How to Craft Your Essay for the Jace Lillis Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, experiences, and values. Consider what shaped your educational journey and your desire to attend Kankakee Community College.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify your achievements with specific metrics, such as GPA, awards, or leadership roles, to provide concrete evidence of your capabilities.
• The Gap: Identify what you lack that this scholarship will help you address. Discuss your financial needs and how receiving this scholarship will enable you to focus on your studies without financial burdens.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character and values. This could include challenges you’ve overcome or moments that inspired you to pursue your goals.

Creating an Outline

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

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or story that draws the reader in.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to describe your achievements and challenges, ensuring each section answers the question, “So what?”
3. Conclusion: Summarize your main points and reaffirm your commitment to your educational goals and future impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about education, illustrate this with an example of how education has transformed your life or your community. Use clear, concise language to convey your ideas effectively.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting your essay, take a step back and revise. Ask yourself if each paragraph contributes to the overall narrative. Does it reflect your background, achievements, gap, and personality? Ensure that every section answers the “So what?” question, demonstrating why your story matters in the context of the scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Ensure your essay is free from invented facts or vague claims.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions and contributions.
• Don’t forget to proofread for grammar and clarity.