College Essay: My Parents Sacrifice Makes Me Strong


One of the toughest adjustments, having been born to Mexican parents, is migrating to an unknown country where traditions and languages differ from one 's own. Though many pursue an education and strive for a better life, the purpose behind an immigrant, like myself, differs from the typical American. Immigrants strive for a life that was once impossible, going to school is not only to attain an education, but to better prove that we can also become successful regardless of our traditions and skin color. I lived in a country for over fifteen years, fearing deportation, not only losing a home, but potentially saying goodbye to a bright future. Although many feel empathy for Mexican-Americans, it is undeniably difficult to truly comprehend the immense trauma children and even adults undergo upon experiencing racism and prejudice.


I’m a parent, but it sounds good to me. I bet your essay is a lot better than you realize! It sounds like your essay is about how you have more maturity to offer than a lot of college freshman, so go with that! you are a serious student and want to do well in your college experience!

Growing up I faced many obstacles coming from an immigrant family. Never did I think I could overcome the obstacles and say that the little girl who went to one of the worst rated elementary schools in the area was now a rising senior at George Mason University. I grew up with both my parents and three sisters, and in my eyes we were an average “normal” family. I never saw my parents struggle or felt like I was missing anything, and not until I was older did I understand our situation. I did not fully grasp that my parents were “different” because they were immigrants until I realized they could not help me with my homework, engage in a conversation with my teachers, nor participate in all the things my classmates parents did.…

Is Writing an Immigrant Parents College Essay a Good Topic Idea?

My parents want me to earn the highest degree and fulfill my career goals. It was hard for my parents to find a job due to a language barrier, and being an immigrant. Later, my dad found a job, but he was paid less due to lack of experience. It was hard for us to manage the household with single man's income with no prior earnings in dollars. This was the challenging time, because we have to start with If you're a high school student, chances are you've been asked to write an essay before. Writing about your immigrant parents can be a daunting task, but it can also be a beautiful opportunity to share your unique perspective. With the right strategies and mindset, you can craft an essay that not only showcases your writing skills but also honors the sacrifices and experiences of your immigrant parents. bank balance in this unfamiliar country.

Before delving into writing your essay, it's crucial to acknowledge and appreciate the significance of your parents' immigration journey. Recognize the sacrifices they made, leaving behind their home country, family, and familiar surroundings, to provide a better life for you and your family. This appreciation will help you approach your essay with a deeper understanding and empathy. To explore successful college essays that highlight the importance of family sacrifices, visit for inspiring examples.

I read the “Hack the College Essay” and understand what he’s saying: that I should write about me truthfully and exactly as I experience life and thoughts. But I feel like by doing that I have little direction in my essay. I have this overwhelming urge to tie everything together in a cliche.

Your parents' immigration story serves as a powerful springboard for self-reflection. Reflect on the impact their journey has had on you - your identity, values, and aspirations. Consider how growing up in a multicultural household has shaped your worldview and influenced the choices you've made. This self-reflection allows you to connect your personal growth to your parents' experiences, providing a rich and compelling narrative. AdmitYogi can provide additional guidance on how to effectively incorporate self-reflection into your essay.


College essay about immigrating to the US

Selecting the right essay topic is crucial to capturing the attention of college admissions officers. Instead of focusing solely on your parents' story, choose a topic that reflects your own experiences and values, while weaving in elements of their journey. For example, you can explore moments where you grappled with language barriers and how those challenges fostered your determination to excel academically and embrace diverse perspectives.

College Admissions Essay: My Immigrants To The United States

By incorporating personal anecdotes, you showcase your individual experiences and emphasize how you have been shaped by your parents' immigration story, while maintaining the focus on you.

How to Write a Standout College Essay about Immigrant Parents

It is true that this is a very common topic but if this is something you want to write about, you can. Each story and journey is different. To make your essay stand out, I suggest to emphasize the struggles YOU face immigrating to the US, and how hard it was for you instead of focusing on the effects it had on your family. Try to share experiences that was important to you and share as much as you want. Also, talk about how you overcome those struggles and how it may still be affecting you. College essay readers want to know more about you and talking about how you overcame these struggles is important way to show growth. I hope this make sense and helps!

daughter of two immigrant parents

Colleges are interested in understanding who you are as an individual and the values you hold dear. Reflect on how your parents' immigration journey has influenced your own identity and values. Discuss the lessons you've learned about perseverance, determination, and the importance of education.

Personal Narrative: My Immigrant Parents

Although my mother and I have had countless conversations about her previous life experiences, I was surprised at how much I did not know prior to this interview. I had never thought to ask her about what networks and resources she used to adjust to her new lifestyle in the United States. Our conversation made me realize the importance of friends, family and professionals to shape her as an immigrant parent. Growing up, she was not only a mother but a mentor to me—she supported me endlessly and helped me overcome my challenges as an adolescent. Her story begins with her life in South Korea.…