Crafting Your Essay for the Ella Backstrom Norder Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, explore the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family influences, community involvement, or challenges you have faced.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Quantify your successes where possible—such as GPA, leadership roles, or community service hours—to provide concrete evidence of your dedication.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in your educational journey. How will this scholarship bridge that gap? Be specific about your educational and career aspirations and how this support will facilitate your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that highlight your values and character. Share anecdotes that reveal your passion, resilience, and commitment to making a difference.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and flow. Consider the following outline:

1. Introduction: Begin with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your journey or aspirations. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Discuss your upbringing and experiences that have influenced your educational path.
3. Achievements: Highlight your significant accomplishments and their impact on your development.
4. The Gap: Explain the obstacles you face and how the scholarship will help you overcome them.
5. Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your character and values.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your future goals and the broader impact you hope to make, tying it back to the scholarship's significance.

Drafting Voice and Style

When writing your essay, use an active voice to convey your experiences and insights. Aim for specificity; provide details that illustrate your points. Instead of stating your passion for education, demonstrate it through your actions and decisions. Ensure each paragraph focuses on a single idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, revisit your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself: What has changed in me because of these experiences? Why does this matter? Ensure that every section of your essay answers the “So what?” question, emphasizing your growth and future aspirations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message and clarity.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not rely on vague expressions of passion without backing them up with evidence.
• Steer clear of passive voice; your essay should reflect your active role in your experiences.
• Ensure all facts and figures are accurate; do not invent details about your experiences or achievements.