Bhikari, Since you're only applying for a departmental scholarship, it doesn't matter how long or impressive your work experience section in your resume looks. What they're trying to see is if there's anything in you that stands out among other people who are competing for the same scholarship. I suggest you put emphasis on your other involvements or achievements (e.g extracurricular activities, organizations or clubs that you were a member of, projects that you were involved in which relate to your area of study, GPA, any other recognition or awards etc.). You could also mention about your activities and achievements in Nepal, the scholarship or grant that college gave you when you came to the US (doesn't matter if its a very small amount) etc. More than the resume you should focus on writing a strong essay or a letter stating what makes you worthy of the scholarship, how it will help you and finally how you will be able to give back to the department/ college community if you do get the scholarship. I personally feel its not a good idea to include your illegal jobs in your resume. International students like us slog twice as much as people here but still don't get all the credit that we're worthy of. Thats a sad reality that we have to face. Anyway, you should also mention about how you had big dreams when you came here for your higher studies but financial constraints might limit you from achieving your goal. Also, tell them that the scholarship money will help you relieve mental stress that come from having to worry about how to pay for your college the next sem. and you could devote your time/ energy to work towards your goal. I hope this helps :). Good luck with your application.