Crafting Your Essay for the Emily Evans Roberson Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material for your essay by exploring four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant challenges you have faced.
• Achievements: Identify your key accomplishments. Use specific metrics and examples to demonstrate your responsibilities and the outcomes of your efforts. This could include academic achievements, leadership roles, or community service.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in your educational journey. Why is further study important for you? Clearly articulate how the scholarship will help you bridge this gap and achieve your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. What makes you unique? Share anecdotes that illustrate your passions and motivations.

Outline Your Essay

Once you have gathered your thoughts, create an outline to organize your essay logically. A suggested structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that captures your reader's attention. Avoid generic statements and instead, set the stage for your narrative.
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one main idea. Use the STAR method to detail your achievements and challenges. For instance, describe a situation, the task you faced, the actions you took, and the results achieved.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your future aspirations. How will this scholarship impact your education and career? Make sure to answer the “So what?” question, emphasizing the significance of your experiences.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you write your draft, maintain an active voice. Use specific language and concrete examples to enhance clarity. Avoid clichés and vague expressions; instead, focus on genuine reflections that convey your commitment to your goals. Each paragraph should logically flow into the next, creating a cohesive narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. When you return, read your essay with fresh eyes. Ensure that each section contributes to the overall narrative and answers the “So what?” question. Are your reflections meaningful? Do they connect your background, achievements, and aspirations?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When writing your essay, steer clear of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements that do not engage the reader.
• Do not rely on vague expressions of passion without backing them up with specific examples.
• Be wary of passive voice; use active voice to convey your agency and responsibility.
• Ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable; do not invent experiences or accolades.