Need help with thesis for Common app (indicating an influential person in my life)

I'm not a very good essay writer so I'm not exactly sure how to start my essay. The topic is indicating an influential person in my life and the impact they have on me. I want to write about my parents and the hardships they've gone through in the passed 5 or 6 years and how it has helped me become more mature, more respectful of life and all it has to offer, and how to deal with hardships of my own.

Alright. Well, naturally, your opening statement should be an introductory one which could be something as simple as :"The most influential people in my life are...". Point blank. If it were me, I would start with something like "My mother is my hero." and let that first paragraph or two explain why, followed by "My father is (also) my hero", etc. There are many ways you could start..."The most profound sources of inspiration in my life are my mother and father. They, as a team have been so positively influential to me and I would like to tell you (the reader) why"...

As long as you get in there with a nice opening statement followed by clear and structured sentiments to support this intro, you should be all set. Good Luck!