How to Write Your Essay for the Sue Soileau Durand Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including family influences, education, and community involvement. What experiences have shaped your desire to pursue higher education?
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and dedication. Use metrics and outcomes to quantify your impact, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth or knowledge. What specific skills or experiences do you hope to gain through your studies at South Louisiana Community College? Why is this scholarship crucial for you?
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes and values that reveal who you are beyond your achievements. What drives you? What unique perspectives do you bring?

Outlining Your Essay

Structure your essay with a clear outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or reflection. Follow with body paragraphs that delve into each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a single focus. Conclude by tying your experiences and aspirations back to the scholarship's goals, emphasizing your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead, aim for clarity and authenticity. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points, and ensure that each section reflects your personal voice and perspective. Remember to answer the “So what?” question by reflecting on how your experiences have shaped your aspirations and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take time to revise. Read your essay aloud to catch awkward phrasing or unclear ideas. Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical flow. Reflect on the significance of your experiences and how they relate to your future goals. Strengthen your conclusion to leave a lasting impression on the committee.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not provide insight into your unique journey. Refrain from using passive voice and bureaucratic language. Ensure that all details are truthful and verifiable; do not invent facts or embellish experiences. Lastly, keep your focus on how your background, achievements, and aspirations align with the scholarship's objectives.