Crafting Your Essay for the Margaret W. Graves Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences led you to pursue a career in human services? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant events.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your commitment and capability in human services. Use metrics where possible—such as volunteer hours, leadership roles, or initiatives you’ve spearheaded.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship will help you address. Be clear about how further study will enable you to fill this gap.
• Personality: Share aspects of your character that make you a suitable candidate for this scholarship. What values drive you? How do you engage with others in your community?

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline. A clear structure will help you convey your message effectively. Consider the following sections:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or story that illustrates your connection to human services.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four material buckets, ensuring each section flows logically to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your future aspirations in human services. Emphasize how the scholarship will help you achieve these goals.

Drafting Your Voice

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying, “I have always wanted to help others,” share a specific experience that illustrates this desire. Remember to reflect on how these experiences have shaped your understanding and commitment to human services.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and revise. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each major point. Ensure that every paragraph not only presents information but also reflects on its significance. This reflection will enhance the depth of your essay and demonstrate your critical thinking skills.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not provide insight into your unique experiences.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always strive for active construction.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial.
• Ensure clarity and coherence in your writing—each paragraph should serve a distinct purpose.