STONEHILL

C O L L E G E February 15, 2010 Subject: Letter of Recommendation for Thomas Horrego To Whom it May Concern: I am writing to recommend Thomas Horrego for an undergraduate scholarship. I have known Thomas for almost a year and have consistently been impressed with his honest, unique approach to learning and his willingness to fully engage his education. He is an inquisitive and deeply critical thinker who does not shy away from challenges. It is an honor to recommend him for your scholarship. I first met Thomas in August 2009 when he was enrolled in my GL 100 class, “Introduction to Gothic Literature.” Thomas stood out as a student who really wrestles with texts and ideas; he is not content with a surfaced reading of any book—he always challenges himself to think beyond any discussion or interpretation. He consistently completed each of the written assignments on time and participated regularly in discussions with a driven, earnest sense of curiosity. He especially proved himself to be a determined, reflective writer and a thoughtful individual. His papers were especially provocative; he chose specific, individual topics that allowed him to pursue his interests while also showcasing his writing ability. I also was quite impressed with Thomas’s willingness to continue class discussions, even after other students gave up or became frustrated by the material. Thomas is an engaging, earnest learner who sincerely wants to explore knowledge. He is willing to take chances and risk his ideas, even if that means being wrong sometimes. It is always a joy to see him and talk with him. Thomas stood out in my class as a student who pushed the boundaries of thought and curiosity: he was invested in both understanding his class materials and in sharing that information with others. He gave a fantastic and engaging presentation in class, challenging his peers and exhibiting the strength of his close­reading skills. Students responded well to his questions and gained a lot from his textual analysis. In his contributions to class and conversations about learning, Thomas showed more determination and interest in the subject matter of my classes than many other students. He is a wonderfully caring and focused student and person.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT 320 WASHINGTON STREET EASTON, MA 02657-1240

I am excited to recommend Thomas for your scholarship. I believe he is a fantastic student who deserves intellectual recognition. Thomas is an asset to any group and a remarkably hard worker. He is not only a strong thinker but also an honorable and giving person. Sincerely, Ellen Scheible Assistant Professor of English Stonehill College

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT 320 WASHINGTON STREET EASTON, MA 02657-1240