Whoamelly - College Prep

Sep

2009

Written by Melly

Jessen wants to attend college at the University of Michigan. He hopes to be accepted into their School of Kinesiology where he wants to major in Sports Medicine. We've been preparing for his application (and for other schools he is applying to as well). He's scheduled for the ACT and SAT, he's got a rough draft of his applicaton essay and he asked one of his former teachers to write him a letter of recommendation.

I read the letter that the teacher wrote about Jessen last night and I was moved to tears. I just wanted to share it because my GOD I am so proud of my son. I know it's easy to think your kid is pretty fantastic but if anyone really knows me, then you know that probably my biggest insecurity is that I am failing as a parent or I haven't done the best I can for my kids. This letter was some HUGE validation for me that I've done a great job and even more importantly, that Jessen is every bit the amazing kid that I think he is because someone else recognizes it too.

Here is the letter:

To Whom It May Concern:

The purpose of this document is to serve as a letter of recommendation for Jessen, Princeton High School, Class of 2010.

I have worked with Jessen for the past three years, first as his Honors English 10 teacher his sophomore year, then as his Teacher Assistant supervisor, and finally as a sometime mentor in this, his senior year. We have chatted at least once per week this year, and in the previous years he often spent hours after school in my room working on projects.

You will find Jessen to be an exceptional young man and an asset to your shcool. Why?

He is very astute academically. Though his grades in my class weren't as good as I had hoped, his participation and in-class leadership made up for it. He grew, personally and as a student the year I had him. The next school year he served as my student aide and constantly received plaudits from his AP English III as being the best student in her class, making connections other students missed and writing exceptionally well.

He is a great athlete. One of the toughest sports offered at Princeton High School is Water Polo. Jessen is a multi-year varsity Water Polo team member and is a three-year varsity swimmer. Sports like water polo and swimming show a lot about a person's character. The crowds aren't large - most of the cheering is by teammates and parents - and there are no pep rallies or cheerleaders. All that those sports have to offer is hard work, self-discipline, teamwork, and intrinsic motivation. Because of the nature of those sports, I find my best students are participants in them. Those same traits carry over into the classroom, which Jessen consistently demonstrates.

Finally, of the three traits I wish to write about, the last and perhaps most important is that he is a great person. No only did he really help me as my aide, but he demonstrated characteristics one would like in any young man. A great example of this is when his girlfriend's father was deployed with the Army Reserve, Jessen took over many roles in her home to help out. He did all the "man work" around their home, from cutting the grass, to moving the firewood, to clearing brush and hauling in groceries. What kind of kid does that? Not many.

Jessen will be an asset to any college, university, or community. He has the skill set and dedication to be personally successful in the classroom or the pool, and the commitment to help his community succeed as well.

If I may be of further assistance in helping you or your institution make any decisions about Jessen, please contact me at the above address, via email or by phone.

Sincerely,
Lance A. Armbruster
English Teacher

Damn, I'm so proud of my son.