How to Craft Your Essay for the Kale Williams Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a comprehensive essay, gather material from the following four buckets:

• Background: Consider the experiences and influences that have shaped your commitment to human rights. This could include personal stories, cultural background, or significant events in your life.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your leadership and dedication to human rights. Use metrics or outcomes to quantify your impact, such as community service hours or projects initiated.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of knowledge or skills and explain why further study at Loyola University Chicago is essential for your growth and ability to advocate for human rights.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This humanizes your application and allows the committee to connect with you on a personal level.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your thoughts, create an outline that organizes your material logically. Each section of your essay should focus on one main idea:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that illustrates your connection to human rights.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to describe specific situations, tasks, actions, and results related to your achievements and background.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your commitment to making an impact in the field of human rights.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and maintain a reflective tone. Avoid clichés and general statements. Instead, focus on specific details that showcase your experiences and insights. Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical flow throughout your essay.

Revision & Reflecting on “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes and ask yourself: “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections demonstrate personal growth and clarify why your experiences matter in the context of the scholarship. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Avoid vague language and empty passion; back your claims with specific examples.
• Steer clear of passive voice; ensure that your actions are clearly articulated.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences; authenticity is key.