Crafting Your Essay for the Diana Atwood Johnson Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including family influences, education, and community involvement. What experiences have shaped who you are today?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular activities. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact—such as leadership roles, projects completed, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Consider what you still need to achieve your educational and career goals. How will this scholarship help bridge that gap? Be specific about your aspirations and how further study will facilitate them.
• Personality: Share details that humanize you. What values drive you? What unique perspectives do you bring? Use anecdotes to illustrate your character and motivations.

Outlining Your Essay

Structure your essay logically. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in, perhaps by sharing a pivotal moment from your life. Follow with sections that explore each of the four buckets, ensuring that each paragraph has a clear focus. Conclude by tying your experiences back to the scholarship's mission and your future goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate, provide concrete examples of your commitment and enthusiasm. Each paragraph should convey one main idea and transition smoothly to the next, maintaining a coherent narrative throughout.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. What insights have you gained? How do your experiences prepare you for future challenges? Ensure that your reflections are clear and meaningful, demonstrating your growth and potential impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid generic statements or overused phrases that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your achievements; authenticity is crucial.
• Stay focused on the scholarship’s goals and how your experiences align with them.
• Ensure clarity and coherence throughout your essay, avoiding overly complex language or structure.