LAUSD/USC Cinematic Arts and Engineering Magnet

822 W. 32nd Street

Los Angeles, CA 90007
213.748.0126
kjs0182@lausd.net
November 14, 2014
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my pleasure to recommend Jesus Rojas for undergraduate admission to your university. I have taught
this intelligent and outspoken young man for three consecutive years in Honors English as a sophomore,
in Advanced Placement United States History as a junior, and currently in my Broadcast Journalism
elective. He is also a leading member of a student-led animal rights organization that I sponsor after
school.
Jesus is far from average. He possesses a strong work ethic and exhibits exceptional work habits to
maintain high marks in core and elective classes even with a rigorous course load consisting of multiple
Advanced Placement classes, four in his senior year alone. He contributes greatly to class activities and
participates confidently and readily in discussions. In fact, by contributing thoughtful and alternative
points of view for students to consider, he often takes discussions to a deeper level. Unlike many of his
peers, he maintains an open mind and he is comfortable taking risks for the sake of learning. I fondly
recall his cumulative persuasive speech in Honors English, an annual rite of passage, so to speak, for all
sophomores. Even then he exceeded the requirements of the assignment and roused his audience with a
balance of carefully constructed rhetorical devices and persuasive appeals. As a result, he raised the bar
for all subsequent speakers. It was also during this time that I observed a special sensitivity and sensibility
in Jesus his passion for learning about human rights and public policy, an instinctual urge profound and
unquenchable. This thirst carried over beautifully into his performance in A.P. U.S. History. Selfmotivated, he pushed himself studying, reading extensively and refining his writing to continually
build upon his knowledge base and improve his grade. As a result, I am confident in his abilities to
confront the rigors of college. In fact, I believe he will thrive in the fast-paced, self-directed, and rigorous
learning environment college offers.
Not only is Jesus one of the most conscientious students I have had the privilege to teach, I would be hard
pressed to name a more personable student. He uses these talents to serve as a leader and role model for
our K-12 learning community. As Vice President of PAANDA, a group that educates the student body on
the importance of the ethical treatment of animals, he helps organize and lead weekly meetings and
actively recruits new members. During PAANDA meetings he aids in the presentation of informative
multimedia presentations about endangered animals, uses his ingenuity to facilitate school-wide animal
awareness activities and volunteer opportunities, and plans collection events for monetary and material
donations for animal shelters. They also meet regularly to participate in beach clean up events. It has truly
been a treat to see Jesus in action in these meetings. He leads a diverse group of students with varying
opinions with a firm, yet diplomatic touch, and he ensures equity among members opinions. And, I have
been impressed with his classroom management in effort to not disrupt my after school preparation and
conference time. Jesus is also Treasurer of MESA, where in addition to preparing for hands-on math and
science competitions throughout Los Angeles, he plans engaging activities and fundraisers for the club
and maintains financial accountability. As if this were not enough, Jesus is also Treasurer of the Senior
Class. He combines his ingenuity and social skills to work with the cabinet to organize, plan, promote and
execute school-wide events to promote school spirit and student engagement.
What sets Jesus apart from his classmates, however, is his character. The fifth of six children, and the son
of immigrants, things have not come easy for Jesus. His family, who immigrated to America from the
small, impoverished town of Guerrero, Mexico in search of a better life for the future of their family
inspire him. His mother has worked in trimming and his father in gardening, yet they have encountered

ongoing financial struggles. At a very young age Jesus and his siblings learned the difference between
needs and wants. They learned that every family member has a job. His job to attend and be successful
in school. He learned early on the value of education, and he is keenly aware of the opportunities it holds
for his future. As a result he has remained self-motivated and committed to his academic goals. He is
appreciative of his supportive family, and despite the hardship, he has exuded a positive and humble
attitude.
In sum, I highly recommend Jesus for your institution. Trilingual in English, Spanish, and Mandarin (he
is one of the top students according to our Chinese teacher), Jesus hopes to broaden his knowledge of
languages and go deeper into his passion for mathematics. He plans to double major in Linguistics and
Applied Mathematics and Minor in Chinese Language with post-graduate aspirations. I have found very
few students with his level of commitment, and he would be an asset to any college campus. I hope you
will consider his application favorably.
Sincerely,
Kara Smith
English 10/11, A.P. U.S. History, AVID, and Journalism
LAUSD/USC CAE Magnet School