In many high schools across the United States, students grapple with the challenge of selecting the perfect topic for their college essays. Often, it takes only one sentence to understand the direction of a college essay. This study explores the nuanced history of affirmative action from President John F. Kennedy's 1961 Executive Order to recent Supreme Court decisions, analyzing its intersection with race and class status. Through qualitative interviews, this study focuses specifically on BIPOC students, delving into whether they feel compelled to center their college essays around traumatic stories and assesses the potential influence of the Supreme Court decision on affirmative action on their choice of essay topics. Simultaneously, it delves into college essay dynamics, highlighting a strategic shift where students emphasize personal growth over resilience. College counselors potentially influence trauma-related topics, while narratives of failure or community service demonstrate more independent choices.