How to Craft Your Essay for the Deblinger Family Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, consider your experiences through the following four material buckets:

• Background: What experiences, values, or challenges have shaped who you are today? Think about your family, community, and educational background.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and leadership. Use metrics, responsibilities, and outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or experience that further study will help you address. Be specific about how this scholarship will bridge that gap.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reveal your character, interests, and motivations. What unique perspectives do you bring to your field of study?

Creating an Outline

Once you have brainstormed your ideas, organize them into a clear outline. Aim for a structure that flows logically:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid moment or scene that captures your journey or motivation.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each section transitions smoothly and builds on the previous one.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your growth and articulate your commitment to making an impact in your community or field.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about your field, provide specific examples of your engagement and impact. Each section should answer the question, “So what?” to demonstrate the significance of your experiences.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and revise. Ask yourself if each paragraph contributes to a cohesive narrative. Does your essay clearly articulate your journey and aspirations? Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors who can provide constructive criticism.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Clichés: Avoid overused phrases that dilute your message.
• Vagueness: Provide specific details and examples to support your claims.
• Passive Voice: Use active voice to make your writing more engaging.
• Inventing Facts: Stay truthful about your experiences and accomplishments.