Crafting Your Essay for the Ben Craig Legacy Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences, upbringing, and any challenges you have faced that have shaped who you are today. Consider significant moments that influenced your educational journey.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and dedication. Use specific metrics, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or community service hours, to quantify your impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your experience or education that this scholarship can help address. Explain why further study at Johnson County Community College is essential for your personal and professional growth.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This could include hobbies, volunteer work, or unique perspectives that set you apart.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered material from the four buckets, create an outline to structure your essay. A clear outline will help you maintain focus and ensure a logical flow of ideas. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or story that illustrates your journey or determination.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to a specific bucket. Ensure each paragraph has a clear main idea and transitions smoothly to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will enable you to achieve your goals and contribute positively to your community.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid vague statements and focus on concrete details that illustrate your experiences. Each paragraph should convey a single idea, and transitions should connect your thoughts logically. Remember to answer the “So what?” question—reflect on what you learned from your experiences and why they matter.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting your essay, take a break before revising. When you return, read through your essay with a critical eye. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure that your reflections are meaningful and that you articulate how your experiences will influence your future. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When writing your essay, be mindful of common pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements. Instead, focus on unique experiences that truly represent you.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists; this weakens your narrative.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are genuine and verifiable; do not embellish your achievements.
• Steer clear of bureaucratic language that lacks personal connection; your essay should reflect your voice.