Disadvantaged status statement?

[JoeDirtMD]

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Would anyone mind giving input? I'm not sure of the best approach and what to share/not share/if I should share at all.

My father suffers from substance abuse issues as well as related mental health problems for which he has received court-ordered mental health services as well as multiple misdemeanor charges. For my entire childhood, my father's addictions resulted in his inconsistent employment with typically low annual earnings as well as a high stress home environment. I was employed throughout college and relied on scholarships and financial aid to cover the related expenses. As I approached the final year of my undergraduate studies, my father nearly died. As his sole survivor and power of attorney, I was obliged to manage his health care while balancing school and work. During the six months following my father's health decline, my parents divorced, both of my grandfathers and my godfather died; my aunt died by suicide. My mother was also forced to declare bankruptcy, and my family lost their home.

Should the bolded text be deleted? I'm concerned it'll draw into question my ability balance school/life.

 

[DokterMom]

I'd reword, but keep the idea. Saying you're someone's "survivor" strongly implies they died. I think the term you mean is "next of kin" and "designated healthcare power of attorney." Normally, if your parents were not divorced, this would be your mother, so a brief phrase clarifying why this was you instead (estrangement, separation, issues of her own?) might also be in order.

Overall though, you've been clear and factual without being heartless, maudlin or self-pitying. Nice tight-rope walk.

 

[gyngyn]

The term "sole survivor" implies that your father died.

 

[gyngyn]

I'd reword, but keep the idea. Saying you're someone's "survivor" strongly implies they died. I think the term you mean is "next of kin" and "designated healthcare power of attorney." Normally, if your parents were not divorced, this would be your mother, so a brief phrase clarifying why this was you instead (estrangement, separation, issues of her own?) might also be in order.

Overall though, you've been clear and factual without being heartless, maudlin or self-pitying. Nice tight-rope walk.

You sure type fast...

 

[JoeDirtMD]

I'd reword, but keep the idea. Saying you're someone's "survivor" strongly implies they died. I think the term you mean is "next of kin" and "designated healthcare power of attorney." Normally, if your parents were not divorced, this would be your mother, so a brief phrase clarifying why this was you instead (estrangement, separation, issues of her own?) might also be in order.

Overall though, you've been clear and factual without being heartless, maudlin or self-pitying. Nice tight-rope walk.

Ah! Thanks for the catch. I'll change it.