How to Write Your Essay for the Jeanne Henuset-Fraser Bursary

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets to ensure a holistic representation of your experiences:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing in rural Manitoba. What experiences shaped your identity and ambitions? Consider family influences, community involvement, and personal challenges.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments, such as academic achievements, leadership roles, or community service. Use metrics where possible—like GPA, volunteer hours, or project outcomes—to provide concrete evidence of your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of skills, knowledge, or resources. Explain how further education will help bridge this gap and enable you to contribute more effectively to your community.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and motivations. Share moments that illustrate your resilience, curiosity, and commitment to making a difference.

Structuring Your Essay

Craft an outline that flows logically, ensuring each section builds on the previous one. Start with a compelling introduction that draws the reader in—consider opening with a vivid scene or a significant moment from your life. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, transitioning smoothly to maintain coherence.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, emphasizing your role in the experiences you describe. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, be specific about your experiences and their significance. Use reflective language to articulate what you learned from each experience and why it matters to your future.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay with fresh eyes. Ask yourself: What insights have I communicated? How will this essay resonate with the committee? Ensure that each section answers the “So what?” question, demonstrating the relevance of your experiences to your educational and career goals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés. Instead, engage the reader with a unique story or insight.
• Steer clear of overly complex language or jargon; clarity is key.
• Do not exaggerate your achievements or fabricate experiences. Authenticity is crucial in your narrative.
• Ensure your essay is well-organized, with a clear progression of ideas.