How to Write Your Essay for the Adena Williams Loston Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets

Your essay should reflect four key areas: background, achievements, the gap, and personality. Here’s how to gather material for each:

• Background: Think about your upbringing, educational experiences, and any challenges you've faced. What events have shaped your desire to pursue higher education?
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Include academic achievements, leadership roles, or community service that demonstrate your commitment and impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience and explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your educational goals and how they relate to your future aspirations.
• Personality: Humanize your essay with personal anecdotes or values that guide you. What makes you unique? How do your experiences inform your perspective?

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline that organizes your thoughts logically. A suggested structure is:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or insight that hooks the reader. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use clear topic sentences and ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your commitment to making an impact in your field or community.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on specificity. Instead of saying, “I am passionate about education,” illustrate your passion through a specific example or experience. Reflect on what you learned from each experience and why it matters to your future.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point: How does this contribute to your overall narrative? Ensure every paragraph serves a purpose and reinforces your candidacy for the scholarship.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls in scholarship essays:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not provide insight into your experiences.
• Steer clear of vague language; instead, use concrete details and examples.
• Do not fabricate facts or embellish your achievements. Authenticity is crucial.