Challenge/obstacle essay: how recent does the event have to be?

[natalux]

If I'm being honest, I've lived a pretty comfortable life (as have most premeds I'm sure), and the most challenging thing I've faced is moving from the US to India at the age of 8, and then moving back to the US at 12. The experience involved a lot of culture shock either way; it was incredibly difficult for me to adjust, but it definitely helped me develop some level of resilience and adaptability at a young age, and I think I could write a compelling essay about it. However, that was a long time ago. Is it fair game to write about this or do you guys think I should pick something more recent?

 

[LizzyM]

I'd suggest describing a challenge you have faced as an adult. You can describe skills you used to face the challenge and describe those as skills you acquired at a young age as you adjusted first to life in India and then to life back in the States.