For the month of March, each day I am writing and posting a slice of my life, hosted by Two Writing Teachers.
Slice of Life Challenge #21 Day 19:
Last Minute Request
"Would you be willing to write me a recommendation letter? It's for a scholarship." Her email inquires.
"Of course! What would you like me to highlight? When is it due?" I respond.
"It's due tomorrow. I am really sorry. I didn't realize this until today."
"I'll do my best," I reply, wondering how I will find the time to write a letter today.
She's a hard-working, bright student I adore. She's had more challenges before turning eighteen than most people should have in a lifetime. She needs this scholarship to attend post-secondary school. She needs all the help she can get. I needed to figure out how to write it in time for her. It was a request I could not turn down.
In between Parent Teacher Conference Google Meets last night, I pounded out her recommendation letter.
Recommendation/
letter request. I accept./
"It's due tomorrow."
It is amazing that you were so willing and able to do this for your student. It will certainly be something that she will never forget! She is lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteIt’s nearly impossible to say “no” to these last minute requests. I’ve written so many letters and still get requests for them. One year I wrote around 50 letters. I know others write more. Your haiku is perfect. I hope the student receives the scholarship.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure I'd be as forgiving with such a limited time frame to write the letter. How wonderful that you are able to see the real need and to get it done. Lucky student!
ReplyDeleteThis has happened to my husband and to me before - last minute request but we always drop everything to do it. Here's hoping that scholarship is received! Haiku captures it all so succinctly!
ReplyDeleteWow, this speaks volumes about you and your relationships with students. This kind of request is only possible when a student feels known and respected. The haiku underscores both the urgency and the compassion.
ReplyDeleteYou are great! Fingers crossed the student receives the scholarship.
ReplyDeleteI can't say no to those last-minute requests either--especially since I was the student making the last minute request because I didn't realize the due date was tomorrow!!
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