Crafting Your Essay for the Jeanne McPherson Stansell Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your experiences with Girl Scouts. What specific moments or lessons have shaped your journey? Consider your community involvement, leadership roles, or personal growth.
• Achievements: Identify significant achievements that demonstrate your skills and dedication. Use metrics where possible—awards, projects completed, or community service hours logged can all provide concrete evidence of your impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge areas where you seek further growth or education. Be honest about what you hope to gain from your studies and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your character. What values guide you? How do you approach challenges? Specific anecdotes can help paint a vivid picture of who you are.

Structuring Your Outline

Once you have gathered your material, outline your essay. A strong structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that captures your connection to Girl Scouts. Avoid generic statements; instead, draw the reader in with a specific experience.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to a specific theme or bucket. Use the STAR method to articulate achievements and challenges. For example, describe a situation, your task, the actions you took, and the results.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for future challenges and your commitment to making an impact. Reiterate the significance of the scholarship in your educational journey.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and a reflective tone. Use specific language that conveys your experiences authentically. Avoid clichés and generalizations; instead, focus on personal insights and lessons learned. Each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next, ensuring a logical flow of ideas.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back and review it critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What does this reveal about you? Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also highlights your potential impact. Seek feedback from mentors or peers to refine your message and clarity.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, be mindful of common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements and superlatives that lack evidence.
• Steer clear of passive voice; keep your writing active and engaging.
• Do not invent facts or embellish experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Refrain from using clichés that do not add value to your narrative.