Anonymous wrote:Focus on DC's growth in empathy and community-building (with the LGBTQ+ friendship as only one example of how they learned to connect across differences).

This story could (potentially) make for a thoughtful diversity essay if approached with the right (soft) touch (which might be hard to do well without an editor). There might be something beautiful in how DC learned about friendship and belonging through a chance or unexpected connections.

What might make this compelling:
The heart of the essay lies in DC's movement from 'outsider' to someone who understands what it means to be 'welcomed' or 'included'. Being new taught DC to notice other people who might be sitting on the fringe/at the edges, waiting for someone to see them. Imo, this isn't really about any particular (diverse) community. It's about learning that connection/being seen/real friendship happens only if we stop making assumptions about who 'belongs'.

How to tell this story so it doesn't offend:
- Start with the rawness of being new.
- Let readers feel what it's like to walk into a cafeteria where every table seems closed off, where conversations pause or stop entirely when you approach (that feeling of not knowing where you fit is something most people remember well)
- When you write about the friendships that formed, make sure they feel mutual: DC didn't just find acceptance. DC found friends who saw something worth knowing in return. Show what DC brought to these relationships, not just what DC received (it has to be two-way - and you need to explain the "why").
- The larger story here is about how being excluded teaches you to include others - now and in the future. Maybe now DC learned to spot the kids who eat lunch alone, or figured out how to make space for different voices in group projects or even in certain ECs.
- The question for the essay becomes: how did this experience change the way DC moves through the world?

What to watch out for:
Don't let it sound like DC is borrowing someone else's story or struggle. Avoid positioning DC as the person who saved anyone, or anyone as the person who saved DC. Keep the focus on perspective and values rather than claiming a kind of diversity that isn't DC's to claim.

The best version of this essay will feel like it's about growing up and learning to build the kind of community DC wishes had been there from the start.

Anonymous wrote:Focus on DC's growth in empathy and community-building (with the LGBTQ+ friendship as only one example of how they learned to connect across differences).

This story could (potentially) make for a thoughtful diversity essay if approached with the right (soft) touch (which might be hard to do well without an editor). There might be something beautiful in how DC learned about friendship and belonging through a chance or unexpected connections.

What might make this compelling:
The heart of the essay lies in DC's movement from 'outsider' to someone who understands what it means to be 'welcomed' or 'included'. Being new taught DC to notice other people who might be sitting on the fringe/at the edges, waiting for someone to see them. Imo, this isn't really about any particular (diverse) community. It's about learning that connection/being seen/real friendship happens only if we stop making assumptions about who 'belongs'.

How to tell this story so it doesn't offend:
- Start with the rawness of being new.
- Let readers feel what it's like to walk into a cafeteria where every table seems closed off, where conversations pause or stop entirely when you approach (that feeling of not knowing where you fit is something most people remember well)
- When you write about the friendships that formed, make sure they feel mutual: DC didn't just find acceptance. DC found friends who saw something worth knowing in return. Show what DC brought to these relationships, not just what DC received (it has to be two-way - and you need to explain the "why").
- The larger story here is about how being excluded teaches you to include others - now and in the future. Maybe now DC learned to spot the kids who eat lunch alone, or figured out how to make space for different voices in group projects or even in certain ECs.
- The question for the essay becomes: how did this experience change the way DC moves through the world?

What to watch out for:
Don't let it sound like DC is borrowing someone else's story or struggle. Avoid positioning DC as the person who saved anyone, or anyone as the person who saved DC. Keep the focus on perspective and values rather than claiming a kind of diversity that isn't DC's to claim.

The best version of this essay will feel like it's about growing up and learning to build the kind of community DC wishes had been there from the start.

Anonymous wrote: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 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?

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?

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.

Anonymous wrote:No, that’s not a good essay topic. And if it is, get me off this train.

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?

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?

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?

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.

Anonymous wrote: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.