Mastercard Scholar Shares Essay Secrets For Mastercard Edinburgh Scholarship Part 2 | How To Write

Summary

In this video, Cara de Alabi guides viewers on how to approach the MasterCard Foundation scholarship program essay questions, focusing on the last question about promoting social inclusion. She suggests using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Results) and incorporating personal experiences to demonstrate commitment to inclusion. Cara emphasizes the importance of reflecting on one's own experiences with exclusion and inclusion, and how these have shaped one's approach to promoting social inclusion, whether through personal stories or transformative leadership.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The MasterCard Foundation scholarship program is focused on fostering a network of scholars committed to inclusion.
• 📝 The final essay question asks applicants to reflect on their experiences promoting social inclusion and what they've learned from those experiences.
• 🌟 The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Results) is suggested as a framework for structuring the essay response.
• 🤔 Applicants are encouraged to consider their personal experiences with exclusion and how they've overcome or addressed these challenges.
• 🗣️ The importance of storytelling and personal narrative is emphasized, particularly in illustrating one's commitment to social inclusion.
• 💡 The video suggests using the CCO model (Challenge, Choice, Outcome) as a storytelling technique to structure the essay.
• 👥 The essay should demonstrate how the applicant's experiences have shaped their understanding of and actions towards social inclusion.
• 🔍 The video advises researching the MasterCard Foundation's values and speaking with alumni to gain insight into the program's expectations.
• 💭 Reflection is key; applicants should think deeply about why the question is asked and how their personal story aligns with the scholarship's goals.
• 🌈 The video highlights the uniqueness of each applicant's story and the importance of authenticity in the essay response.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is the MasterCard Foundation scholarship program essay questions, with a focus on the last question about promoting social inclusion.

What is the STAR approach mentioned in the script?

The STAR approach stands for Situation, Task, Action, Results, and Lessons. It is a method used to structure responses to behavioral and situational interview questions.

Why is the MasterCard Foundation's commitment to inclusion important?

The MasterCard Foundation's commitment to inclusion is important because it reflects the organization's values and goals of fostering a diverse and supportive network of scholars.

How does the speaker suggest one should reflect on their experience with social inclusion?

The speaker suggests reflecting on personal experiences of exclusion or inclusion, actions taken to be included or to include others, and the lessons learned from these experiences.

What does the speaker mean by 'lived experience' in the context of the essay question?

The speaker refers to 'lived experience' as personal stories or situations where one has directly faced exclusion or inclusion, which can be used to illustrate one's understanding and approach to social inclusion.

Why is it beneficial to share personal stories in answering the essay question?

Sharing personal stories can provide a unique perspective and demonstrate the applicant's personal growth, empathy, and commitment to promoting social inclusion.

What is the CCO model mentioned by the speaker?

The CCO model stands for Challenge, Choice, and Outcome. It is a storytelling framework used to structure narratives around overcoming challenges and making impactful choices.

How does the speaker suggest using the CCO model to answer the essay question?

The speaker suggests using the CCO model to structure the essay by identifying a personal challenge related to social inclusion, the choices made in response, and the outcomes and lessons learned.

What does the speaker mean by 'courage is not just internal but also external'?

The speaker implies that courage is demonstrated not only through personal convictions but also through the act of speaking up and advocating for others, which can inspire and empower others to do the same.

Why is it important to understand the question thoroughly before answering?

Understanding the question thoroughly ensures that the response is relevant and targeted, allowing the applicant to effectively communicate their experiences and insights related to social inclusion.

What resources does the speaker recommend for gaining insights into the MasterCard Foundation's values?

The speaker recommends reading through the program's website, the MasterCard Foundation's website, and speaking to alumni or current scholars to gain a deeper understanding of the organization's values and expectations.