How to Write an Essay for the Susan Eason Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider your personal journey, including your disability and how it has shaped your educational experiences. What challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your perspective?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that showcase your resilience and determination. Include specific metrics or outcomes, such as grades, awards, or community involvement.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your educational journey and how the scholarship will help you bridge that gap. Be clear about your goals and how this support will facilitate your success.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reveal your values and character. What makes you unique? How do your experiences inform your aspirations?

Outline Your Essay

Construct a clear outline based on your brainstorming. Each section should focus on one main idea, progressing logically from your background to your achievements, then to the gap, and finally, to your personality. Aim for a compelling narrative that engages the reader from the start.

Drafting Voice and Structure

When drafting, use an active voice and specific language to convey your experiences. Open with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey, avoiding generic statements. Each paragraph should flow logically to the next, maintaining a clear focus on how your experiences relate to the scholarship's objectives.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, revisit your essay with a critical eye. Ensure that each section answers the question “So what?”—reflect on what you learned from your experiences and why it matters. This reflection adds depth to your narrative and demonstrates your growth.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls in scholarship essays:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements that do not provide specific insights.
• Do not rely on passive voice; instead, highlight your active role in your achievements.
• Ensure that all facts are accurate and verifiable; do not invent details about your experiences or the scholarship.