What qualities or actions have you seen in past scholarship winners that truly set them apart?
I believe the qualities that set strong scholarship candidates apart are dedication, resilience, and a genuine desire to grow. The winners I look up to are the ones who don’t wait for opportunities—they create them through hard work and consistency, even when life throws challenges their way. They also stay connected to their communities, finding ways to give back and lift others up as they move forward. That’s the kind of student I strive to be: someone who keeps showing up, keeps improving, and uses every opportunity not just for myself, but to make a positive impact around me.
1 answer
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Personal growth and reflection are equally important, as committees value applicants who can articulate lessons learned from experiences and show self-awareness. Strong, authentic storytelling makes your achievements tangible and memorable and tailoring your application to align with the scholarship’s purpose demonstrates intentionality. Seeking guidance, presenting materials professionally, and including meaningful examples of past accomplishments all strengthen your profile. Finally, connecting your goals to how the scholarship will help you expand your influence gives your response a forward-looking and purposeful tone, making your reflection compelling, concrete, and aligned with the award’s values.