West Virginia National Guard Educational Encouragement

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Consider what experiences have shaped your desire to pursue education and serve in the National Guard. Think about family influences, personal challenges, or significant events.
• Achievements: List your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Focus on specific metrics, leadership roles, and any community service that demonstrates your commitment to making a difference.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of education or experience that this scholarship will help you address. Be specific about how further study will enable you to achieve your goals.
• Personality: Humanize your application with details that showcase your values, interests, and motivations. Include anecdotes that illustrate your character and commitment to service.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to organize your thoughts. Each section should focus on one main idea:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or in-scene description that draws the reader in.
2. Body Paragraphs: Use each paragraph to explore one of the four buckets. Transition smoothly between them, ensuring that your narrative flows logically.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for future challenges and how the scholarship will help you achieve your educational and career goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific in your descriptions. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, provide detailed examples that illustrate your points. Each paragraph should contribute to a coherent narrative that answers the question, “So what?” in relation to your experiences and aspirations.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Read your essay from the perspective of the committee. Does it clearly convey your journey and aspirations? Ensure that each section connects back to the scholarship's goals and your commitment to education and service. Seek feedback from mentors or peers to refine your narrative further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, keep an eye out for these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not include fabricated details or exaggerations about your background or achievements.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your agency in your experiences.
• Ensure that your essay remains focused and does not stray into unrelated topics.