1. July 12, 2016
Letter of Recommendation: Calvin Birdlong
I always tell my students to: “Find something they love to do. Go where they can, to do it. But as soon as you’re
there, help someone else out.” Calvin Birdlong exemplifies this mantra. This letter serves as a letter of
recommendation and reference for Calvin who I have had the pleasure of having as a student, getting to know
and who I consider a friend and colleague. Calvin is an outstanding filmmaker, writer, actor and leader! I
wholeheartedly support all of Calvin's endeavors and encourage his application for Graduate school.
Calvin’s passion, interpersonal interactions and the quality of his work embodies the characteristics of a
successful professional and academic in the film and media industry, or anything he pursues. Calvin has the
ability to establish an excellent rapport with many different constituents including peers, administrators, staff
and industry professionals. He is an inspiration to all around him. When a fellow production student needs a
hand, or production assistants, Calvin is there; readily available to help out in any way that he can for the sake
and betterment of media and student community. This is inherent with his past life experiences mentoring he
has traveled to France and the Cannes Film Festival and S.Korea. May 2016 when he traveled to the Cannes
Film Festival Calvinwas a key intern an International sales company, organizing events and
attending industry red carpet screenings. (Students Share Cannes Experience-
http://www.shsu.edu/~pi n_www/T%40S/sliders/2013/cannes.html)
Calvin has a natural knack of instilling trust and enthusiasm. He is self--‐assured and calmly handles the stress
and chaos associated with tendencies of production deadlines. He is exceptionally responsible and a self--‐
starter, ready to jump in and help out with any task from the mundane to the challenging. He blends a well--‐
organized, task--‐oriented style with the aforementioned sensitivity and creativity to all his projects and
interactions. This was become obvious to me advising him and having him in my classes. Calvin’s energy and
passion is boundless, to say the least. I am truly confident in all his endeavors as he continues to grow and
explore future opportunities, both academically and professionally.
I was genuinely excited when he advised me of his future goals and asked for a letter of reference, because it
displays his desire to grow academically and professionally with such high standards and respectability.
I believe Calvin Birdlong can be an important voice given the opportunities and inspire other young people.
Calvin has put in work on numerous projects, and student groups--‐ not just for his own endeavors, but has
dedicated his time to help out others exhibiting his understanding of the collaborative effort and networking.
This is a trait much needed on a college campus.
As you can tell, I think very highly of this judicious young man and recommend Calvin Birdlong without
reservation. He is bright, he is diligent and most of all Calvin Birdlong has the talent, passion, entrepreneurial
skills and desire to succeed and be the best person and professional he can be. Please let me know if you have
any further questions about this outstanding individual.
Always available,
Tom Garrett
Tom Garrett,Associate Professor-Film Program Coordinator
School Mass Communication
Sam Houston State University
Dan Rather Communications Building
Huntsville, Texas 77341
Office: (936)294-1111l Cell: 941.544.8888
Email: TomGarrett@shsu.eduor Circafilm@shsu.edu
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0308219/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/circafilm
Tw itter: @circafilm https://tw itter.com/#!/CircaFilm
SHSU Film-Tw itter: https://tw itter.com/SHSUFILM
SHSU Film Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ShsuFilmProgram
SHSU Mass Communication- http://w ww.shsu.edu/~com_www/
Students Share Cannes Experience- http://www.shsu.edu/~pin_www/T%40S/sliders/2013/cannes.html