How to Write Your Essay for the VWEA Member Dependent Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, explore the following material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and any experiences that have shaped your interest in water environments. Consider family influences, educational opportunities, or community involvement.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments, such as relevant coursework, projects, or leadership roles. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as improvements in a project or community initiative.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in your education or experience and explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be clear about your goals and how further study will enable you to contribute to the field.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your values, interests, and motivations. Specific details about your character will help the committee connect with you on a human level.

Outline Your Essay

Start with a clear structure to organize your thoughts. A suggested outline could include:

1. Introduction: Open with a compelling scene or moment that captures your connection to water environments.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they led you to this point.
3. Achievements: Highlight your key accomplishments and their relevance to the scholarship.
4. The Gap: Explain what you aim to achieve with the scholarship and further education.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express your commitment to making a positive impact in the field.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid vague statements and focus on concrete details. Each paragraph should center around one idea, and transitions should guide the reader logically through your narrative. Remember to reflect on the significance of each experience—answer the question of “So what?” to deepen your insights.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and revise for clarity and impact. Ensure that each section contributes meaningfully to your overall narrative. Seek feedback from mentors or peers who can provide insights on how well your essay conveys your goals and motivations. Pay attention to the “So what?” factor—make sure your essay articulates why your experiences matter and how they connect to the scholarship’s purpose.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid cliché openers that do not engage the reader.
• Steer clear of vague statements about passion without evidence.
• Do not rely on passive voice; use active constructions to convey your agency.
• Ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable; do not invent details about your experiences or achievements.