dr. hall rec
TRANSCRIPT
January 26, 2016
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my pleasure to write in support of Ms. Clair Belleveau's
application for a position in your company. Clair was my student in three
courses and also completed her senior thesis with me, so I can speak to her
intellectual rigor, her clear writing ability, and her ability to analyze
critically. In each course, Clair proved herself to be one of the hardest
working students, applying her critical thinking skills to very difficult texts.
She was able to take Freudian theory, for example, and read dense 19th-
century poetry in order to convey an utterly original, well-supported
argument. About that paper, I would also say that she was able to include
alternative views as a way to increase her rhetorical effectiveness. She is
clearly one of those thinkers who wants more viewpoints, so that she may
make an even better decision.
Clair's writing was also quite effective, using imagery and startling
analogy in order to convey her clear ideas. She is a tireless reviser, and
works hard to construct simple, beautiful, and well-made sentences. She
can constellate difficult abstractions in concrete terms, often having the
ability to construct images that distill big ideas. In workshop classes in
poetry, for example, I have seen Clair discuss other students' poems and
help them come to better lines. She has a way of listening to someone's
intentions, really hearing them, and making suggestions to that open up the
composition process and make for stronger writing. At the end of the
semester, I ask students to make a list of other people whose comments
helped them the most, and Clair was at the top of the list in both creative
writing courses she took with me.
Clair is a sharing, verbal person who listens carefully and sensitively,
and then is able to engage others in meaningful, collegial ways. She has a
quick smile and works incredibly well in groups, which she keeps on task.
Because of some misguided academic advising done by a colleague, Clair's
last semester of college consisted of four classes as well as the writing of
her thesis (when students normally take three classes and enroll in thesis
hours). Clair amped up her research in the fall semester and was able to
spend the rather short three-week winter break writing a beautifully-
researched, well-argued thirty-page thesis. This kind of work usually takes
two months, but Clair's dedication and motivation are top-notch and unlike
anything you'll see in another person.
I recommend Clair most highly. She is a smart, hard working,
creative thinker who would be an asset to your team. Should you have any
other questions regarding her application, please do not hesitate to email or
call. I certainly would be delighted to speak at greater length about Clair's
intellectual and creative talents.
Sincerely Yours,
James Allen HallAssociate Professor of EnglishWashington [email protected](832) 741-2192 (mobile)