Crafting Your Essay for the Julia Turnbull Leadership Award

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: What experiences have shaped your leadership style? Think about pivotal moments, mentors, or challenges that have influenced your path.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on those that demonstrate leadership. Use metrics or specific outcomes to quantify your impact, such as projects led, teams managed, or community initiatives started.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth. What knowledge or skills do you need to develop further? Explain how the scholarship will help bridge this gap in your education.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. What makes you unique? How do your experiences inform your perspective on leadership?

Outline Your Essay

Creating a clear outline will help structure your essay effectively. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in—consider starting with a specific moment that illustrates your leadership journey. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one main idea. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to making a positive impact through your education.

Drafting with Purpose

As you draft, maintain an active voice. Avoid vague statements and focus on concrete examples. Each paragraph should serve a purpose and contribute to your overall narrative. Use transitions to guide the reader through your essay logically. Remember to reflect on each experience—what did you learn, and why does it matter?

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. When reviewing your essay, ask yourself if each section answers the question, “So what?” Ensure that your reflections on experiences demonstrate growth and insight. Look for opportunities to enhance clarity and specificity, cutting any unnecessary filler. Consider sharing your essay with a mentor or peer for feedback.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid clichés and overused phrases that dilute your message. Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language. Ensure that all facts about your experiences are accurate and verifiable. Finally, keep your focus on your unique journey rather than general statements about leadership.