FOSHAY LEARNING CENTER

3751 S. Harvard Boulevard

Los Angeles, California 90018

21 March 2018
Re: Letter of Recommendation for Juliana Veliz

To whom it may concern:

I am writing this letter of recommendation for 11th grader, Juliana Veliz, whom I
have known since the 9th grade when she first entered my Honors English class
through the Neighborhood Academic Initiative (NAI) program. In the ninth grade,
Juliana was always positive and effervescent. From her voice saying, “Good morning
Ms. Jones” to her eyes growing wide and large when talking about a subject. She would
always speak about her household: a very strict one, but one that administered love and
guidance. What I admired then was Juliana’s ability to see everyone’s positive side.
Her energy often helped me on days when I felt down or tense.

After having taught for over thirteen years, it is incredibly refreshing to see
students who bring life, energy and a unique perspective to issues. This was and still is
Juliana. However as an eleventh grader, Juliana is more sophisticated, though still
positive; she shows different shades of her personality. She seems to understand the
purpose of being a student, and the importance staying focused with as little distractions
as possible. With respect to her focus, in the tenth grade, while several students
expressed interest or began their International Baccalaureate personal projects (a
project which involved as much twenty-five hours of a student’s personal time), Juliana
was one of few who actually completed it. Her project dealt with psychology and that of
the individual versus compliance with the status quo or popular opinion. I witnessed
briefly interviewing several students. She was serious, professional yet courteous.
Because Juliana had several group coming in and out, she had to cater to different
personalities and different moods. Juliana maneuvered the platform of social and
professional behavior well.

I still see those moments of her spirit that effervesce, but I also see a focused
young lady who has a very strong sense of self with respect to the rest of the world.
I am certain that Juliana will sparkle and shine in whatever path she chooses.

Sincerely,

Lena A. Jones
AP Language and Composition Instructor
IB 10th grade Personal Project Coordinator