How to Craft Your Essay for the Sherri Poel Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material from the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, or personal challenges that have motivated you to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments, whether academic, extracurricular, or professional. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your contributions, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or awards received.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your experience or education that this scholarship could help bridge. Explain how further study at Broward College aligns with your career goals and addresses these gaps.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values and character. Share anecdotes or moments that reveal your determination, resilience, or unique perspective.

Outlining Your Essay

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and flow. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with an engaging moment or scene that draws the reader in. Avoid generic statements and instead focus on a specific experience that highlights your journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each section transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical progression of ideas.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your growth and the potential impact of receiving the scholarship. Emphasize your commitment to making a difference in your community or field.

Drafting Voice

When drafting your essay, use an active voice to convey your experiences and insights. Be specific and concrete in your descriptions, providing details that illustrate your points. Instead of stating your passion for a subject, show it through your actions and achievements. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section, reflecting on why your experiences matter.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise your essay. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative. Ask yourself what insights you gained from your experiences and how they have prepared you for future challenges. This reflection will strengthen your essay and connect your personal story to the scholarship’s mission.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you write, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of vague language; instead, use specific examples and metrics to support your claims.
• Do not rely on passive voice; keep your writing direct and engaging.
• Ensure that all information presented is accurate and truthful, avoiding the temptation to embellish your achievements.