How to Craft Your Essay for the Lawrence Gerrell Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather your thoughts and experiences by reflecting on the four material buckets:

• Background: Consider what experiences have shaped your educational journey. What personal or community challenges have you faced?
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Have you led projects, volunteered, or excelled academically? Be specific about your roles and impacts.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack that this scholarship will help you address. What are your educational or professional aspirations, and how does further study at Tallahassee State College fit into that picture?
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. What values guide you? Include specific anecdotes that illustrate your character and commitment.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent structure. A suggested outline could include:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or scene that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences that led you to apply.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain your educational goals and how the scholarship will bridge the gap.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your commitment to making a positive impact in your community and beyond.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, aim for an active voice. Use specific examples and details to bring your narrative to life. Avoid vague statements; instead, show your passion through concrete experiences. Reflect on what you learned from each experience and why it matters.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay. Ask yourself: “So what?” for each section. Does your essay clearly convey your journey, your aspirations, and the impact you wish to have? Ensure each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not rely on passive voice; keep your writing dynamic and engaging.
• Ensure that all details are accurate and relevant to your experiences and goals.