Michelle Lawless Environmental Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on experiences that shaped your commitment to environmental issues. Consider formative moments, such as a project, volunteer work, or a significant event that sparked your interest.
• Achievements: List specific accomplishments that demonstrate your dedication and impact. Include metrics where possible, such as hours volunteered, projects completed, or leadership roles held.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of skills or knowledge that further education at Broward College will help you address. Be specific about how this scholarship will bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your narrative with personal details that reveal your values and character. Consider anecdotes that showcase your resilience, creativity, or commitment to making a difference.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay by creating an outline that flows logically from one section to the next. Start with a strong opening that captures attention, followed by your background, achievements, gap, and personality. Each section should build upon the last, leading to a cohesive narrative that culminates in your aspirations and how the scholarship will support them.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice to convey your experiences and insights. Avoid bureaucratic language; instead, focus on clarity and specificity. Each paragraph should center around a single idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your thought process. Remember to avoid clichés and generic statements; instead, provide concrete examples that illustrate your points.

Revision and “So What?”

In your revision process, ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point you make. Ensure that every experience and insight you share connects back to your commitment to environmental issues and your goals for the future. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your narrative and enhance clarity.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls when crafting your essay:

• Avoid starting with vague statements or clichés. Instead, open with a specific moment or insight that draws the reader in.
• Steer clear of empty superlatives; provide evidence for your claims instead.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists; this weakens your narrative.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are truthful and verifiable; do not invent details.