How to Craft Your Essay for the Frances Tyler Reina Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, or challenges you've faced.
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments, particularly those that demonstrate leadership, responsibility, or impact. Use specific metrics or outcomes to quantify your success.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or skills that this scholarship could help you address. Explain how further study at Broward College will bridge this gap and enhance your future.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and motivations. Share anecdotes that illustrate your character and commitment to your goals.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear structure. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they led you to pursue further education.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Describe what you aim to achieve through this scholarship.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your future aspirations and how the scholarship will play a role in them.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice. Use specific details and examples to illustrate your points. Avoid broad statements and clichés; instead, focus on concrete moments that convey your message. Each paragraph should center on a single idea, ensuring clarity and coherence throughout your essay.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your first draft, take time to revise. Ask yourself: What changed in me through this experience? Why does it matter? Ensure that every section of your essay answers the “So what?” question, reinforcing your commitment to your goals and the impact of the scholarship on your journey.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of several common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or overly broad statements.
• Steer clear of vague expressions of passion without supporting evidence.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are truthful and verifiable.
• Limit the use of passive voice; focus on active constructions.
• Keep your writing focused and relevant to the scholarship prompt.