Christina Tillis – Developing Scholarship Applications and Essays (Silver – 4 Points) - Academic Enrichment

                                                                      

This summer I was accepted into the Cornell Paris Pre-Law Summer Program, and I am applying for the Alpha Lamda Delta James G. Stemler Scholarship for study abroad opportunities. In the picture above, I am applying forthis scholarship.  

The key points of the application consisted of the connection between the student's goals and the study abroad opportunities. At first, I simply wrote that this study abroad opportunity aligns with the goals to become an attorney. However, this scholarship expanded my thinking to view this study abroad opportunity as a gateway to my ever-evolving understanding of global justice. I can use this opportunity as a steppingstone for solving the world’s most complex problems.  

This activity contributed to my academic goals by setting the groundwork for an experience this summer that I can truly enjoy. Studying abroad, especially with a host university, provides a unique opportunity to explore other cultures through another pedagogical lens. Thus, by completing this scholarship, I will have more resources available to immerse myself in this rich curriculum and cultural exchange. Through this process, I learned that I am an advocate for justice, whether economic, environmental, or political, across all cultures, and thus, this conclusion will remain with me as I go abroad and during the rest of my matriculation.  

I will apply what I learned about myself through this scholarship in my personal statement. Writing a personal statement is a daunting task that asks the writer to encompass their entire life purpose into a short essay. I will use the self-discovery I found when writing this scholarship essay to fuel the language my personal statement in an intentional and thoughtful way. 

 

By Christina Tillis