How to Craft Your Essay for the Steve and Ruth Beidler Endowment

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational goals. Consider family influences, significant challenges, or pivotal moments.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your commitment to your education or community. Use metrics or outcomes to quantify your impact, such as volunteer hours or leadership roles.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of skills or knowledge that further study at Wenatchee Valley College will help you address. Be honest about your aspirations and how this scholarship will facilitate your growth.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. Share anecdotes that illustrate your resilience, determination, or empathy.

Outlining Your Essay

After brainstorming, create a structured outline. Each section should focus on one main idea, progressing logically from your background to your achievements, the gap, and your personality. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a coherent narrative flow.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, aim for an active voice that engages the reader. Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures attention immediately. Avoid generic statements and focus on specific instances that reflect your journey. Throughout your essay, reflect on what you learned and how these experiences will influence your future.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your first draft, take a step back. Revisit each section and ask yourself, “So what?” This question helps ensure that your reflections are meaningful and relevant to the scholarship committee. Seek feedback from mentors or peers to gain diverse perspectives and refine your essay further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can detract from your essay's effectiveness:

• Avoid clichés and empty phrases that do not add value to your narrative.
• Ensure all facts and figures are accurate; do not invent details about your experiences or achievements.
• Steer clear of passive voice; make your actions and contributions clear and direct.
• Keep your writing focused and concise, avoiding unnecessary jargon or bureaucratic language.