How to Write Your Essay for the Della Fleetwood-Sherrod Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material from the following four buckets:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, cultural influences, and formative experiences that shaped your worldview. Identify moments that sparked your interest in humanitarian work.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments that showcase your leadership, initiative, and impact. Use metrics where possible—such as the number of people helped or funds raised—to quantify your contributions.
• The Gap: Reflect on areas where you seek growth or knowledge. Explain why pursuing further education is crucial for you and how it aligns with your humanitarian goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and motivations. What drives you to engage in humanitarian work? Share stories that illustrate your character.

Outlining Your Essay

Structure your essay to guide the reader through your journey. A clear outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that captures your commitment to humanitarian efforts.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each section transitions smoothly, linking your experiences to your aspirations.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals in humanitarian work.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and ensure clarity. Avoid clichés and vague statements about passion. Instead, focus on specific actions you've taken and their impacts. Each paragraph should contain one main idea, supported by evidence from your experiences.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, revisit your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights have you gained? How do your experiences connect to your future goals? Ensure that every part of your essay contributes to a cohesive narrative that resonates with the scholarship's mission.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or overused phrases.
• Ensure all claims are backed by specific examples; avoid vague assertions about your passion or commitment.
• Stay focused on your unique experiences and avoid comparing yourself to others.