Final Essay

Jena Hughes
Mrs. Boresen
Expository Writing, P.4
Final Essay
19 May 2011

Pro-life or Pro-choice: Life or Death

According to The Center for Bio-Ethical Reform, there are approximately 42 million abortions performed each year worldwide and of those, 1.37 million abortions occur in the United States. Many individuals oppose abortion while just as many support it. Moreover, those who support abortion use incest, rape, and health concerns to justify the procedure. Those who oppose abortion fight for the life of a living being. Nevertheless, abortion has been a controversial issue for nearly fifty years. The case of Roe vs. Wade dated in 1973 changed the view of abortion in America and created the split between “pro-choice” and “pro-life”.

“The pro-choice view is that a baby does not have human rights within the mother’s womb” (allaboutpopularissues.org). The words “pro-choice” insinuates that it is the woman’s right to decide to abort the baby or carry the baby to term. On the other hand, those individuals against abortion or “pro-life” believe it is the killing of a human being. “The child in the mother’s womb is a live creature that was created by God’s will” (articleclick.com). In addition, God and religious views is one of many reasons individuals are against abortion. “If a child is developing in a mother’s womb, then God intended to do so” (articleclick.com). “Pro-choice” and “pro-life” are two different views in which America and the world have contemplated. Roughly speaking, there are 115,000 abortions performed every day in the world so needless to say, it has touched many individuals directly and indirectly. Additionally, my view towards abortion is rather clouded. I believe that the baby within the mother’s womb is alive and aborting that baby is killing and this is considered murder. However, as a woman, in the circumstance of incest, rape, impending health problems, or death, I would have to consider all the factors before making such a momentous decision. I feel that I would have to be in that position to make the right decision for me as well as the baby. “1% of all abortions occur because of rape or incest, 6% of abortions occur because of potential health problems regarding either the mother or child…” (abortions.org). Nonetheless, the remaining 93% of all abortions occur because of inconvenience, or sadly, birth control. It is this unnecessary 93% that I strongly disagree with.

Abortion has been argued, protested, and debated for many years because the United States and even the world have deviating opinions regarding “pro-life” and “pro-choice”. The individuals that support abortion illustrates clearly that the baby has no rights when they are in the womb. This is said to be “pro-choice” meaning the mother would have the choice to abort the baby and this is what angers those individuals opposed to abortion. As stated earlier, roughly 93% of abortions performed are due to inconvenience. This estimate is the reason why just as many oppose abortion. Moreover, the conflict of abortion shows that many individuals fight for the life of the baby and religious views also contribute to the “pro-life” argument. My view of abortion was one of uncertainty. I thought I was 100% against abortion, but being a woman, I have to consider the circumstance of incest, rape, or potential health concerns before making the decision. In other words, I am “pro-life” with the exception of incest, rape, and impending health concerns so technically that makes me “pro-choice”. For instance, if a woman who was a victim of rape became pregnant, she has to consider all situations regarding herself and the baby. Did she receive a STD that could harm her and the baby? Is the baby harming her? Is the baby sick? The woman has to think about these possibilities before she chooses. Abortion in many eyes is considered cruel, purposeful killing of an innocent human being. Abortion is a huge decision that shouldn't be taken lightly; it is life and death. Therefore, when abortion is considered an option, think about all the factors that are leading to abortion; inconvenience, a form of birth control, rape, or a health concern. “Pro-life” or “pro-choice”, there are only two options and the question is which option is the best for both the baby and the mother.


Bibliography
1. "Against Abortion: The Main Arguments." Free Articles Submit Articles Article Directory - ArticleClick.com. 2011. Web. 12 May 2011. .
2. "Abortion Statistics." AbortionNO.org / The Center for Bio-Ethical Reform. 1998. Web. 12 May 2011. .
3. "Pro-Choice Abortion." Popular Issues - AllAboutPopularIssues.org. 2011. Web. 12 May 2011. .

