Crafting Your Essay for the Kyla Jo Burridge Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, explore the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your experiences with brain cancer. Have you or someone close to you been affected? How has this shaped your values and goals?
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your commitment to raising awareness or supporting those affected by brain cancer. Use metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Consider what you hope to achieve through further education. What skills or knowledge do you lack that this scholarship will help you acquire?
• Personality: Include personal anecdotes that reveal your character and values. This could be a moment of insight or a challenge you faced that relates to your commitment to this cause.

Outline Your Essay Structure

Organize your thoughts into a clear structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your connection to brain cancer awareness.
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to describe specific situations, tasks, actions, and results related to your experiences.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will enable you to make a greater impact in the field of brain cancer awareness and support.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice throughout your essay. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, provide specific examples and details. Your writing should convey a sense of purpose and clarity. Remember to reflect on why each experience matters to you and how it shapes your future ambitions.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Does it reflect your unique journey and commitment to brain cancer awareness? Ensure that your revisions enhance clarity and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of overly complex language; clarity is more important than sounding sophisticated.
• Ensure that every paragraph contributes to your overall narrative and purpose.