How to Craft Your Essay for the Kenneth Evatt Rodeo Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a comprehensive essay, gather material across four essential areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, experiences, and influences that have shaped your values and goals. Consider how your connection to rodeo or agriculture may play a role.
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Include leadership roles, community service, or relevant skills that demonstrate your commitment and capability.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth through further education. Discuss what skills or knowledge you currently lack and how this scholarship will bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your character, values, and motivations. Specific details will help the committee connect with you as an individual.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a structured outline. Each section should flow logically into the next. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in, such as a specific moment or experience that highlights your journey. Follow with your background, achievements, gap, and personality sections, ensuring each paragraph supports your overall narrative.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate, demonstrate your passion through specific examples and achievements. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, using transitions to guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes, looking for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure that each section answers the question, “So what?” Reflect on how your experiences have shaped you and what you hope to achieve with the scholarship. This reflection will deepen the essay’s meaning.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés that do not add value.
• Do not inflate your achievements; be honest and specific about your experiences.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active voice to convey your actions and impact.
• Ensure your essay stays focused on your unique narrative and does not veer off into unrelated topics.