How to Craft Your Essay for the Parrella Change the World Award

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To effectively structure your essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your worldview. Consider specific events or influences that sparked your desire to create change.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that showcase your leadership, initiative, or impact. Use metrics or specific outcomes to illustrate your contributions, such as community service hours, projects completed, or roles held.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any areas where you seek growth or improvement. Explain how attending Loyola University Chicago will help bridge these gaps and advance your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that highlight your values, interests, and unique perspective. Use anecdotes that reveal who you are beyond your achievements.

Outline Your Essay Structure

Creating a clear outline will help you organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that draws the reader in. Avoid generic statements and instead focus on a specific experience that encapsulates your journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to detail your achievements and experiences. For example, describe a situation, the task you faced, the actions you took, and the results achieved.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for future challenges and your commitment to making a difference. Reiterate the significance of the scholarship in your journey.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific. Use concrete examples and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your narrative. Ensure your writing is reflective, answering the “So what?” question to highlight the importance of your experiences.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Look for clarity, coherence, and engagement in your writing. Ask yourself if each section effectively conveys your message and reflects your growth. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives. Ensure your final draft aligns with the scholarship’s values and your aspirations.

Pitfalls to Avoid

As you craft your essay, be mindful of common pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active constructions to keep your writing dynamic.
• Ensure your essay stays focused on the prompt and does not stray into unrelated topics.