For DonorsFor Applicants

Patricia Lea Olson Creative Writing Scholarship

Funded by
user profile avatar
Sherri Faye
$1,100
1 winner$1,100
Awarded
Application Deadline
Dec 8, 2021
Winners Announced
Jan 8, 2022
Education Level
Undergraduate
2
Contributions
Eligibility Requirements
Degree:
Creative Writing

The power of creative writing is all in the hands of the author. Authors, through their writings, can express their truth in beautifully diverse ways. You are the creator of mental images, emotional impressions, whole new worlds crafted by words.

I myself am an artist and writer. Before my mother passed away, I illustrated a children’s book she wrote after obtaining another college degree in creative writing at the age of 73 from Metro State University in St. Paul, Minnesota. 

As a writer, as a creator, the world is yours. In memory of my mother and to encourage other students to reach their full potential in creative writing, the Patricia Lea Olson Creative Writing Scholarship exists and will be awarded to one student who is currently enrolled in creative writing studies. 

To apply, please write a short essay, explaining why you’re studying creative writing. Tell us what your goals, hopes, and dreams are for your future in creative writing, and how you hope to affect others with your words.

Selection Criteria:
Essay, Ambition, Impact, Creative
Published July 28, 2021
Essay Topic

Why are you studying creative writing? What are your goals, hopes, and dreams for yourself? How do you wish to affect others through creative writing?

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

January 2022

Finalists
Cristin Lindo
Mk Allen
Elaina Gabriel
Vickiana Supriana
Rebekah Rykiel
Tanner Garrison
Kellin Sproul
Andrew Dampier
Artemis Moshgbar
Hans Robinson Loja
Tianna Gonzales
Kaitlyn Widener
Katie Pedersen
Tiffany Wells
Natasha Bowers
Danielle Kneusel
Lane Worley
hannah ross
Riley Egan
Belema Josiah
Ashley Brown
Caitlin Johnson
Fe Hadley
Joy KOHOL
Jacob Williams
Claudia Delgadillo
Moira Estrada
Gwendolyn Brady
Chelsea Whittington Whittington
Theresa Mcclinton
Diane Polonsky
Emma Vaterlaus
Autumn Farrell
Shaquoia Thomas
Elizabeth Bodily
Lori Law
Elizabeth Golobish
Emma Harden
Emma Johnson
Georgina Guardado
Heather Wilson
Seth Holt
Helen Chen
Melissa Goldsmith

Winning Application

Hannah Sorenson
North Central UniversityBig Lake, MN
When I was around nine years old, I wrote a story where all the characters were literal vegetables. They went on many adventures together and became best friends. That story ended when I wrote of them planting a garden...thankfully, my passion and love for writing didn't end there. Writing has always been a way for me to express my imaginations and dreams. As a naturally quiet and shy girl, it's never been easy for me to explain my thoughts to other people. Because of that, I struggled with a lot of negative thoughts that pulled my self-esteem and confidence down. I even stopped writing for a while. Slowly, with the help and support of family and friends, I started to grow and change my thoughts. My outlook on life also changed. The experience that I went through reflects in what I write. When I write, I write for teenage girls who are going through what I went through. My ultimate goal is to help those girls grow too. I want them to know that they are not alone, and that there is still hope and goodness in the world. The characters I write aren't perfect, but so are the people in this world. Yet, the characters exhibit strength, grace, and love. That's what I want readers to see in themselves. I want readers to be inspired by the characters I write, and I want them to realize that they have so much potential and worth. Studying creative writing is something that I take seriously because writing has helped me to become a better person. I believe that words have power to tear someone down or build them up, and there are far too many negative words in today's society. I know that studying creative writing will help me gain more knowledge and build more skills to better elevate my writing. I can't wait to learn from professors and teachers who have years of experience under their belt. I know that they will help mold and shape my writing to be the best it can be. Lastly, I have many dreams and goals when it comes to my writing. The biggest one is to publish a book (or books!). I've had this dream since I was a little girl, and it's never faded. Books hold a special place in my heart, and I'm an avid reader. It would be an absolute dream to see a book written in my own words on a shelf at the bookstore or library! I hope that, even if I don't ever get to publish a book, my words will affect people for good and uplift them. It's like C.S. Lewis once said, "We read to know we are not alone."

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Dec 8, 2021. Winners will be announced on Jan 8, 2022.