How to Craft Your Essay for the Rosemary Duffy Larson Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family influences, challenges overcome, or pivotal moments that inspired your academic pursuits.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Use metrics and specific examples to illustrate your impact, such as leadership roles, community service, or projects that demonstrate your skills.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth. What knowledge or skills do you lack that further study at Broward College will provide? Be specific about how this scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and motivations. What drives you? What unique perspectives do you bring to the college community?

Outlining Your Essay

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Start with a compelling introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or experience. Follow this with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets. Ensure each section transitions smoothly to the next, creating a narrative flow that showcases your journey and aspirations.

Drafting Voice

When drafting, use an active voice and specific language. Instead of stating generalities, illustrate your points with concrete examples and personal anecdotes. Avoid clichés; instead, focus on authentic reflections that answer the “So what?” question for each section. What insights have you gained from your experiences, and why do they matter in the context of your educational goals?

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and revise with a critical eye. Ensure each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative. Ask yourself if you clearly articulate your motivations and how the scholarship aligns with your future goals. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives on your essay.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can undermine your essay:

• Avoid vague statements and empty passion. Be specific about your achievements and aspirations.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always identify the actor in your sentences.
• Do not invent facts or embellish experiences. Authenticity is key to building trust with the committee.
• Refrain from using clichés or generic phrases that do not add value to your narrative.