Hello New Year's Listers,
In a message dated 12/30/2000 9:23:17 AM Pacific Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< I told him about my
100 on my final (that may be an interesting topic to talk about :)
Here's the problem. This student was barely a "C" student and her last
semester she almost received a "D" in one of my courses. >>
You do have the choice of declining to write the letter or providing the
reference, which I would recommend you do if you don't feel comfortable
recommending this person. I had a good friend, years ago, receive a
"recommendation" letter for law school from a professor who should have
declined. It arrived at his house having been mutiliated en route and was
partly open (I was there when it arrived so I know that he didn't lie and
open it) and it was clearly going to ruin his chances of getting into law
school. That day (beside feeling just awful for my friend), I also learned
that declining to write letters is a legitimate and appropriate thing to do.
On the other hand, a person who is doing Cs and Ds and bootstraps herself to
a 100 on the final clearly is motivated and has something going for her. You
could probably write a positive and helpful letter to the prospective
employer emphasizing her real strengths. If she wants the employer to call
you, well, I don't know, maybe you want to discuss your doubts about her
self-appraisal with you before you cross or burn that bridge.
I think honesty is generally the best policy. You may find a way to provide
the recommendation for her without compromising your integrity.
Good luck.
Nancy Melucci
East Los Angeles College
