Crafting Your Essay for Kristie's Kids Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal experiences with cancer, whether through family, friends, or your own health challenges. What moments stand out?
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your resilience and commitment. Include metrics where possible, such as community service hours, leadership roles, or academic honors.
• The Gap: Consider what you still need to achieve your educational goals. How will this scholarship help bridge that gap? Be specific about your plans for further study.
• Personality: Humanize your essay with details that reveal your values and motivations. What drives you? What are your passions outside of academics?

Outline Your Essay

Organize your thoughts into a coherent structure. A potential outline could include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or anecdote related to cancer that captures your reader's attention.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets, ensuring each section transitions smoothly to the next. Use the STAR method to highlight achievements and challenges.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for future challenges and how this scholarship will support your journey.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you write, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about helping others, illustrate this with a specific example, such as a volunteer project you led. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section to emphasize the significance of your experiences.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting your essay, take a break before revising. When you return, look for areas where you can deepen your reflection. Ask yourself if each paragraph clearly conveys your message and connects back to the scholarship's purpose. Seek feedback from peers or mentors who can provide constructive criticism.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés. Your opening should draw the reader in with a specific moment.
• Steer clear of vague language. Use concrete details and examples to support your claims.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences. Authenticity is key in making a genuine connection with the committee.