Reflections on Recommendations by Justin Schuch

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Justin Schuch is the Coordinator of Residential Leadership and Engagement for our department. Today Justin shares his thoughts about writing letters of recommendation for students.

The spring semester is always an exciting time, as many of the undergraduate and graduate students begin looking towards the summer and fall semesters for leadership positions, jobs, and internships to enhance their experiences. In a profession where our main goal should be assisting students in being successful, there are few moments more rewarding than those when I am able to construct letters of recommendation for those I have had the pleasure to work with. As students begin to apply for positions, scholarships, or advanced study, I have always felt honored to be asked to be a part of these valuable transition periods and know I have had a very real part in assisting future success.

In my experience, the best part of developing a letter of recommendation is reflecting upon the time I have been able to work with someone. Whether a staff member, student leader, or student I have worked with in class, the evolution a student goes through is something we rarely get to look back on and enjoy. One of the most rewarding letters I composed was one I wrote for a student who I originally met via a conduct process. Seeing this individual rise from a mishap, become a leader among their peers, then focus on future endeavors within higher education was a transformation I am frequently thankful I was able to be a part of. With any letter I am able to prepare, I enjoy being able to look back and visualize the progression a person as gone through. As a young professional, I have quickly come to realize letters of recommendation and/or support will be an area of the field and my positions I hold dear and enjoy most.

After working alongside a student or peer in any capacity, developing strong letters of recommendation is something I feel professionals truly “owe” the individuals who have confided this valuable part of their experience with me. As advisors and supervisors, we challenge daily for higher boundaries and firm goals. Whether a student employee, leader, or graduate student, I remain well aware of the amount of energy, dedication, and drive those around me put into their efforts. Knowing I have asked for a great deal from students, staff, and advisees, it seems of the utmost importance for me to dedicate just a fraction of those contributions to letters of recommendation. More importantly, a strong letter of recommendation for a deserving individual can be the ultimate “thank you” from an advisor/supervisor to a student leader or staff member.

More than a simple letter saying “hire/accept this person,” a letter of recommendation is nod to the hard work someone has done, proof of confidence in their ability, and a stamp of approval for the future work they will produce. It is difficult to know how much weight a letter of support can have for an applicant. Often, a strong letter is icing on the cake. Other times, it may set the tone for an applicant’s experience. Whether the contributions a person has made are legendary, or average, I still enjoy being able support however possible via a letter of recommendation.

So, as the spring semester continues, I will look forward to the possibility of writing numerous recommendations. I suppose it is also my hope those I have been able to speak highly of and recommend are able to one day turn around and write similar letters for those they have had the pleasure to work alongside.