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78 How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay [heart] Georgia,” with the heart crossed out in black marker. She does love things like warm weather, big flowers and Southern cooking but despises their educational system. I grew up knowing how keenly she lamented her missed opportunity, and she passed on her appreciation for the value of education to me. From the start she raised me to be an intellectual. I could read by age 3. I have a vivid memory of lying on the couch with her in the living room of our old house right on Route 9, where the cars would streak past day and night. My mother was reading Dr. Seuss to me—“We run for fun in the hot, hot sun,” from One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish—and afternoon sunlight was pouring in through the windows, warming the whole room. As she read, I followed along. That was my first memory of ever actually reading the words, rather than just being read to. Whenever I think of my educational success, I attribute it first and foremost to learning to read at an early age, and the very next thing I think of is that reading lesson in the sun. I have another memory. Me, at about the same age, confronting my father in the bathroom and asking, “Daddy, when can I go to school?” I just couldn’t wait. I went to two years of preschool, where I did very well, except that I wasn’t very generous. Recently I was poking through my old school files and found a couple of reports from one of my preschools. In fact, let me go get them so that I can quote it exactly—ah, here it is. “Jessica needs prompting to share.” I found that very amusing. Now that I think about it, I was pretty attached to that Viewmaster. When I was finally old enough I went to kindergarten, but nothing there was a challenge for me, and my parents and I all wanted me to skip a grade. It took a little battling with the school, which was reluctant to move me ahead, and some extensive testing, but they finally agreed to have me skip first grade. I’m glad that I did. Even though I was younger than the other kids in my grade, I took advanced classes whenever there was an opportunity. Because of the importance my mother always placed on education, I was always ready to take on harder material. As I said before, it was always a given that I would go to college. My mother wanted it for me, and I wanted it for myself. And not just any college—my aim was never to just get a degree and a good job, but to Chapter 5: 30 Winning Scholarship Essays 79 continue to enrich myself. The “good job” isn’t even guaranteed. After all, I want to be a writer, and there’s no ticket to success in that field without a good bit of luck. So my standards for college are slightly different. Basically what I want is the most liberal of liberal arts. I want to continue the educational path that started way back when I was lying on the living room couch reading One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish with my mother, who knew I’d someday get the college experience she never had. So thank you, Dr. Seuss. And thank you, Mom. The Intangible Benefits of Applying U.C. Berkeley Scholarship Connection You have something to gain by applying for scholarships even if you don’t win says Leah Carroll, coordinator of U.C. Berkeley’s Haas Scholars program and former program coordinator of the university’s Scholarship Connection. In her roles Carroll has assisted Berkeley students with applying for awards, especially for the highly competitive scholarships, including the Rhodes, Marshall and Truman. While Carroll gives students feedback on their essays and practices interviewing them, she reminds them that there is more than scholarship dollars at stake. “I also emphasize the fringe benefits. For starters you get to know your professors better than before since you need to speak with them,” she says. Carroll adds,“You also get practice presenting yourself in interviews and on paper.”This is helpful for students who will soon be applying for jobs or for graduate school. She says that the essays can even serve as rough drafts of graduate school admission essays. And looking at the big picture, Carroll says that applying for one of these awards “forces you to analyze your own life.” She says that one of the things she enjoys most about her job is helping students clarify their purpose in life through the process of applying for scholarships. 80 How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay Donald H. Matsuda, Jr., Truman Scholarship Winner Working as an intern for a health clinic, Donald read an article in the New York Times. The headline was, “Forty-four Million Americans without Health Insurance.” When he learned through the article that over one-third of these Americans were children, he decided to take action. With the help of the clinic’s director, he secured the funding for and developed a series of insurance drives for Asian immigrant children. In addition to his work with the clinic, Donald is the founder of the San Mateo Children’s Health Insurance Program, the national director of United Students for Veterans’ Health and the founder of the Nepal Pediatric Clinical Internship. A Stanford University student from Sacramento, California, where he attended Jesuit High School, Donald plans to use the $30,000 Truman Scholarship to obtain a medical degree and master’s degree in public administration and would eventually like to be the medical director of a nonprofit clinic to aid underserved populations and the uninsured. When Drinking Water When drinking water, my grandmother would often proclaim, “Never forget its source.” For some reason, I always enjoyed hearing her repeat these words of wisdom from her book of ancient Asian proverbs. Perhaps it was because I had grown to fully appreciate its true meaning—that one must always remember and treasure their ancestry and elders, who are viewed as the ultimate source of life. Or, perhaps it was because I felt this proverb effectively expressed my own sentiments about my life. Growing up as an only child, I developed a very close relationship with my entire family and I greatly valued the time I was able to spend in the company of my elders, especially my grandmother. As a survivor of the Japanese American internment camps, she maintained an unbridled idealism, an impeccable work ethic and a genuine