How to Craft Your Essay for the Lamar F. Everett Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To effectively structure your essay, gather material across these four categories:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history and experiences that led you to pursue social work. Consider significant moments or influences that shaped your path.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your dedication and capability in social work. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as volunteer hours, leadership roles, or successful projects.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any areas where you seek growth or knowledge. Explain why further study at Florida State University is essential for your development and how it will help you bridge these gaps.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details that reveal your values and character. Share anecdotes that showcase your resilience, empathy, and commitment to helping others.

Outline Your Essay

Creating an outline can help you organize your thoughts. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that draws the reader in. Introduce your passion for social work without stating a thesis.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate one paragraph to each of the four buckets. Ensure each paragraph has a clear focus and connects to your overall narrative.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and the impact you aim to achieve in the field of social work. Reinforce why this scholarship is vital for your future.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you write your draft, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, use concrete details and examples to illustrate your points. Every section should answer the question, “So what?” to emphasize the significance of your experiences and aspirations.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes, focusing on clarity and coherence. Ask yourself if each paragraph contributes to your narrative and if you’ve effectively conveyed your motivations and goals. Seek feedback from mentors or peers who can provide constructive criticism.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Using vague or generic language that lacks specificity.
• Failing to connect your experiences back to your commitment to social work.
• Neglecting to reflect on how the scholarship will support your educational and professional journey.
• Overloading your essay with unnecessary details that detract from your main message.