How to Write Your Essay for the FAEMSE EMT and Paramedic Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by considering the four key material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: What experiences have shaped your interest in emergency medical services? Consider personal stories that illustrate your journey.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments in your education or work related to EMS. Use metrics to quantify your impact, such as the number of patients assisted or training hours completed.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship would help address. Be clear about how further study will enhance your skills and knowledge.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details that reflect your values and motivations. What drives you to pursue a career in EMS?

Creating an Outline

With your brainstormed material, create a structured outline. Each section should focus on one main idea, leading the reader logically through your narrative. For example:

1. Introduction: Start with an engaging in-scene moment that captures your motivation.
2. Background: Discuss formative experiences that led you to EMS.
3. Achievements: Detail your relevant accomplishments and their impact.
4. The Gap: Explain how this scholarship will bridge your educational needs.
5. Personality: Share insights into your character and values.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your future goals and how the scholarship will aid in achieving them.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, aim for an active voice that showcases your agency. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, provide specific examples that demonstrate your points. Each paragraph should develop a single idea and include a transition that connects to the next section. Use reflective language to answer the “So what?” question after each major point—what does this mean for your future in EMS?

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Look for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Ensure that each section contributes to your overall narrative and reinforces your suitability for the scholarship. Ask yourself how each part of your essay answers the “So what?” question—what significance does your experience hold for your aspirations in EMS?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid generic statements that do not provide insight into your unique experiences.
• Steer clear of passive voice; make sure your writing reflects your active role in your achievements.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences; authenticity is key in scholarship applications.
• Watch for overly complex language; clarity should be your priority.