How to Craft Your Essay for the James Whitfield Employee Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, organize your thoughts into four material buckets:

• Background: Consider your personal and educational background. What experiences have shaped your aspirations? Reflect on significant moments that have influenced your decision to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify your achievements where possible—mention specific projects, leadership roles, or initiatives you have undertaken.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship will help you address. Be specific about how further study at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation will enable you to fill that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and motivations. What drives you? What unique perspectives do you bring to your field of study?

Outline Your Essay

Create a structured outline based on the insights gathered from the four buckets. Start with a strong opening that captures attention—perhaps a vivid moment from your background that relates to your goals. Follow with sections that detail your achievements, the gap in your education, and your personality. Ensure each section flows logically to the next, maintaining a cohesive narrative.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying, “I have always been passionate about education,” describe a specific event that ignited your passion. Keep the reader engaged by showing rather than telling—illustrate your experiences with concrete examples and details.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and revise your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each major point. This reflection will help you clarify the significance of your experiences and achievements. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to a clear understanding of who you are and why you deserve the scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can undermine your essay. Avoid using clichés or overly sentimental language. Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial. Lastly, ensure your essay is free of grammatical errors and flows logically from one idea to the next.