How to Write an Essay for the Ethel Hayes Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into the four material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on personal experiences or influences that shaped your views on mental health. Consider moments that sparked your interest in advocacy or education in this area.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments related to mental health awareness or community engagement. Use metrics or outcomes to demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your knowledge or skills regarding mental health. Explain how this scholarship will help you bridge that gap through further education.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and motivations. This will help the committee see you as a well-rounded individual.

Crafting Your Outline

Structure your essay logically. Start with an engaging opening that sets the scene or shares a pivotal moment in your journey. Each section should flow into the next, with clear transitions. Aim for a coherent narrative that ties your background, achievements, and aspirations together.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, focusing on your actions and insights. Avoid clichés and vague expressions of passion. Instead, provide concrete examples that illustrate your commitment to mental health advocacy. Reflect on what you learned from your experiences and how they shaped your current goals.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and assess your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections answer this question clearly, demonstrating why your experiences matter and how they connect to the scholarship’s mission. Revise for clarity, coherence, and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Steer clear of clichés, passive voice, and vague statements. Ensure that every claim you make is backed by specific examples or metrics. Avoid inventing facts or embellishing your experiences; authenticity is key in making a genuine connection with the committee.