How to Craft Your Essay for the Clarence J. Moss Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across these four categories:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, experiences, and influences that have guided your educational and career choices. Consider moments that sparked your interest in public service.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments relevant to your education and community involvement. Use metrics or specific outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as volunteer hours or leadership roles.
• The Gap: Assess what you lack in your current skill set or knowledge that further education will address. Be clear about how the scholarship will help bridge this gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes and values. Share what drives you, your passions, and how you envision your future contributions.

Structuring Your Outline

Your essay should have a clear structure. Consider the following outline:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that illustrates your commitment to public service.
2. Background: Describe your upbringing and formative experiences.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain what you need to learn and how this scholarship will facilitate your growth.
5. Personality: Share insights into your character and values.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and how you plan to make an impact in your community.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and ensure each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Use specific examples and details to illustrate your points. Avoid generalizations and clichés; instead, aim for authenticity and clarity. Remember to answer the “So what?” question throughout your essay—why do your experiences and aspirations matter?

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back to revise. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure that each section contributes to your overall narrative. Ask yourself if your essay answers the key questions: What have you learned? How will this scholarship help you achieve your goals? What unique perspective do you bring?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements and empty passion. Be specific about your experiences and aspirations.
• Steer clear of clichés and generic openers. Start with a unique moment that captures your reader’s attention.
• Do not use passive voice unnecessarily. Ensure your writing is direct and engaging.
• Refrain from fabricating details or experiences. Authenticity is crucial in your narrative.