Liv Schreiber was a student in Natalie Marone's Algebra II class who struggled with math but worked extremely hard. Through countless hours of effort, she gained confidence and realized she was good at math. Her journey showed that success comes through small, incremental steps rather than instantly. Liv is reminded that people are capable of more than they think. The teacher recommends Liv for admission because she is talented, gives more than she takes, and wants to improve the world.

1. Recommendation for Olivia Schreiber
Dear Sir or Madam,
“Liv Schreiber? Oh yeah, she’s a pistol!” This is usually my reply when someone asks me if I
know Olivia Schreiber, or have taught her. It’s the only way to succinctly communicate all the things
that she is, without blathering on indefinitely. After all, Liv is a young lady of many talents, even if
this is something she only discovered for herself very recently.
Liv wandered into my Algebra II classroom last year as a Junior. Within a few minutes, I
knew I was dealing with a special kind of student. She lit up the room as she walked in. She
exchanged banter with students from all walks of life around the school. She knew everybody, she
appreciated everybody, and she had something nice to say to everyone. Liv positively glowed (an apt
descriptor, considering she has pioneered the GLOW Project for young women at MBS). However,
as soon as class began, her demeanor changed. Of course she was personable and cheery toward me,
but the minute math came into the picture, she retreated. She was timid, unconfident. Early on I had
students write a paper about their prior experience with math. Liv’s was enlightening. She explained
that she was not good at math, and that she had always struggled, but that she would work hard.
And work hard she did. The math did not come easily. But she spent countless hours at
home and in my office, determined to “get it.” And during the countless hours, I believe that Liv
learned that the process of grappling, doubting, hitting a wall, and then starting all over is a lesson in
itself – the key to success, even. She began to realize that the answer need not leap off the page –
that instead, a solution can be assembled, one piece at a time. And as she met success after success,
she gained confidence and realized that she is, in fact, quite good at math!
Liv’s journey as a student and as a person is one of my favorites, because it is a reminder that
success is seldom instantaneous. We all enjoy the idea that if we are struggling with something,
perhaps one day something will magically “click” and it will all make sense. More often, success
comes in small steps, by putting one foot in front of the other, one at a time. In a day and age of
instant gratification, immediate results, and miracle cures, I find this a refreshing reminder. Liv is
also a constant reminder that we are capable of more than we initially believe. I maintain that all of
my students teach me in some way every day, but she is an exceptional case. A young woman like
Liv would be an asset to any community. She gives more than she takes, and wants to see the world
made better. It is with my highest regard that I recommend Olivia Schreiber for admission into your
school community,
Sincerely,
Natalie Marone
Mathematics Teacher