Comparative Essay

Jena Hughes
Mrs. Boresen
Expository Writing, P.4
Comparative Essay
06 May 2011

The Secret to the Slipper

“All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.” ~Walt Disney (Thinkexist.com). The film Cinderella, its creator Walt Disney, and the words of the Secret are all comparable. The story of the classic 1949 film Cinderella and Walt Disney demonstrate through their success, the techniques of the Secret. Furthermore, the Secret is simply the “answer” to receiving what is desired. In other words faith, and Cinderella is a story showing the Secret in action.

“When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable.” ~ Walt Disney (Thinkexist.com). The Secret stresses that if an individual is longing for an object, an entity, or simply anything the heart desires, believe in it, believe it is already in possession and one day it will come. Cinderella is a story of faith, patience and destiny. Cinderella the character, was the master of her outcome; her outcome of a happily ever after. “Believe that it’s already yours. Have what I love to call unwavering faith. Believing in the unseen.” ~Lisa Nichols (The Secret). Additionally, the cognitive thoughts of a person are what allow that individual to receive what is being desired, according to the Secret. “All that we are is a result of what we have thought…What we think, we become.” ~Buddha (The Secret). Philosophers, visionaries, psychologists, and professors from the lectures of the Secret accentuate that positive thinking provides a positive outcome; the preferred result. Walt Disney is the perfect exemplar of portraying positive thinking. Walt Disney was a dreamer. In fact, he was the biggest dreamer in many eyes of the world. He used the techniques of the Secret, and therefore became the world known creator of animation and synchronized sound, and it all began with a dream. His dream was tossed aside, thrown in the trash, and nearly stolen several times, but he believed that someday his work would be seen. "All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me ... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you." ~ Walt Disney (Tripod.com). Today, he is and will always be the greatest creator of animation and that became possible when Disney refused to give up and believe; he had faith in himself and in his work. “Somehow I can't believe that there are any heights that can't be scaled by a man who knows the secrets of making dreams come true. This special secret, it seems to me, can be summarized in four C s. They are Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, and Constancy and the greatest of these is Confidence.” ~Walt Disney (Inspiration-Oasis.com). Walt Disney was living flesh of the Secret which was clearly evident by his masterful works; Pinocchio, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and of course Cinderella. I believe no other Walt Disney film portrays the Secret more clearly than the timeless classic Cinderella. Cinderella is a film that demonstrates many techniques of the Secret and Cinderella the character was too a dreamer, just as her creator. She believed that she was much more than a servant regardless of being in the clutch of her evil stepmother and stepsisters. She cleaned, cooked, and washed with a positive attitude and then her dream was at her doorstep. The night of the ball, she was led in like a fish on a hook by her stepmother and then she was torn apart by her stepsisters, physically and emotionally. However, she didn’t let that stand in her way of getting to the ball. She made it to the ball and found true love. Indeed, Cinderella was more than a house servant; she was a beautiful, kind, and intelligent woman who became a princess. Using the techniques of the Secret, Cinderella had faith in herself, believed there was more to life than just being a servant, she never gave up, and she maintained a positive mind even when the evil things of the world knocked her down. Cinderella was successful using the methods of the Secret and obviously Walt Disney was triumphant in sharing the Secret within his award acclaiming masterpieces. Furthermore, the song, A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes uses the words of the Secret. “If you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true.” ~ (Cinderella, 1949). Additionally, the meaning of the Secret and the meaning of the movie proves that one can be successful if they believe in the impossible and they can choose what their outcome will be. Cinderella was successful by transforming from a peasant to a princess, because she believed and she chose her outcome which was to live happily ever after. “You are the Michelangelo of your own life.” ~ Dr. Joe Vatale (The Secret).

One of the greatest fairy-tale classics Cinderella lives out her story using the techniques from the Secret. Cinderella’s story of desire and dreams becoming reality turned into one of the most loved fairy-tales of all time. Indeed, her story was the Secret. Walt Disney was the father of animation, and he never gave up on his dream, because he believed and demonstrated it over and over in his life’s work. However, the Secret wasn’t in print or a film in the 1950’s, yet the Secret was represented everywhere. If an individual desires something and wants to be successful in receiving what they want, believe it is in possession, believe in oneself, and most importantly, do not give up on dreams. Life is full of happiness and unfortunately disappointment, but believing in your dreams, letting magic happen, and not letting the world overcome you, dreams really can come true and you will be successful. “If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse.” ~Walt Disney (The Secret, p.43).

