“Try NOT to become a person of worth but instead, of value.”-Albert Einstein
I made a decision to go to Graduate School. I applied at USF (University of San Francisco). I wanted a Psychology or MFCC (Marriage, Family and Child Counseling) Graduate certification. They had similar programs at USF, so I took the steps to submit the necessary paperwork. I already took the GRE (Graduate Record Exam), so that was one hurdle out of the way. I needed three letters of recommendation. I received one from my current boss and one from a former boss. I was waiting for another from an instructor at California State University, Sacramento named Robert (Bob) E. Sellner. I was pretty confident he'd write a good one.
Mike Miller was making me jealous with his current fitness kick. I hadn’t been riding my bike as much as I’d like to do. Still, I had been hitting the gym three times a week. It could always be better. It’s a never ending battle to feel good all of the time.
Le 21 Juillet 1988
Dear Michael,
Thanks for your last letter and card. You’re right. That’s really a great one. I just went to see MOONSTRUCK. I didn’t like it that much. I think CHER was way better in MASK. I love that movie. This card I bought for you was really nice, too…before Jonathan played with it.
Thanks for the picture, too. I’m not sending it back. Forget it. You could have written something sweet on the back of it. I don’t know…something like “to the unforgettable Paloma” or something like that!
I just went to Paris for two weeks. That was fun (lots of things made me think of you). I don’t know the song you’re telling me about called “THE PROMISE” by When In Rome…but if you want you can send me a tape with some songs you like and I’ll do the same with French ones. Have you ever heard about David Hallyday? It’s not that I like him but I was just wondering if it’s true that he is well-known in the States. I think he played in a movie called “HE’S MY GIRL”.
The last letter I got from Carmela was about a year ago when she got married. We still keep in touch but she’s really a lazy writer. I haven’t heard from Monica in a long while. I guess she still lives with her boyfriend in Hawaii. When I will be rich I will go visit her.
Bonnie and family wrote me about two or three months ago but that was the first time in a long, long time. They even sent me presents like a 49ers sweatshirt. I think you’ve seen it on Jonathan’s picture.Remember I worked in a Montessori School in Berkeley? Well, I’m expecting the owner in about a week. She wrote me she was coming to the South of France and she’d like to come visit me with her husband (I think he is a famous lawyer in the States).
Anyway, this is the last news. I’m sorry you broke up with Kelly…but maybe now you’re back with her (?). What is wrong with women your age?
I had to laugh. Paloma recalled that Kelly was younger than I. For some reason, Paloma is one of the few that I have met who is actually the same age as me. I think most women my age want an older man (don’t they?). Perhaps ‘right now’ I am simply better off alone. It’s so important to enjoy one’s solitude.
The next day I received a carbon copy of the Letter of Recommendation that my former Communications teacher, Bob Seller, sent to the Graduate School at the University of San Francisco. I love what he wrote (especially the quote by Albert Einstein). He wrote ‘a real treasure’ of a recommendation for me. Now I’m sure I’ll get accepted. He wrote:July 21, 1988
Dear “To Whom It May Concern”:Such a cold way to begin a recommendation letter for MICHAEL ARMIJO! But this letter is in no way cold; rather, it’s an enthusiastic and easy one I’m most pleased to write.
In 12 years of college teaching, I’ve written only two other letters for students. But this one is my greatest pleasure for I truly believe Mr. Armijo will be a real treasure to not only your Psychology Department but the profession as well.
I’ve known Michael since 1980 when he was enrolled in my “COMMUNICATION and BUSINESS and INDUSTRY” class. He helped to lead not just himself but to motivate others in class to excellence. Both his exams and speeches (two rigorous exams and 12 speeches) were of superior quality.
And as a student, he reached far beyond the obvious to diligently explore each face of the subject. Highly motivated to learn and excel, he meshed well with classmates on both a dyadic and small group level as he continually…and eagerly…sought to synthesize newfound knowledge and his growing skill into existing personal referents. He also meshed well with other students in leadership fluency as well as kindness and inspiration as well.Ambitious, cheerful, going far beyond “just what’s required”, he has a burning pursuit for intellectual fulfillment. And in today’s “let it slide” world, that’s impressive.
But Michael Armijo IS just that—impressive.Just another recommendation? No, a commendation instead.
Albert Einstein once wrote, “Try not to become a person of worth but instead, of value.” Michael IS a treasure, is extremely bright, motivated and articulate, and IS a person of great value. We’ve kept in touch over the years and I am confident both you and he will benefit in your program.He deserves the best that only your school can offer.
If you’ve any questions, please call me for more information; I’d be glad to assist further.
Best personal regards,Robert E Sellner
P.O. Box 273
Carmichael, CA 95609
(916) 487-5311
There comes a time in LIFE when one feels on safer ground alone than when trying to find pleasures with another.
-ColetteTHE PURE AND THE IMPURE
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