compassion for those in need. Moreover, she was intent on instilling these values in me when I was a young boy. I often looked to her as my true source of strength, for she always infused me with energy, passion and ideals. Chapter 5: 30 Winning Scholarship Essays 81 Two years ago, I received a call from my parents urging me to return home. When I got there, I saw my mother was on the verge of tears as she told me what was wrong: “Grandma passed away today. She had a massive stroke and the doctors did everything they could, but...” I embraced my mother and we cried for what seemed like an eternity. I soon realized that I had lost not only my grandmother, but also a precious source of inspiration and strength. Since that tragic day, I have become a much stronger person. I have internalized grandma’s work ethic, idealism and compassion so that my source of strength now comes from within. It is this new motivation that fuels my convictions and drives my passion for a life dedicated to public service. Every day, when I pass by the elegantly sculpted water fountains on my way to class, I pause as cherished memories of my grandmother fill my mind, and I know in my heart that I will never forget my true source. Essay Advice from the Winners Scholarship Winners Here are some essay tips from scholarship winners. Having survived various competitions these winners have a unique understanding of what goes into crafting a winning essay.—Gen & Kelly Sara Bei Stanford University student and scholarship winner “Sometimes the ones you end up winning are the ones you almost didn’t apply for. Even if it takes a long time to fill out applications and write essays, think of it as being paid $500 an hour if you win.” Jason Morimoto U.C. Berkeley student and scholarship winner “Use your essay to craft a story showing why you are a unique candidate. Include personal experiences, lessons learned and how you are trying to improve yourself.” 82 How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay Chheng Sok, Chicago Scholars Foundation Winner Every time Chheng announced good news to her parents, they gave her their special smile. Her parents grew up in Cambodia, where her father’s education ended in grade school and her mother did not receive a formal education. So it held special meaning when Chheng was accepted to the University of Chicago. She received her parents’ special smile. And when she won more than $35,000 in scholarships, their smile broadened even wider. Graduating from Lane Technical School in Chicago, Chheng was president of the Chinese Club and involved in public service. She encourages others to apply for scholarships. As she says, “I’m not exactly the best student, but I still got scholarships.” Majoring in East Asian Language and Civilization and Economics at the University of Chicago, she plans a career in education or international business. My Family’s Hope My family and I immigrated to the United States from Cambodia to flee the ravages of the Khmer Rouge when I was only a year old. We did not have a single penny when we came to the United States. I remember seeing my father diligently collect soda cans on the streets to trade in to the local recycling center for a penny each. I remember watching my family silently endure the rudeness of waiters and salespeople because we did not speak grammatically correct English and realizing at the age of five how much illiteracy paralyzes a person. I am the youngest out of my parent’s nine children, yet I possess the greatest amount of education. My father can barely read English. My mother is totally illiterate. Due to my family’s financial situation, none of my eight siblings have completed college. Throughout my elementary and high school years, I oftentimes had difficulty with my schoolwork. I remember staying up late at night, sometimes until two in the morning, just so that I could figure out the answer to a homework problem. My parents and older siblings, as much as they wanted to help me on my assignments, were unable to because they simply did not understand the material. They would quietly sit by me and bring me refreshments from time to time and offer me encouragement. My siblings make me realize how priceless knowledge is and to make the most out of one’s education. Chapter 5: 30 Winning Scholarship Essays 83 My parents look at me as my family’s hope for the future. They dream that I will some day graduate from an American university. They want to be able to send back letters to our relatives in China and in Cambodia, telling them about how one person in the family has gained an American diploma. I want to be the realization of their dream and my dream. I dream of graduating from one of the finest colleges in America, the University of Chicago. I hope that someday I will be able to repay my parents for all the years they have lovingly supported me. I want to be able to financially and intellectually provide for my family so that we no longer have to endure the discrimination toward illiteracy. In addition, I strive to succeed in school because I want to be a role model for my nieces and nephews. As a student, I personally know how tough it can be to excel in school. I want to be there to help them if they need help on a class assignment, to guide them through their first multiplication table and to be their mentor when they start the college selection process. With knowledge, one need not fear being cheated by a salesman or being looked down upon by an egotistical snob. Education is the door that opens the path to knowledge. With knowledge, I am in control of my life and my destiny. 84 How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay Essay Advice from the Winners Scholarship Winners Here are some essay tips from scholarship winners. Having survived various competitions these winners have a unique understanding of what goes into crafting a winning essay.