Bibliography
1. Byrne, Rhonda. The Secret. New York: Atria, 2006. Print.
2. Cinderella. By William Peed, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton S. Luske, Clyde Geronimi, Ben Sharpsteen, Ub Iwerks, C. O. Slyfield, Donald Halliday, Al Teeter, Oliver Wallace, Paul J. Smith, Mack David, Jerry Livingston, Al Hoffman, Joseph Dubin, Mac Stewart, Eric Larson, Don Lusk, Ilene Woods, Eleanor Audley, Verna Felton, Brey Claire Du, Rhoda Williams, and Rooten Luis Van. Distributed by Buena Vista Film Distribution Co., 1949. Videocassette.
3. "Cinderella Lyrics, A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes Lyrics." SoundTrack Lyrics Source #1. Any Movie, Musical, TV, Cartoon! Web. 04 May 2011. http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/classicdisney/adreamisawishyourheartmakes.htm.
4. "The Secret." Lecture. 06 Apr. 2011. 2011. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. .
5. "Walt Disney Quotes." Find the Famous Quotes You Need, ThinkExist.com Quotations. 2010. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. .
6. "Walt Disney Quotes." Inspirational Quotes. 2010. Web. 06 May 2011. .
7. "Walt Disney Quotes." The Disney Space. Web. 06 May 2011. .

Cover Letter

424 LaCosta Ln.
Johnstown, CO 80534



21 April 2011



Lauren Weber
Project Director
711 8th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631

Dear Ms. Weber:

I wish to apply for the Foundation Scholarship. I believe my excellent academic achievements and community work makes me a good candidate for this scholarship. I wish to become a labor and delivery nurse and plan to attend the University of Northern Colorado. This scholarship will assist me in reaching that goal.

Throughout high school, I have maintained excellence in my academic classes while volunteering in the surrounding community. I am in my final year at Roosevelt High School and I am currently holding a 3.99 GPA and ranked 2nd in my class. In addition to my academic load, such as Chemistry and Pre-Calculus, I am a member of the National Honor Society, FCA, and the Varsity Volleyball team. These activities have required extra time and effort and have taught me a lot about who I am and who I want to be. The Foundation Scholarship will assist me in that process.

In addition to my academic record, I am involved in the community as well. I am a leader at Vacation Bible School every summer and I also volunteer every year at the 9News Health Fair. Furthermore, I volunteer at the annual Fun in the Sun event. You are looking for a candidate with determination and passion in the classroom and in the community. I have challenged myself in my academics and I have spent many hours volunteering in the community. I have also contributed to my community by working at the Nelson Baseball Fields and being a nanny to many children. Volunteering and working in the community is a wonderful experience.

I have enclosed copies of my ACT score, FASFA Aid Report, and Letters of Recommendation. I can be contacted at 970-587-2275 and at my email, jhughes424@gmail.com. Thank you for your time, consideration, and all that you do for the communities of Weld County.

Sincerely,



Jena Hughes

Inspirational Novel

It could have been the magenta colored cover or even the bolded words; love inspired across the top of the cover. It could have also been the title, A Perfect Love written by Lenora Worth. This little yet intriguing novel changed my outlook on life.

