How to Craft Your Essay for the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award

Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets

To effectively organize your thoughts, consider the four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, cultural influences, and significant experiences that have shaped your values and worldview. Think about specific moments that ignited your passion for social change.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your leadership, initiative, and impact. Use metrics or specific outcomes to illustrate your contributions, such as volunteer hours, projects led, or community initiatives started.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any areas where you feel further education or experience is necessary. Articulate why the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award is essential for your growth and how it will help you bridge this gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes and reflections that showcase your character. Highlight your values, interests, and what makes you unique as a candidate.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay with a clear outline. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene or presents a pivotal moment in your journey. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four material buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one idea. Conclude with a strong closing that ties your experiences to your future goals and the impact you wish to have.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, use an active voice and specific language to convey your experiences and insights. Avoid clichés and instead focus on authentic storytelling. Start with a concrete moment or scene that draws the reader in, and ensure that each section reflects on what you learned and why it matters.

Revision and “So What?”

During revision, critically assess whether each paragraph answers the “So what?” question. What did you learn from your experiences, and how do they inform your future aspirations? Ensure clarity and coherence throughout your essay, and consider seeking feedback from trusted mentors or peers to refine your message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid vague statements and generalizations that do not provide evidence of your claims. Steer clear of excessive jargon or bureaucratic language that may dilute your voice. Lastly, ensure all details are accurate and reflective of your genuine experiences—do not fabricate facts or achievements.