Application Due Date

Tomorrow the applications for the scholarship are due. Currently I have two in my possession, which I received today, and expect four or five more to come in before the end of the day. My panel of three has been assembled. Their task will be to sort through these applications this weekend and make their determination.

The group has asked for guidance: how to choose? The same issue was raised last year. They needed to weigh the life experiences of one individual versus that of another. It is horribly subjective, entirely personal, and ultimately gut decision. What is clear, though, is the set of values that the scholarship seeks to support.

First, the applicant should demonstrate that they are truly dedicated to their education. This does not mean that they are 4.0 student or in challenging classes. Instead they see the intrinsic value in becoming an educated person and are willing to make sacrifices to reach their aspirations. This person may struggle to find academic success, but they make that success their primary focus.

Second, the applicant should demonstrate that they have had significant and longstanding barriers to their educational success and that they have been proactive in trying to surmount them. This is not a chance to tell the best "woe is me" story. Although it is easy to be sympathetic to the trials that they have faced, the panel should be focused more on how the student has worked to overcome the barriers that they have faced. Ideally, these impediments have been an issue for a long time (i.e. not just a few months or even a year) and are academic and not just personal in nature.

Third, the applicant should demonstrate that they have forward momentum. I want them to find someone who will keep going and who will fulfill their dreams. The panel will look to the recommendations for insight regarding the likelihood that this will happen. As well, they will need to listen the voice in the student's writing. In their words, do they hear motivation, determination, and drive? The scholarship is a one time award. It is a launching pad from which a young person can take the next academic steps. After that they will be on their own.

I do not envy the task that the panel has. I watched the process last year, and at times there was tension between the members. Each felt like they had a dog in the fight. Yet it was truly remarkable to see them come to genuine consensus regarding their ultimate choice.

I hope to have their decision posted by early next week.