How to Craft Your Essay for the Candi L. Oree Leadership Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material by exploring the following four buckets:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, experiences, and influences that have shaped your values and aspirations. What pivotal moments have defined your path?
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments in your academic, professional, or community life. Use metrics and specific examples to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth and how the scholarship will help bridge those gaps. What specific skills or knowledge do you aim to acquire through further study?
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your character, values, and unique perspective. What drives you, and how do you wish to contribute to your community?

Structuring Your Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Each section should focus on one main idea:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that illustrates your leadership journey. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Share insights from your life that led you to pursue this scholarship.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, using the STAR method to structure your examples.
4. The Gap: Discuss your aspirations for growth and how the scholarship will facilitate this.
5. Personality: Conclude with reflections on your values and commitment to making a difference.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and vague expressions of passion. Focus on clarity and authenticity. Each paragraph should contain one main idea and transition smoothly to the next, ensuring logical progression.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, revise your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections demonstrate personal growth and articulate why your experiences matter. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors to gain new perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or overly broad statements.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences; honesty is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions.
• Ensure your essay is specific, using concrete examples and metrics.