Writing a Scholarship Essay on the Most Influential Person?

I have to write a scholarship essay about the most influential person in my life. Any tips on how to make my essay stand out? Should I focus more on personal anecdotes or the broader impact they've had on me?

To make your scholarship essay stand out, you should strike a balance between personal anecdotes and the broader impact the influential person had on you. Here's how you can do that:

1. Start with a compelling narrative: This sets the tone of the essay and can quickly draw your readers in. It should be a personal chunk of a story relating to the influential person in your life and why you perceive them as such.

2. Paint a vivid picture: You want the committee to feel like they know this person. Discuss the circumstances that brought you two together, and share moments that encapsulated their influence. Avoid simply listing attributes—stories and specific instances are generally more engaging.

3. Show, Don't Tell: Instead of stating that the person is "inspiring," show how their actions or words inspired you. stating, "They inspired me with their kindness" doesn’t tell the reader anything real. However, if you say, "They stopped to help an injured stray dog in the rain, which led me to dedicate my career to animal rescue,” it adds depth to the story and lets the reader visualize the person.

4. Discuss how they influenced you: After describing the person, shift the focus to the impact they’ve had on you. Clearly articulate the lessons you learned, the qualities you developed, or the changes you underwent because of this person.

5. Show Impact on Actions: Discuss how their influence has guided your actions. For instance, did they inspire you to get involved in something you had never considered before? To develop a new skill? To advocate for a cause?

6. Keep it personal: A personal touch can make your essay stand out among several others. Conclude the essay with how you are using or plan to use what you learned from that person to make positive changes in your life or the lives of others.

Remember, just as much as the scholarship committee wants to know about the individual who influenced you, they also want to understand more about you, your experiences, and your aspirations.