How to Craft Your Essay for the Dignity Equity Kindness Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts using the four material buckets:

• Background: Consider significant experiences that shaped your values and aspirations. What events or people influenced your commitment to dignity, equity, and kindness?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your leadership and impact. Use metrics and specific outcomes to illustrate your contributions.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you still need to learn or achieve. How does further education at Clackamas Community College fit into your plans for personal and professional growth?
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Include humanizing details that showcase your values and motivations, creating a vivid picture of who you are.

Creating an Outline

Draft a structured outline to organize your essay. Each section should focus on one idea:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that captures your connection to the scholarship's values.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate paragraphs to each of the four material buckets, ensuring you provide specific examples and reflections.
3. Conclusion: Summarize your key points and reinforce your commitment to making a positive impact through your education.

Drafting Your Essay

As you write your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Use specific examples to illustrate your points, avoiding vague statements. Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, guiding the reader through your narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After your initial draft, revisit your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself what insights you gained from your experiences and why they matter. Ensure that each section answers the “So what?” question, highlighting your growth and future impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements. Instead, focus on specific experiences that define you.
• Steer clear of passive voice. Use active voice to convey your actions and responsibilities directly.
• Do not include invented facts or embellishments. Authenticity is crucial; be honest about your experiences and aspirations.