How to Write an Essay for the Joyce Harper Laidlaw Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To develop a compelling essay, gather material from four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your interest in child welfare? Consider family influences, educational experiences, or community involvement.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments related to child welfare. This could include academic achievements, volunteer work, or professional experiences. Quantify your impact where possible, such as the number of children helped or programs developed.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship could help address. Be specific about how further study at Florida State University will fill this gap and enhance your ability to contribute to child welfare.
• Personality: Humanize your essay with personal anecdotes. What drives you? What values do you hold dear? Include specific moments that reveal your character and commitment to the field.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically to maintain a coherent flow. A suggested outline could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your passion for child welfare.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they led you to this path.
3. Achievements: Highlight your relevant accomplishments, using metrics to illustrate your impact.
4. The Gap: Explain what you seek to gain from the scholarship and how it will enable you to contribute more effectively to the field.
5. Personality: Share personal insights and values that motivate your work.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your commitment to making a difference in child welfare.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice and specific language throughout your essay. Avoid abstract phrases; instead, focus on concrete details that illustrate your points. Each paragraph should center on a single idea, with clear transitions that guide the reader through your narrative. Aim for clarity and depth, allowing your genuine voice to shine through.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does your essay clearly convey your motivations and qualifications? Are your reflections meaningful? Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your narrative and ensure it resonates with the scholarship committee.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Steer clear of clichés and vague statements. Avoid using phrases like “I have always been passionate about” without backing them up with specific examples. Do not rely on passive voice; instead, highlight your actions and contributions. Finally, ensure that all facts and figures are accurate, avoiding any embellishments or invented details.