January 26, 2016

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my pleasure to write in support of Ms. Clair Belleveau's

application for a position in your company. Clair was my student in three

courses and also completed her senior thesis with me, so I can speak to her

intellectual rigor, her clear writing ability, and her ability to analyze

critically. In each course, Clair proved herself to be one of the hardest

working students, applying her critical thinking skills to very difficult texts.

She was able to take Freudian theory, for example, and read dense 19th-

century poetry in order to convey an utterly original, well-supported

argument. About that paper, I would also say that she was able to include

alternative views as a way to increase her rhetorical effectiveness. She is

clearly one of those thinkers who wants more viewpoints, so that she may

make an even better decision.

Clair's writing was also quite effective, using imagery and startling

analogy in order to convey her clear ideas. She is a tireless reviser, and

works hard to construct simple, beautiful, and well-made sentences. She

can constellate difficult abstractions in concrete terms, often having the

ability to construct images that distill big ideas. In workshop classes in

poetry, for example, I have seen Clair discuss other students' poems and

help them come to better lines. She has a way of listening to someone's

intentions, really hearing them, and making suggestions to that open up the

composition process and make for stronger writing. At the end of the

semester, I ask students to make a list of other people whose comments

helped them the most, and Clair was at the top of the list in both creative

writing courses she took with me.

Clair is a sharing, verbal person who listens carefully and sensitively,

and then is able to engage others in meaningful, collegial ways. She has a

quick smile and works incredibly well in groups, which she keeps on task.

Because of some misguided academic advising done by a colleague, Clair's

last semester of college consisted of four classes as well as the writing of

her thesis (when students normally take three classes and enroll in thesis

hours). Clair amped up her research in the fall semester and was able to

spend the rather short three-week winter break writing a beautifully-

researched, well-argued thirty-page thesis. This kind of work usually takes

two months, but Clair's dedication and motivation are top-notch and unlike

anything you'll see in another person.

I recommend Clair most highly. She is a smart, hard working,

creative thinker who would be an asset to your team. Should you have any

other questions regarding her application, please do not hesitate to email or

call. I certainly would be delighted to speak at greater length about Clair's

intellectual and creative talents.

Sincerely Yours,

James Allen HallAssociate Professor of EnglishWashington Collegejhall5@washcoll.edu(832) 741-2192 (mobile)