—Gen & Kelly Donald H. Matsuda, Jr. Stanford University student and Truman Scholar “If readers can connect with you, feel your emotions and feel they know you, that you’re such a dynamic person, that comes across in your writing. That really is a plus. You can espouse all the pros and cons of think tanks in the American political system but that doesn’t really help the committee learn who you are.” Dalia Alcázar U.C. Berkeley student and scholarship winner “Your essays are the most time consuming part of applying. Some of the questions are very similar. You might have a couple essays already written that you can modify. For many of the scholarships I won I used the same essay with slight modifications.” Jessica Haskins Bard College student and scholarship winner “The topic doesn’t have to be profound. You don’t have to write about the time you saved someone’s life, or describe an earth-shattering experience—I personally think that a simple, thoughtful and honest reflection carries more weight than an elevated epic of love, loss and life’s lessons in 500 words or less.” Chapter 5: 30 Winning Scholarship Essays 85 Alex Dao, Gates Millennium Scholarship A student at Stanford University, Alex won several scholarships including the Maria Hart Becker Scholarship Fund, Sam Walton Scholarship and Robert C. Byrd Scholarship. He says he didn’t expect to win all of the scholarships that he did and advises students, “If you don’t apply, you’ll never win. Let the scholarship judges know who you really are.” Childhood Every time I open up our photo albums during Christmas and family gatherings I feel a sense of nostalgia. With each turn of the page, each resonance of laughter, each event and each year—precisely remembered—all the problems of today vanish: my parents never divorced, my father never lost his job and my family never moved. Instead, life is filled with memories of happy and exuberant times. Although those days are now rooted far in the past, the memories of life as a child stay vivid and clear. Life had always been carefree and pleasant. I had cousins who loved me, parents who disciplined me and girls who teased me. I felt all the warmth and comfort any child could want; however, it was more than just this that made my childhood “perfect.” I had always been close to my brothers, and the most memorable moments of my childhood embrace the love and affection my brothers and I shared. We spent countless summer days playing and dreaming on the front lawn. We wrestled and fought, imitating those we saw on television. Yet, with our short attention spans, it wasn’t long before we sat down together and started talking about our hopes for the future, our ambitions and goals, our future wives and children. Innocently, I had always thought becoming a superhero was a realistic goal. I talked about all the superpowers I would somehow acquire and how people would tell stories of my accomplishments for generations to come. My brothers, although younger, laughed and made fun; after all, they had more realistic ambitions, hoping to become doctors or lawyers. Then the debates began. We went on and on for hours, talking about how each of us would be better than the others. Although I did not always claim first 86 How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay place, I looked forward to the next day when we’d come back out and start our discussions anew. As simple as it may seem, their presence was more than enough to make me happy. These experiences understandably may not seem like much to an outside observer, but for me they are among the best days of my life. To this day I can still think of no better way I could have spent my summer days than just sitting in the front yard, enjoying the company of my siblings. Nothing even comes close. Although it’s been many years since then, I have always longed to return to this past: every day was an experience in its own and filled with nothing but excitement and joy. As I look back on my childhood, I contemplate the things that made it so enjoyable—the simplicity of life as a child. I was devoid of responsibilities, satisfied with life and hopeful for the future. My childhood was instrumental in shaping who I have become: someone driven to succeed but optimistic even in the face of failure. Through years past, I have realized that life will never be the same, but then again, when does life ever stay the same? Each day presents a new set of problems. I can no longer just sit in the front yard with my brothers, dreaming the day away. Instead, I must confront these challenges and do my best to resolve them. Although times have changed and obstacles have arisen, I still view the future with the same optimism and anticipation I have always viewed it with. My experiences have hardly been “perfect,” but life continues to amaze and excite me at every turn. The problems of “yesterday” should not affect the futures of “tomorrow.” Chapter 5: 30 Winning Scholarship Essays 87 National or International Issues Elizabeth Ashlea Wood, Optimist International Essay Contest Winner After having witnessed a nuclear disaster, Elizabeth knew that her life was changed. She says, “It really opened my eyes. It got me away from thinking that I’m young and can live forever.” Touched, she wrote about the experience for this award to share her fear and realizations with others. A graduate of the Classen School of Advanced Studies for Performing and Visual Arts in Oklahoma City, she is studying literature, writing and the arts at Eugene Lang College in New York City. The Tokai Nuclear Disaster Last year on an October evening in Japan, I enjoyed the rain, walking slowly to my host family’s farm for the night. After I yelled the customary “Tadaima” and removed my shoes my host mother pulled out a heavy English dictionary. She searched for a word and then pointed excitedly. Above her finger I read “radiation.” The Tokai nuclear power plant two miles away was experiencing a severe accident. Soon trucks driving by screamed warnings in Japanese to prepare for nuclear disaster. My body was numb. I had been to Hiroshima the week before. All I could imagine were the grotesque pictures of goiters and dripping flesh. Photographs of the burnt remains of an ancient city flashed in my head. I remembered seeing the “Daisy Girl” commercial from LBJ’s presidential campaign in government class. It slowly played in my mind, a blonde child holding a daisy, framed by a green-gray mushroom cloud. My imagination forced me to expect the worst. The air terrified me. I thought I was suffocating. In that moment I could not understand how my life had led to this crucial moment. I had left my home for a beautiful opportunity to live in Japan and experience the culture. I had joined an exchange program in a small village by the ocean. This succession of serendipitous events led me to the only place in the entire world where