Best way to respond to this scholarship essay prompt?

So I am applying to a bunch of scholarships, which i’ve never done before, and I don’t quite know how to respond to one the the essay prompts. I was hoping you guys could give me a little insight on how to answer/start it.

  • Please submit a 1,000 word essay on your academic goals and plans after graduation. Please be sure to include why you feel you've earned this scholarship and what it would mean to you if you win. This one is quite straightforward, I just want to know what would be best to start the essay with. Should I begin with what interests about me about my major and then tie that into my academic goals/post graduation plans or something else? Also, for the "what would it mean to you if you won", what is a good way to respond to that? Obviously it would mean a lot since you are getting free money, but how deep should you go on that question?