How to Write Your Essay for the Nellie Donniez Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and any experiences that have shaped your values and goals. Consider how these experiences connect to your desire to attend Eastern Florida State College.
• Achievements: List your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Focus on specific metrics, such as GPA, leadership roles, or community service hours, and quantify your impact where possible.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack that further study can address. This could be skills, knowledge, or professional connections that the scholarship will help you obtain.
• Personality: Think about personal traits and values that define you. Include anecdotes that illustrate your character and how these qualities will contribute to your success in college and beyond.

Outline Your Essay

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene or presents a pivotal moment in your life. Follow with sections that delve into each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Conclude with a reflection on how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are passionate about education, describe a moment that ignited that passion. Make every word count, and ensure that your narrative flows logically from one section to the next.

Revision and “So What?”

After your initial draft, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each major point. Ensure that your essay reflects not only your qualifications but also your commitment to making a positive impact. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Clichés: Avoid overused phrases and generalizations that do not add value to your narrative.
• Passive Voice: Use active voice to create a stronger connection with the reader.
• Vagueness: Provide specific examples and metrics to support your claims.
• Invention: Only include verifiable facts about your experiences and achievements; do not fabricate details.