How to Write Your Essay for the Walter A. Blessing Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on experiences that shaped your interest in aviation. Consider family influences, early exposure to flight, or significant events that inspired your career path.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments related to aviation or your academic journey. Include metrics, such as grades, projects, or leadership roles, that demonstrate your capabilities and commitment.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth through further education. Discuss what skills or knowledge you currently lack and how the scholarship will bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and motivations. This could include challenges you've faced, your work ethic, or your vision for the future.

Outline Your Essay

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

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid moment or experience that captures your passion for aviation.
2. Background: Discuss your journey into aviation and the influences that shaped your interest.
3. Achievements: Detail your relevant accomplishments, emphasizing their impact.
4. The Gap: Explain what you hope to learn and how the scholarship will facilitate this growth.
5. Personality: Share personal stories that highlight your character and commitment to making a difference in aviation.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your aspirations and the significance of the scholarship in achieving them.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, maintain an active voice and use specific details to engage the reader. Avoid generic statements; instead, focus on concrete examples that illustrate your points. Ensure each paragraph has a clear purpose and contributes to your overall narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, revisit your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does it clearly convey your motivations and aspirations? Ensure your reflections demonstrate growth and insight, connecting your past experiences to your future goals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Steer clear of clichés and vague language. Avoid passive voice and abstract nouns without clear actors. Ensure all facts are accurate and relevant to your narrative. Lastly, do not overlook the importance of proofreading; grammatical errors can detract from your message.