California State University, Dominguez Hills
University of Wisconsin, Parkside
Created: February 22, 2001
Latest update: February 22, 2001
jeannecurran@habermas.org

I asked Latoya Lewis to look at Who's Who in Academic Discourse as a prelude to our preparing a letter of recommendation for her.

On Wednesday, February 21, 2001, Latoya Lewis wrote:

Hello, Jeanne. I recently asked you what I needed to do in order for you to write me a letter of recommendation. I went to the who's who index, as you asked me to, and I really enjoyed the pictures you drew and even noticed some of my friends from class. I think that was an excellent idea.

Out of all the semesters that I have been in your class the thing that stuck with me most is the phrase that you use: listening in "good faith". The meaning of this has totally changed my relationships, not only with people in general, put especially with my family. "Listen in good faith" means that I put aside my criticisms and listen. It doesn't mean that I have to agree with them, but it's kind of like putting myself in the other person's shoes. Working in the profession that I want to work in (Social Work), it is critical that I' be able to keep an open mind.

In many past circumstances, I would always have an opinion and stick to it. I was stubborn; it was my way or the high way. But using this concept has allowed me and my siblings to really become close. Although I don't agree with everything they say, they know that they can still be heard. I have found that in many cases that's all that people want is to be listened to. I've learned to always keep an open mind because when you don't that's when you really do miss out on life.

Latoya Lewis

On Thursday, February 22, 2001, jeanne responded:

Latoya, you have done a wonderful job of "listening in good faith." I remember when you asked for that letter. It was just before the awful asthma attack. When I picked up your e-mail this morning, I recalled, and prepared immediately to pull a letter out of my head.

Then, I read your e-mail. You listened to me! You did precisely what I asked. And you wrote the best letter of recommendation I've seen in a long time. You thought back through your classes to what mattered most to you. You related that to your personal life and experience. And then you related that experience to your professional goals.

Good job. Well written, well expressed. Can we get the letter out next week?

love and peace, jeanne

---

---