National Federation Blind Illinois Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets:

• Background: Consider your personal history, including your upbringing, education, and any challenges you've faced. What experiences have shaped your perspective on blindness and education?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your leadership, resilience, and commitment to your goals. Use specific metrics or examples to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in terms of skills or knowledge that further education will help you acquire. Explain how this scholarship will bridge that gap and enhance your contributions to the community.
• Personality: Think about your values, interests, and unique traits. What makes you stand out as an individual? Include anecdotes that reveal your character and motivations.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay by creating an outline that logically flows from one section to the next. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea:

1. Start with a compelling opening scene or moment that draws the reader in.
2. Follow with your background, emphasizing key experiences.
3. Detail your achievements, providing specific examples and outcomes.
4. Discuss the gap in your education and how this scholarship will help you address it.
5. Conclude with a reflection on your personality and how it aligns with the values of the National Federation of the Blind.

Drafting Voice

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and use concrete language. Avoid abstract phrases and clichés. Instead of stating your passion, show it through your experiences and reflections. Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical progression of ideas.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and revise your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights have you gained? How do your experiences connect to the goals of the scholarship? Make sure your essay not only tells your story but also emphasizes your commitment to making a difference.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not use vague language or empty superlatives without evidence.
• Steer clear of passive voice; ensure each sentence has an active subject.
• Do not fabricate details about your experiences or achievements.