Recommendations

You what I hate writing?!!? Letters of recommendations!!

Usually the directions are so vague that it is hard to focus on something that I think the readers would like to read. I try to always include the normal good attributes, but also focus on a way they have overcome a difficulty to show their hard work ethic. But, sometimes it is just hard to write them for some kids, you know?

Well, I have had this one boy in my class three times now. (Let's call him Cameron) He is an 18 year old who is still classified as a junior and has a whole year and a half until he can graduate. He has had some rough times with trying to support his mother (so he dropped out for a year), breaking ties with his mother, and getting to know his dad whom he didn't know the first 16 years of his life. His dad does not have much, so Cameron has even less. But, we have built a raport between us where he tries his best in my class and I keep tabs on him to make sure he is alright in his other classes and at home.

So, when Cameron told me he had started his own tree trimming company, but work isn't steady I thought about a family friend who owns a farming supply and fence building business. And for the first time, I verbally recommended someone for a job.

I was so nervous. I didn't want our friend to think I was nagging him, but I really wanted him to giveCameron a chance. AND HE DID!!!

Cameron went in the next day and my friend hired him on the spot. So, then, of course, I am even more nervous! Will he perform like I know he can? Will he act like a moron like some teenagers do? Will he abuse the fact that I recommended him and think he can get away with things? Will he not mesh with my friend and will that put a strain on the friendship?

Well, the day came when he started work. I was so nervous, I spoke with my friend that night after the store closed. And you know what, he reported that my student came to work 20 minutes early and worked like a dog the whole 5 hours he was there!

I was so proud of Cameron! He has had rough breaks in life and when he got a good one he has taken full advantage of it and run with it. He now works every day after school and for the 5 hours they are open on the weekends! He is also coming to school more regularly and has put an effort in to his English class which he hasn't done all semester!

So, here's to verbal recommendations! They may be much more nerve racking and put your neck out on the line more, but when they work out well it is such a rewarding feeling!!!