#3

September 10, 2009

Ernie English

1234 Writing Lab Lane

Write City, IN 12345

Dear Mr. English:

               Patrick Marshall, despite whatever one immediately gut reaction gleans from his student record, is an exceptional student and person.  Through the process of student admissions, you will inevitably read hundreds, if not thousands of letters that use the word “exceptional” as part of its thesis.  The authors of such letters are sincere in their usage of the adjective, but may not appreciate what they are implying by labeling their student as exceptional.  As his guidance councilor of now three years, I can say without need of a qualifier and without hesitation, that Patrick is an exception to tradition and a rare occurrence.

               Patrick, at some removed level, functions as an underachiever.  Despite persistent reassurance of his self worth and intellectual capacity (both practical and empirical) by his teachers and peers, he does not believe that he is worth much praise.  He does not see the good he can do if he applies himself.   Patrick takes a minimalist approach to it.  In daily conversation with his peers, he may casually mention that he did not get much sleep the previous night.  He would go on to mention that despite this, his homework was not done.  Patrick does this not to brag – as he will adamantly tell you – but rather, what he won’t be as quick to clarify, is that he does this as a form of self defense.  If he quips about his shortcomings, he feels that this excuses him from it.  It abstracts the offense from the offender, to minimize opportunity to berate him.  This easily lead to an inescapable circle of progressively lowered self esteem.  With a little inspiration and direction, I feel as though he will be able to break free from such a vicious circle.

               Patrick does not like to talk about himself in any kind of positive light; he’s perpetually cynical.  He feels that idle talk of who he is beyond a persona belittles what that actually might be.  However, through time, one can coax the truth out of him.  In the summer of 2009, he went to see his family in Florida.  The tale he often tells about his travels is how on the first day of his trip, he pulled his back and was laid out for a day.  What he most likely won’t tell you is exactly why he went.  In 2008, it was determined that his uncle has precancerous cells in his liver.   What’s more, Patrick’s aunt is suffering from major depression.  His aunt has ample base cause for this, as she was recently fired as a barmaid.  Just several years ago, she was the regional advertisement director for Arby’s.  Unable to express his concerns for them in words, the most practical way he knew how to rectify his anxieties about them was to go visit them in person.  He purchased the tickets with his own money.

               Know this.  Through all of his hardships and trial, Patrick still manages to be a brilliant person, with an understated kindness and charisma that is rarely seen in all of our studentry.  My hope is that wherever he goes next, he is challenged, in order for him to progress.  There is little left that Norwood High School can do for him, short of catalyzing his success in a small way, or else I fear we may hold him back.

Sincerely,

Rick Ricky Rickyson

251 Rock St. Apt. B1

Norwood, MA 02062