How to Craft Your Essay for the Oregon Nurses Foundation Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets:

• Background: Consider your personal journey. Reflect on experiences that have shaped your desire to pursue nursing. What events or influences led you to this career path?
• Achievements: Highlight your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Quantify your achievements where possible—mention specific grades, leadership roles, volunteer hours, or projects that demonstrate your commitment to nursing.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your educational journey. Explain why further study is necessary for you to reach your goals. Be specific about how this scholarship will bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that humanize you. Share values, motivations, and anecdotes that illustrate your character and passion for nursing.

Outline Your Essay

Structure your essay logically. A suggested outline could include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or anecdote that draws the reader in.
2. Background: Discuss your journey and what led you to nursing.
3. Achievements: Detail your accomplishments and how they prepare you for a nursing career.
4. The Gap: Explain the educational needs you aim to fulfill with this scholarship.
5. Personality: Share insights into your character that align with your nursing aspirations.
6. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to nursing and the impact this scholarship will have on your future.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice throughout your essay. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on specific details and reflections. Each paragraph should center around one idea, with clear transitions to guide the reader. Aim for clarity and authenticity in your writing.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every paragraph contributes to your overall narrative and demonstrates your commitment to nursing and the value of the scholarship. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your essay further.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not exaggerate achievements or fabricate experiences.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions.
• Ensure your essay remains focused on the scholarship prompt and your unique journey.