How to Craft Your Essay for the Justice Family Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Before drafting, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your identity. Consider significant moments that influenced your academic and personal growth.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments, whether academic, extracurricular, or community-related. Use metrics and outcomes to demonstrate your impact, such as leadership roles or projects that benefited others.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in terms of knowledge or skills and how further study at Broward College will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic goals and career aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and motivations. This could include challenges you've overcome or experiences that ignited your passion for your field.

Outline Your Essay

Creating an outline will help structure your thoughts. Consider the following format:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or anecdote that draws the reader in. Introduce your main theme and the significance of the scholarship.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each section flows logically to the next, reinforcing your narrative.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your commitment to making a positive impact in your community. Reiterate how the scholarship will facilitate your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you write, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid vague statements; instead, provide concrete examples and details. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, leading the reader through your experiences and insights.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, revisit your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each section. Ensure that your reflections highlight personal growth and the relevance of your experiences to your future goals. Solicit feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message and clarity.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid clichés and general statements that do not add value to your essay. Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language. Ensure all facts and experiences are authentic and verifiable; do not fabricate any details. Lastly, be mindful of staying on topic and maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout your essay.