What are some good ways to start my college essay?

There is no specific topic, so i can write about whatever i want. I dont know how to start it, and i dont know if i should talk about the abuse of my father...I dont want to sound like im begging them or asking for pity because no one likes beggars...but i dont know what to write...i really have only two reasons why i want to go to the school, and thats because its far away from my home..( its point park university and i live in DE), and i heard their journalism majors are really good, and i thought being in Pittsburgh would help me get good connections, and im very sheltered and hate the suburbs so i always wanted to move to the city to become more independent and more street wise. So if you can give me any advice I'd be grateful.