Crafting Your Essay for the Virginia Viado Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: What experiences, values, or influences have shaped your interest in planning? Consider pivotal moments that directed your path.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your commitment to the field. Use metrics or tangible outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship will help you address. Clearly articulate how further study will bridge this gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details that reflect your character and values. Share anecdotes that reveal who you are beyond your academic and professional achievements.

Creating an Outline

Draft a structured outline to organize your essay logically. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene or shares a specific moment related to your journey in planning. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Conclude with a reflection on your future goals and how the scholarship will facilitate your contributions to the field.

Drafting Voice and Style

When writing your essay, maintain an active voice and a confident tone. Avoid abstract phrasing; instead, use concrete details and specific examples. Open with a vivid scene or moment that draws the reader in. Throughout your essay, consistently reflect on the significance of your experiences and choices—answer the “So what?” question in each section.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. This distance will help you view your essay with fresh eyes. Look for areas where you can deepen your reflection or clarify your points. Ensure each paragraph contributes to a coherent narrative about your journey and aspirations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain additional perspectives on your writing.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you refine your essay, be mindful of common pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions and contributions.
• Ensure that all facts and experiences are genuine; do not embellish or invent details.
• Maintain a focus on your unique journey rather than comparing yourself to others.