personal endorsement.

letters of recommendation are much harder to write than papers, maybe harder than books, though i've never even tried to write one of those. i've asked for several letters recommending me to a residency position recently, but it's very odd to be on the other side of the paper. since when does my opinion about a college student count? i still feel like i'm a college student myself, still studying, still going to class in my pajamas (er-scrubs. whatever).

so i sit with a blank word document, trying to sum someone up on paper in a way that is sincere and readable and pertinent to what the reader is hoping to gain through the letter...and it makes me think about how much my word actually does count in a situation like this. i mean, i know residency applications can be made or broken by a single letter of recommendation. i can only assume my words about this student will either hurt or help her application. so what, then, of all the other things i personally endorse? in some situations (most situations?) i don't think my two cents counts for even that much. i spend most of my days as a small fish in an ocean-sized pond, at least professionally. and then there is YFC, where i suddenly switch roles and am an adult, the adult, and i fear that my two cents is being taken to the bank more than it should be.

i wonder how many things i personally endorse, by word or otherwise, that have no merit at all? i suspect there is more than there should be...we all have our vices, and one of mine is reality tv. but perhaps, now that some small circles of the world are starting to count my personal endorsements as a reflection of who i am, perhaps i will take more care with those words.

(good luck ashley. i hope i helped.)