How to Write Your Essay for the Katie DeCubellis Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on experiences that have shaped your life. Consider challenges you have faced, particularly those related to victim relief or community support.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your commitment and resilience. Use metrics or tangible outcomes to illustrate your contributions.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in your education or resources. Explain how the scholarship will help bridge this gap and enable you to reach your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and motivations. This could include anecdotes or reflections that showcase your character.

Outline Your Essay

Creating an outline can help organize your thoughts. Consider structuring your essay in the following way:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or scene that illustrates your connection to the scholarship theme.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each paragraph has a clear main idea and transitions smoothly to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how receiving this scholarship will impact your future and your commitment to making a difference.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, aim for an active voice that engages the reader. Use specific examples and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, and your language should be clear and direct. Remember to answer the question, “So what?” in every section; reflect on the significance of your experiences and aspirations.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Look for clarity and coherence in your essay. Ensure that each point you make contributes to the overall narrative. Ask yourself how each section answers the “So what?” question—this will help you emphasize the importance of your experiences and goals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements. Make your narrative unique to you.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active verbs to convey your actions and impact.
• Do not invent facts or embellish experiences; authenticity is crucial.