How to Write Your Essay for the Colorado Chapter NHF Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: Consider what experiences have shaped your understanding of hemophilia. Reflect on personal stories or challenges you've faced that relate to your condition or the community.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic, extracurricular, or volunteer activities. Use metrics where possible, such as leadership roles, community service hours, or academic awards.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in your educational journey. This could be specific knowledge, skills, or experiences that further study will help you acquire.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. Consider what makes you unique and how your personality aligns with the goals of the scholarship.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create a structured outline. Each section should focus on one key idea:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or story that illustrates your connection to hemophilia.
2. Background: Discuss your experiences and how they shaped your perspective.
3. Achievements: Highlight your accomplishments and what they signify about your commitment to education and community.
4. The Gap: Clearly articulate what you hope to gain from further study and how it will help you overcome challenges.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express your commitment to making a positive impact in the hemophilia community.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific. Instead of saying, “I worked hard in school,” specify, “I maintained a 3.8 GPA while volunteering 10 hours a week.” Use vivid details to engage the reader and make your experiences relatable.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and evaluate your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each major point. Ensure that every section reflects not only what you’ve done but also why it matters to your future and the hemophilia community. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements that do not provide specific evidence of your experiences.
• Do not use passive voice; keep your writing active and engaging.
• Ensure that all details are accurate and verifiable; do not invent facts or embellish your achievements.