I usually write letters of recommendations for my seniors. That kind of became interrupted in the Spring of 2020. I’d still like to write a letter for this particular student. I hope you understand its delay (the pandemic has been tough on us teachers).
To whom it may concern:
The hardest letters of recommendation to write are the ones where you want to do right by the student. I want to do right, but I fear words on paper cannot adequately capture how special this person is. Under unique experiences, I taught this student all four years of high school. I’ve been able to witness them develop and grow into a strong, successful young adult. I’ve seen this student struggle, endure a disrupted high school career, and yet this student never ceased to amaze me.
The joy that surrounds this student in any space is palpable. There is warmth, humor, lightness, brightness, infectious giggles (and a penchant for anything animal print). There is a deep, genuine concern for others and a selflessness rarely seen. This student has the ability gather, to draw people close, to wield new friendships between others. However, this person is also incredibly studious, hardworking, tenacious, focused, strong, and sets high expectations.
2020, however, is the true indicator of this student’s fortitude. The school year was violently disrupted by the pandemic. We were told on a Friday in March to pack up. That spring became almost optional for students, but this one did not waiver. As many high schoolers began to drop off of Zoom calls and submit little to no work, this student stayed present, worked hard, and sought extra ways to continue learning. Despite virtual learning challenges and losing rights of passages, like prom and graduation, this student’s energy, positivity, and joy remained palpable, even through a computer screen.
This student’s approach to challenge is impressive. I can see it set into the shoulders, into the jaw, approaching my class with a determination and tenacity rarely encountered. Taking each set back as a learning opportunity, seeking feedback, looking to revise, edit, and improve, not to grub a few extra points, but to actually become better. Yet this dogged pursuit of goals never comes with hardness. It comes with warmth, humor…infectious giggles. It comes with observations like “genes are so egotistic” that had the class rolling. It comes with a pep talk before every big exam. “We’re ready, everyone. We got this!”
This student’s got this and, I trust, will become an invaluable member of your community. I just hope I did right by this recommendation.
Sincerely,
A High School Teacher
PS. Please share my letter. This could be for your returning college student.
No Real Balance 