How to Craft Your Essay for the Rose Shumaker Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas to build a comprehensive narrative:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. Consider what experiences have shaped your identity and values, particularly in relation to the Order of the Eastern Star. What community or family influences have guided you?
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use specific metrics or examples, such as leadership roles, community service hours, or projects that had measurable impacts.
• The Gap: Articulate what you currently lack in your educational journey. This could be financial support, specific skills, or opportunities that further study would fulfill. Clearly connect this gap to your future goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character. Share moments that highlight your resilience, empathy, or commitment to your community.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically. A suggested outline could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling scene or moment that encapsulates your connection to the Order of the Eastern Star.
2. Background: Discuss your upbringing and influences.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain your educational needs and how this scholarship addresses them.
5. Personality: Share a personal story that reflects your values.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your aspirations and the impact of the scholarship on your future.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, focusing on your direct experiences and actions. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying, "I am passionate about helping others," provide a specific example of how you have helped someone or contributed to your community. This specificity will engage the reader and make your essay memorable.

Revision and the "So What?" Factor

After drafting, take a step back and evaluate your essay. Ask yourself: What insights have I shared? Why do they matter? Ensure each paragraph contributes to a clear narrative and reflects your growth. Seek feedback from peers or mentors, and be open to making substantial changes to improve clarity and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Using generic statements or clichés that do not add value to your narrative.
• Neglecting to connect your experiences to the scholarship's purpose.
• Overloading your essay with too many ideas; maintain focus on your main message.
• Failing to proofread for grammar and clarity, which can undermine your credibility.