How to Write an Essay for the Olene S. Walker Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts and experiences into four key areas:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, educational experiences, and any challenges you faced. What experiences shaped your desire to pursue further education?
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments, both academic and personal. Include specific metrics or outcomes, such as grades, projects, or leadership roles that demonstrate your capabilities.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you still need to achieve your goals. What skills or knowledge do you lack, and how will this scholarship help you bridge that gap?
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations.

Outline Your Essay

Creating a structured outline will help you organize your thoughts coherently. A suggested structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that highlights your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your upbringing and formative experiences.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments that demonstrate your readiness for further education.
4. The Gap: Explain what you need to succeed and how this scholarship fits into that picture.
5. Personality: Share insights into who you are and what drives you.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice to convey your experiences and insights. Avoid clichés and strive for specificity. Instead of stating your passion, illustrate it through concrete examples. Each paragraph should focus on one idea, ensuring clarity and logical flow.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, revisit your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each section. Ensure that you are not only sharing experiences but also reflecting on their significance. What did you learn? How have you changed? This reflection adds depth to your narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid vague statements and empty passion. Always back up your claims with specific examples.
• Steer clear of bureaucratic language; focus on active voice and clear actions.
• Do not invent facts or embellish experiences. Authenticity is key to connecting with the committee.
• Refrain from starting with generic phrases like “From a young age.” Instead, engage the reader with a specific moment or insight.