rx tech

Harvard University
Department of Education
Dear Graduate Admissions Committee: November 14, 2013
It is my pleasure to write on behalf of XXX, who is applying to the PhD program in Human Development, Learning and Teaching, Harvard University. I have interacted with him in several contexts: as supervisor, mentor, friend, and as a thesis mentee.
I first met XXX in 2007, when I transferred to Washington, District of Columbia Region. S/He stood out as a Navy sailor, studying for Navy Chief and completing graduate courses at Howard University. S/He demonstrated characteristics commonly held by the best college students and sailors of the year. S/He was attentive, well-prepared, submitted well-written and thoughtful assignments, and participated in meaningful ways, such as by debating other sailors. Throughout XXX modeled critical thinking skills. Needless to say, XXX ranked number one of twenty-seven sailors becoming our “Sailor of Year” at Navy Medicine Headquarter for 2007-2008, and graduating from Howard University with a GPA of 3.44. S/He demonstrated similar skills throughout his tenure at Headquarters, and was selected to serve as Medical Recruiting Officer for the Navy’s Chicago Region. Most striking is his ability to tackle challenging material, especially education, with enthusiasm and endurance. Sailors’ fears education is often legendary across institutions, but XXX has not been fazed. As usual s/he is prepared for class, completes all assignments, and attends study sessions conducted by her/his teaching assistants when warranted. S/He seems to grasp any concepts quickly, learning how to solve problems well before her/his peers. When placed in a group setting, he easily adapts to a leadership role, helping her/his peers learn how to solve problems on their own. It was this capability that allowed me to debate her/his position as number one sailor during a board selection at Headquarters.
As her/his Navy supervisor, XXX strengthened many of the skills that I articulated. S/He clearly knew the concepts and was able to answer all questions. If not, indicated that s/he would immediately get back with the sailors. As a first lecture, s/he was very good. Most important to career in education, is that s/he continues to improve all her/his lectures. Leadership, humility, the ability to see areas in need of improvement, and the willingness to do the work needed to improve. These are all characteristics we value most in education.
In closing, I believe that XXX has the capacity to excel at Harvard and in a career in Human Development, Learning and Teaching. S/He is one of a small handful sailors that I have personally encountered that was so determined to obtained his PhD. S/He entered the Navy with a high school diploma and has since obtained a Bachelor and 2 Masters. Please do not hesitate to contact me with further questions.

Sincerely
XXXX XXXX