Crafting Your Essay for the Dr. Charles Shaner Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring four key material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal journey. Consider significant experiences that have shaped your interest in dental hygiene. This could include family influences, educational experiences, or community involvement.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your commitment to dental hygiene. Include metrics or outcomes where possible, such as volunteer hours, leadership roles, or relevant coursework.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any areas where you seek growth. What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain through your studies at Harper College? Explain why this scholarship is essential for your educational journey.
• Personality: Humanize your essay with personal anecdotes that reflect your values and character. Share moments that reveal your dedication, resilience, or compassion in the context of dental hygiene.

Outline Your Essay Structure

Creating a clear outline will help you organize your thoughts logically. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling in-scene moment or anecdote that captures your passion for dental hygiene.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each section flows logically into the next, maintaining a clear narrative.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your commitment to making an impact in the dental hygiene field. Reinforce how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

Maintain an active voice throughout your essay. Use specific examples and avoid vague statements. Instead of saying, “I am passionate about dental hygiene,” illustrate your passion with a story or experience that demonstrates this commitment. Strive for clarity and authenticity, ensuring your personality shines through.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting your essay, take a step back and evaluate each section. Ask yourself, “So what?” for every major point. Does it clearly communicate your journey and aspirations? Make sure you highlight not only what you have done, but also what you have learned and how you intend to apply that knowledge in the future.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject can be identified.
• Steer clear of overly bureaucratic language; keep your writing personal and relatable.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are genuine and verifiable—do not fabricate details.