How to Write an Essay for the Norrene Harker Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material from the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, experiences, and influences that have shaped who you are today. Consider family, education, and community involvement.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your contributions, such as leadership roles, projects, or awards.
• The Gap: Analyze what you currently lack in your educational journey and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. This could include financial needs, resources, or opportunities.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and character. This humanizes your application and helps the committee connect with you.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in, perhaps a specific moment or experience that illustrates your journey. Follow with sections that cover each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your goals and the significance of the scholarship.

Drafting Voice and Structure

When drafting your essay, use an active voice to convey your experiences and achievements. Aim for clarity and specificity—avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, with transitions that logically connect your thoughts. Reflect on your experiences and articulate why they matter, answering the “So what?” question throughout your essay.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. This distance will help you view your work with fresh eyes. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity, strengthen your arguments, and ensure that your personality shines through. Ask yourself if each section contributes to your overall message and if it answers the prompt effectively.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you write, be mindful of common pitfalls. Avoid clichés and vague phrases that do not add value to your essay. Ensure that your writing is free from passive voice and bureaucratic language. Most importantly, do not invent facts or embellish your experiences; authenticity is key to a compelling essay.