Personal Letter of Recommendation

(Requirement to write during college for the College Medical School Admissions Committee)

Dear Admissions Committee,

I know Jonathan to be a unique individual who deserves the highest recognition. It is a pleasure for me to write on his behalf. Jonathan’s desires and abilities are apparent through various experiences. I have had many opportunities to meet with him and noticed how his accomplishments and commitment have prepared him for medical school and a life of service.

Service. Jonathan funded his way to serve a two-year mission. He deferred education to serve the Hispanic population of New Jersey. Rapidly learning a new language, Jonathan was given leadership opportunities, which included teaching and motivating 200 missionaries. Under the direction of mission leadership, Jonathan organized and executed conferences, coordinated new missionary assignments, and taught service by example. His love of service is demonstrated by translating for doctors and their patients. I see the good Jonathan has done as he shares the names and experiences of individuals he has helped.

Employment. Before and after his mission, Jonathan worked at a dental office. He assisted in procedures, clerical work, cleaning, and translation for Hispanic patients. He has a great desire to work in the medical field.

At a young age, Jonathan began working with a landscape architect. Developing skills in plumbing, irrigation, agriculture, botany, masonry, electricity, woodcraft, and design, he progressed to foreman and helped design many landscapes. The ability to master many skills will be a great asset in medicine.

Jonathan instructed students in the BYU organic chemistry laboratory, prepared reagents and physical facilities, and enforced chemical safety and proper equipment use. Time was often volunteered for tasks not asked of him; taking the initiative to clean and organize supplies allowed hundreds of students to work efficiently. Jonathan has proved to be a hard worker and intuitive of employers' needs. This same awareness will be helpful in working with patients, staff, and colleagues.

Research. Jonathan has participated in a wide range of research. He presented at the Annual Brigham Young University Psychology Research Conference in 2002. Jonathan is also involved in preparing Egyptian mummy hair for Proton-Induced X-ray Emission analysis; influential progress has been made in the adaptation and development of the project. He trains other individuals and aids the research professor in preparation for publication. Awareness of scientific methods will benefit a career governed by research.

Education. Jonathan’s major is psychology, which attends to his love and understanding of people. One class he particularly enjoyed was health psychology, which taught the application of psychological principles such as motivation, reinforcement, and behavioral modification to his love of medicine.

Jonathan was chosen for The National Scholars Honor Society and The National Dean’s List, granted to less than 5% of college students. These awards require outstanding academic and extracurricular achievement, distinguishing Jonathan as a fine applicant for any academic program.

Teaching. As a Teacher Assistant in the Physiology department, Jonathan is respected by professors and peers alike. He consistently receives high rankings on evaluations. Jonathan shows genuine concern for students in weekly review sessions, sharing secrets to success and thoroughly explaining complex concepts.

Leadership. Active involvement in his religious organization has facilitated many opportunities. Jonathan has directed committees in planning and executing activities for 175 people. Jonathan plays the organ and piano, has accompanied choirs, and has sung for church functions. Currently serving as Sunday school supervisor for nine local congregations, Jonathan instructs others in leadership skills, effective teaching, and following up with commitments.

Jonathan’s leadership skills have developed since high school; as drum major, he led his high school band to regional championships. Elected as vice-president of the BYU Pre-medical Club, Jonathan sought my suggestions to compile instructions concerning proper etiquette when shadowing doctors. He facilitates personal and student awareness by organizing tours of medical offices and the University of Utah Medical School.

Life-long commitment to excellence. Having obtained the Eagle Scout Award, Jonathan continues to observe the law and oath of that honor. Recently, he volunteered to be an Atomic Energy counselor at Brigham Young University’s PowWow for Utah Boy Scouts. Instructing 90 scouts, Jonathan demonstrated patience and enthusiasm while helping them achieve the purpose of the merit badge program – enlarge character, develop skills, and build self-confidence. Jonathan portrays these attributes in all he does.

Jonathan Richey is a very conscientious and able individual. He should be one of your primary considerations for acceptance to medical school. I know he will be an excellent doctor, and I strongly recommend him as a wonderful addition to your program.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Richey