How to Write Your Essay for the I AM a Nurse Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material from the following four buckets:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, experiences, and influences that have led you to nursing. What specific events or people inspired your journey?
• Achievements: Highlight any relevant accomplishments, such as academic performance, volunteer work, or leadership roles. Use metrics or specific examples to demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you still need to achieve your goals. This could be specific skills, experiences, or education that the scholarship will help you obtain.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. What makes you unique as a candidate?

Structuring Your Outline

Your essay should have a clear structure. A suggested outline could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your passion for nursing.
2. Background: Discuss your journey and what led you to pursue nursing.
3. Achievements: Detail your accomplishments and how they relate to your nursing aspirations.
4. The Gap: Explain what you need to further your education and how this scholarship will help.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your commitment to nursing and the impact you hope to make in the field.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and ensure that each paragraph presents a single idea. Use specific examples and details to engage the reader and illustrate your points. Remember to reflect on your experiences and articulate why they matter.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise your essay. Ensure that each section answers the question, “So what?” What insights have you gained from your experiences? How do they shape your future in nursing? This reflection will deepen the impact of your narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences; authenticity is key.
• Steer clear of vague language; be specific about your achievements and goals.
• Ensure that your essay flows logically, with clear transitions between sections.