How to Write Your E.A.W. Endowment Scholarship Essay

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material from the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have defined your identity as a hearing-impaired student? Consider family influences, educational settings, and any challenges you have faced.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your resilience and determination. This could include academic successes, leadership roles, or community involvement. Use specific metrics or examples to highlight your impact.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in your education or skill set and explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic goals and how they align with your career aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. What drives you? How do you envision making a difference in your community or field?

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. A suggested structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or anecdote that encapsulates your journey as a hearing-impaired student.
2. Background: Provide context about your experiences and challenges.
3. Achievements: Highlight your key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Discuss your educational needs and how the scholarship will support your goals.
5. Personality: Share insights into your character and motivations.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your aspirations and the impact of receiving the scholarship.

Drafting Voice and Tone

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and clear, concise language. Avoid clichés and focus on specificity. Instead of vague statements about passion, provide concrete examples that demonstrate your commitment and drive. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, leading the reader logically through your narrative.

Reflection and “So What?”

In each section of your essay, aim to answer the question “So what?” Reflect on how your experiences have shaped your perspective and what you have learned. This reflection will add depth to your narrative and help the committee understand why your story matters.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Steer clear of vague language; instead, be specific and detailed.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences.
• Ensure that each paragraph contributes meaningfully to your overall narrative.