John Deming writes a letter of recommendation for his student James Rivera. He describes Jay as an engaged student who is always paying attention in class, fearlessly asks questions, and has a voracious appetite for new knowledge. Unlike many distracted students, Jay is always focused and involved in class discussions. His enthusiasm is contagious and helps other students engage as well. Jay's writing and critical thinking skills have improved greatly over the semester. He listens well, learns from others, and approaches problems with empathy and a sense of community. Deming believes Jay will be a tremendous asset wherever he goes.

1. John Deming
Lecturer / Assistant Director of the Writing Center
LIM College – Where Business Meets Fashion
216 East 45th Street
New York, NY 10017-3304
April 29, 2013
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to offer an enthusiastic recommendation on behalf of one of my current English
Composition students, James Rivera. Jay immediately stood out at the beginning of this semester
as an affable, likeable, and intellectually curious student who craves new knowledge. I have
found that it is exceedingly common these days for college students to be perpetually distracted.
No matter where they are or what they are doing, they are often fighting the sense that they are
supposed to be somewhere else, doing something else—they always have unfinished business. I
do not exactly blame them for this; multitasking is the norm these days, and anyone ambitious
enough to pursue a career in New York City is liable to feel pulled in a variety of directions.
Jay is a shining exception to this trend. He is always dialed in and paying attention; Jay listens
and fearlessly asks questions. His involvement and enthusiasm are contagious, too, and I believe
they have helped other students develop a similar level of engagement. Often, when a teacher
uses a word a student does not recognize, a student will let it slide. Not Jay. He has a voracious
appetite for new vocabulary, and really, all kinds of new knowledge. He is an ideal team member
because he makes devotion to the mission look fun and inspiring and because he listens well and
learns as a result. Already this semester I have seen Jay’s writing skills develop wonderfully; his
critical thinking skills—and willingness to engage in critical thinking—are matched only by an
abiding sense of empathy and community. You will know very quickly after meeting Jay that
you can trust him, and I know he will be a tremendous asset wherever he lands.
Please address any questions to john.deming@limcollege.edu.
All the Best,
John Deming