How to Craft Your Essay for the Flora Marie Jenkins Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets to guide your essay:

• Background: Consider your personal journey, including any challenges related to disability. What experiences have significantly impacted your life and education?
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your resilience and commitment. Use metrics where possible, such as grades, leadership roles, or community involvement.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your educational goals and how they align with your future aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your values and character. What makes you unique? How do your experiences inform your perspective?

Outline Your Essay

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and flow. A strong outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that illustrates your journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets, ensuring each section reflects on how your experiences have shaped you.
3. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to your educational goals and the impact of receiving the scholarship.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, use an active voice to create a sense of immediacy and engagement. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on specific examples that illustrate your points. Each paragraph should center on a single idea, transitioning smoothly to the next to maintain coherence.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, revise your essay to enhance clarity and impact. For each section, ask yourself, “So what?”—what does this reveal about you? Ensure that your reflections are meaningful and connected to your educational aspirations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Stay clear of the following pitfalls:

• Using Clichés: Avoid overused phrases and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Being Vague: Provide concrete details and examples rather than broad assertions about your passion or goals.
• Neglecting Structure: Ensure each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to a cohesive narrative.