey and didn’t want to interact with new students. But their lgbtq students were open so DC made friends in their circle although DC themselves is not self-identified as lgbtq. We're happy to see that because this experience made DC a more authentic and kind person. Is this a good topic for diversity essay in college application? Would it backfire? How would you approach (or not) this?

How?

DC is a rising senior now.

We later learned that the popular kids group doing lots of partying, into expensive clothing, situation relationship, etc.

The lgbtq group consists of not only lgbtq (though majority) but some non-lgbtq kids too. Tend to be more academic and EC oriented, but not nerds. DC didn't know their friends are lgbtq before getting to know each individual.

It's a different experience from their middle school where DC has no lgbtq friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC transferred in 9th grade to a private high school. Many existing students were cliquey and didn’t want to interact with new students. But their lgbtq students were open so DC made friends in their circle although DC themselves is not self-identified as lgbtq. We're happy to see that because this experience made DC a more authentic and kind person. Is this a good topic for diversity essay in college application? Would it backfire? How would you approach (or not) this?

How?

DC is a rising senior now.

We later learned that the popular kids group doing lots of partying, into expensive clothing, situation relationship, etc.

The lgbtq group consists of not only lgbtq (though majority) but some non-lgbtq kids too. Tend to be more academic and EC oriented, but not nerds. DC didn't know their friends are lgbtq before getting to know each individual.

It's a different experience from their middle school where DC has no lgbtq friends.

There must be a better essay topic for your DC. We made ours write many outlines. That way there was less pressure to make it great and easier to refine the right story. This isn’t it for your child but have them outline it (and five other ideas) to get a better feel.

[Anonymous]

This is not a good essay topic.

OP, your child would have to be an EXTREMELY skillful writer to handle this. The danger spots are 1.) It sounds like the LGBTQ kids are his pets; 2.) It's kind of a cliche that the LGBTQ kids are cool while the white, straight kids are mean; 3.) He'd be making THEIR story about HIM.

I vote no.

[Anonymous]

A better topic (but I agree to draft a few and see what works) would be to discuss how it was difficult to join a school in 9th grade where everyone knew each other, but your kid found/made a community. Based on shared interests, ECs, love of music, whatever.

However, kids write community essays about the people in the EC, their religious group, their neighborhood, it does not need to be about a minority group.

[Anonymous]

I actually think this could be a good essay topic - but its not about the lgbtq kids vs the other rich white kids its about what you kid learned about themselves in switching schools and having to find a group of friends they were comfortable with. The fact that many of them were lgbtq may or may not be a detail worth mentioning depending on how the essay develops

[Anonymous]

Absolutely not. Here is why:

You said:

But their lgbtq students were open so DC made friends in their circle although DC themselves is not self-identified as lgbtq. We're happy to see that because this experience made DC a more authentic and kind person.

I asked:

How did this experience make your kid a more authentic and kind person.

You answered: “We later learned that the popular kids group doing lots of partying, into expensive clothing, situation relationship, etc.”

You are trying to connect something (what I asked “how”about) to this club with marginalized people. No, this dir not make your kid kinder or more authentic. Your kid was looking for friends and he found them.

[Anonymous]

Thanks 9:43, 9:55, 10:12, 10:24. DC will figure something else out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC transferred in 9th grade to a private high school. Many existing students were cliquey and didn’t want to interact with new students. But their lgbtq students were open so DC made friends in their circle although DC themselves is not self-identified as lgbtq. We're happy to see that because this experience made DC a more authentic and kind person. Is this a good topic for diversity essay in college application? Would it backfire? How would you approach (or not) this?

How?

DC is a rising senior now.

We later learned that the popular kids group doing lots of partying, into expensive clothing, situation relationship, etc.

The lgbtq group consists of not only lgbtq (though majority) but some non-lgbtq kids too. Tend to be more academic and EC oriented, but not nerds. DC didn't know their friends are lgbtq before getting to know each individual.

It's a different experience from their middle school where DC has no lgbtq friends.

What a lot of stereotypes you managed to pack into just a few sentences

By all means, submit what you just wrote.

[Anonymous]

You have to spin it better. He was accepted by a specific ID group. You don't even have to mention what the group is, just that the members of said group face discrimination on a daily basis from peers, parents, strangers, even politicians and yet they have an open door policy if someone who doesn't identify as they do, is otherwise isolated. Write about the group's openness and what that teaches you, not how you're a kind person, which is cringe making.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC transferred in 9th grade to a private high school. Many existing students were cliquey and didn’t want to interact with new students. But their lgbtq students were open so DC made friends in their circle although DC themselves is not self-identified as lgbtq. We're happy to see that because this experience made DC a more authentic and kind person. Is this a good topic for diversity essay in college application? Would it backfire? How would you approach (or not) this?

It says, "I wasn't an authentic and kind person until I met LGBTQ students." Or it says, "Look at how authentic and kind I am because I'm friends with LGBTQ students." Terrible, patronizing topic.

[Anonymous]

You're better off making it about how he had a hard time finding friends in a new school and the struggles he faced; and eventually how he overcame this challenge and found his group of friends. Make it about growth, coming out of your shell, opening up to new experiences and people- then relate it to how he'll use these skills to do the same in college and in life. Do not make it about LGBTQ. It sounds patronizing.

[Anonymous]

11:16, 11:24. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:11:16, 11:24. Thanks.

Ha ha! I was helpful but I don’t think you liked the mirror I held up.

[Anonymous]

I think it is fine. As long as your child uses their authentic voice (not an adult’s).

(Obviously your child should be careful to avoid stereotypes or overgeneralizing. )

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC transferred in 9th grade to a private high school. Many existing students were cliquey and didn’t want to interact with new students. But their lgbtq students were open so DC made friends in their circle although DC themselves is not self-identified as lgbtq. We're happy to see that because this experience made DC a more authentic and kind person. Is this a good topic for diversity essay in college application? Would it backfire? How would you approach (or not) this?

It says, "I wasn't an authentic and kind person until I met LGBTQ students." Or it says, "Look at how authentic and kind I am because I'm friends with LGBTQ students." Terrible, patronizing topic.

Your take is ridiculous.