Personal Statement Essay

When my parents divorced, it was one of the most difficult challenges I have ever faced.

It had first been decided in 2018, and the ordeal left me with severe anxiety, tension, and low

self-esteem. My family was also torn apart as a result of it. The whole divorce process was long,

stressful, and sometimes, I felt I would never get over what had happened.

Only 50% of marriages will last without divorce, according to U.S. Attorney Legal Services

(Wilkinson and Finkbeiner, 2022). I assume when individuals first get married, they never

anticipate they will be one of the 50% who fail. I was the only one of my siblings who heard the

main argument, which led to their divorce. Hearing them argue all the time made me stressed,

and when it became evident that they would no longer be together, my anxiety rose even more.

Because of financial difficulties, we all lived under the same roof for two years after they split. It

was strange; they cohabited as roommates, but still argued and bickered at times.

My immediate reaction was to blame myself, which seems to be a natural tendency for

other kids too, even though I had been told it had nothing to do with me. I imagined that if I did

not have as severe anxiety or so many medical issues, they would still be together. To make

matters worse, it appeared that all of my friends my age still had parents who were together

and got along. Both of my parents, on the other hand, were not. Seeing my friends’ parents'

marriage succeed while my parents’ marriage failed, made it more challenging for me. My dad

was constantly venting his rage from my mom and his own problems to me, causing my

relationship with him to slowly deteriorate.

My grades fell at this point in my life, and my anxiety level began to rise. I initially

believed it would be difficult to overcome, but I gradually took measures to do so. I continued
seeing a therapist, who assisted me in clearing my mind of all the issues that had surfaced in my

life and coping with everything I experienced. I switched schools and was able to improve my

life academically after that. I also began talking to more friends and family who were

supportive, which allowed me to slowly regain my happiness. I also learned to divert my

attention away from the bad events in my life by focusing on more positive things, such as my

passion and love for animals, and spending time with supportive people.

Ultimately, life did start to become better when I realized I was not to blame for my

parents’ issues or divorce, and that through the divorce, things got better. Despite how difficult

it was at the time, my parents’ struggles and divorce were crucial in shaping me into the person

I am now. The divorce had finally been finalized, and looking past the stress it caused, I know it

was for the best since both of my parents are happier. Not only them but I, myself, am happier

as well. The divorce was an awful experience, but it was a challenge I overcame. Because things

will always get better, I have learned to be strong in life. As one of my favorite quotes states, “It

might be stormy now, but it can’t rain forever” (Tiny Buddha, 2021).
 Works Cited

“Be strong now, because things will get better. It might be stormy now, but it can't rain forever.”

Tiny Buddha, 2021,

https://tinybuddha.com/wisdom-quotes/strong-now-things-will-get-better-might-stormy

-now-cant-rain-forever/

Wilkinson, David and Finkbeiner, Scott. “Divorce Statistics: Over 115 Studies, Facts and Rates for

2022.” Wilkinson & Finkbeiner Family Law Attorneys, 2022,

https://www.wf-lawyers.com/divorce-statistics-and-facts/.