How to Write Your Essay for the Doug Stowell Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring four key areas:

• Background: What experiences have shaped your interest in mortuary sciences? Consider personal stories or family influences that led you to this career path.
• Achievements: Identify your relevant accomplishments. This could include academic achievements, volunteer work, or internships related to funeral services. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship would help you address. Be specific about how further study will enhance your skills and knowledge.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reveal your values and character. What motivates you? What challenges have you overcome? This adds depth to your application.

Creating an Outline

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

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or story that illustrates your connection to mortuary sciences.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they led you to this path.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain what you aim to achieve through further education.
5. Personality: Share insights into your values and motivations.
6. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to the field and express gratitude for the opportunity.

Drafting Voice

As you draft, maintain an active voice and focus on specificity. Avoid generic statements and clichés. Instead of saying, “I have always wanted to help people,” describe a specific moment when you provided support to someone in need. This approach not only engages the reader but also demonstrates your genuine interest in the field.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, revisit your essay with a critical eye. Ensure each paragraph answers the question, “So what?” Reflect on what changed in you through your experiences and why that matters to your future in mortuary sciences. Seek feedback from mentors or peers to gain different perspectives and refine your message.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and vague language. Be specific about your experiences and aspirations.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your achievements. Authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active constructions to make your writing more engaging.
• Ensure your essay has a clear structure, with each paragraph focusing on a single idea.