How to Write Your Essay for the Ohio High School Journalism Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To effectively structure your essay, gather material across the four key buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your journey. What experiences have shaped your interest in journalism? Consider key moments, such as a school project, a personal story, or an influential mentor.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments in journalism or related fields. Did you write for a school newspaper, participate in journalism competitions, or complete relevant internships? Quantify your impact where possible.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in your skills or knowledge that further education would address. Be honest about your aspirations and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your character. What values drive you? What unique perspectives do you bring to the field of journalism?

Creating an Outline

Once you’ve gathered your material, create a structured outline. Start with an engaging opening that sets the scene or highlights a pivotal moment in your journey. Organize your essay into clear sections, each focusing on a specific aspect of your narrative. Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical flow.

Drafting with Voice and Clarity

As you draft your essay, focus on clarity and active voice. Begin with a concrete moment or scene that draws the reader in. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, use specific examples and details to illustrate your points. Reflect on what you learned from your experiences and why they matter in the context of your future in journalism.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take time to revise. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity or add depth. Each section should answer the question, “So what?”—reflect on how your experiences have changed you and how they will influence your future contributions to journalism.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid generic openings and clichés that don’t add value.
• Steer clear of vague statements about passion without evidence.
• Don’t rely on passive voice; always highlight your actions and contributions.
• Ensure every detail is truthful and verifiable; do not fabricate experiences or achievements.