How to Write Your Essay for the Jenkins and Seckinger Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To effectively organize your thoughts, consider the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including experiences that have shaped your educational goals. What challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your path?
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and dedication. Use metrics, such as leadership roles, community service hours, or academic honors, to quantify your impact.
• The Gap: Consider what you currently lack in your education or experience that further study at Stetson will fulfill. Be clear about how this scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your values, interests, and unique perspective. This will help the committee connect with you on a human level.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and flow. A suggested outline could be:

1. Introduction: Start with an engaging scene or moment that encapsulates your journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate sections to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one main idea and transitions smoothly to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your aspirations and how the scholarship will empower your future, emphasizing your commitment to making a difference.

Drafting Voice and Tone

Your writing should be active and specific. Avoid vague statements and instead provide concrete examples that illustrate your points. For instance, instead of saying, "I helped my community," specify how many hours you volunteered and the outcomes of your efforts. This specificity will make your essay more compelling.

Revision and the "So What?" Factor

After drafting your essay, take a step back and ask yourself: "So what?" For each section, ensure you articulate why your experiences matter and how they connect to your future goals. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message and clarity.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not rely on passive voice; always aim for active constructions.
• Steer clear of vague superlatives; instead, provide evidence of your claims.
• Ensure all facts and figures are accurate and verifiable; do not fabricate experiences or achievements.