How to Craft Your Essay for the Tajia M. Perry Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Your essay should reflect your unique story through four key material buckets:

• Background: Identify formative experiences that shaped your academic and personal values. Consider challenges you faced and how they influenced your path.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities. Use metrics and outcomes to quantify your impact, such as projects completed, leadership roles held, or community service hours logged.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in terms of education and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic and career aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your character. Share anecdotes that reveal your motivations, values, and the unique perspectives you bring.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Start with an engaging introduction that opens in-scene or with a vivid moment from your life. Follow with sections that explore each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus and contributes to the overall narrative. Conclude with a reflection on how this scholarship will impact your future.

Drafting with Voice and Clarity

As you draft, maintain an active voice and ensure every section answers the question, “So what?” Reflect on how your experiences have changed you and why they matter. Avoid clichés and ensure your passion is backed by specific examples and details. Each paragraph should focus on one idea, leading logically to the next.

Revision and Reflection

Once you have a draft, take a step back. Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and emotional resonance. Ask yourself if your narrative effectively conveys your journey and aspirations. Seek feedback from trusted mentors or peers, and be open to constructive criticism. Make revisions that enhance the depth and clarity of your message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you prepare your essay, watch out for these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés. Instead, aim for a specific moment that captures your journey.
• Steer clear of vague claims about your passion. Use concrete examples to illustrate your commitment and achievements.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists. Keep your writing direct and engaging.
• Refrain from including invented facts or embellishments about your experiences. Authenticity is key.