I was fifteen years old when I checked out A Perfect Love from the local library. When I picked up the book and read the back cover, I was instantly engrossed. I began reading and the main character, Summer Maxwell was attempting to get away from the hustle and demand of New York City. She was a counselor of battered women at the YWCA and she was exhausted both physically and mentally. Physically because she was up when the sun came up and she worked for hours on end. Mentally because of the negative perks of working with individuals who are so troubled. Summer decided she needed a break and decided to take a leave of absence and return home to Athens, Texas. Athens was a small but lively town and that was where her grandparents lived and that was her childhood home. However, just miles away from Athens, her radiator in her car exhausted. Of course that was the last thing she wanted to happen. All Summer wanted to do was get home and be in the comforting embrace of her dear grandparents. Fortunately a pickup pulled off to the shoulder of the road. A tall, handsome man named Mack Riley stepped out and assisted Summer. Mack Riley was a gentle, kind man with a secret in which Summer would soon discover. Summer though made it very clear she wasn’t back in town to fall in love, or so she thought. However, that began to change as the two young people began to grow close throughout the novel.

I am always the friend or the friend who gives the relationship advice. I am never the girlfriend or even the best friend. This at the time was making me exceptionally frustrated, but I began to read this inspiring novel. Fifteen years old is a young and innocent age where everything is changing and this novel gave me a positive outlook on life. The morals and values within this book gave me hope that there are people that I could trust, love and forgive.
Summer Maxwell reminds me of myself. She gives one hundred percent in everything she does and she too is a perfectionist. She also has had disappointment and hurt in her life. She held her heart on her sleeve but it continued to get tattered and misused. Therefore, she closed her heart off and put a protective shield around it. She didn’t want to risk getting her heart broken so she hardened it.

Mack Riley had a secret that would change Summer’s life forever. He bought the one hundred year old farmhouse, her house. He did this to start over in a new town with new people. She found this out when Mack drove her to grandparents’ retirement village, Golden Vista. She was furious in the beginning, but Mack’s charm and generosity changed that. She, despite wanting to hate his guts began to love him and that was what she needed. The lesson was even if Summer didn’t want love, she needed it. She learned that she could love somebody and trust somebody through loving and trusting Mack. That inspired me in a way that even in the toughest of circumstances; I could love and trust someone else. This novel also showed me that I should forgive the person I love even when they have hurt me. Mack bought and took the only home Summer had, but in the end she forgave him. My dad who died of an overdose was the biggest hurt in my life, but I forgave him and now I have peace.

Summer grew to love Mack, a kind, charming, and sincere man. The moral of the story was that even in the toughest of circumstances, one can love, trust, and forgive. Mack bought Summer’s only home and that brought the two of them together. They developed a love that both Mack and Summer needed. A Perfect Love written by Lenora Worth was a book that showed me that I can trust someone, love someone, and forgive someone in a way that I could understand.

Sacrifice

Jena Hughes
Mrs. Boresen
Expository Writing, P.4
Definition Essay
24 March 2011

Sacrifice

Everyone has a word(s) that define their life and who they are, nevertheless, the word sacrifice defines who I am and how I apply it to my life. Initially, what does it mean to sacrifice? According to the World English Dictionary, the noun meaning of sacrifice is the surrender of something of value as a means of gaining something more desirable or of preventing some evil. Additionally, the verb meaning of sacrifice according to Dictionary.com is to surrender or give up, or permit injury or disadvantage to, for the sake of something else. In my opinion, sacrifice is the act in which something is relinquished for the sake of something of a greater value or significance. Imagine competing in the Iron Man triathlon; 4 km swimming, 180 km biking, and 42 km running. Now imagine attempting that while pulling a 150 pound person, carrying a 150 pound person, and pushing a 150 pound person despite living with a heart disease, that’s sacrifice. “Sacrificing your happiness for the happiness of the one you love, is by far, the truest type of love” ~Author Unknown (ThinkExist.com).

Sacrifice, a word that many don’t understand or appreciate when it is put into action. Those who sacrifice most of the time don’t recognize the extent or enormity of their sacrifice. Since the very beginning, humans have sacrificed. Most times to earn respect or acknowledgement of their god(s). The ancient Aztec civilizations had recurring sacrificial ceremonies to show homage to their deity. The most well known sacrifice of the human race was Jesus Christ. Not only was it a sacrifice for Jesus, it was a sacrifice of his father. Modern day sacrifice is not as substantial as it was in the Aztec civilization or the crucifixion of Jesus. While looking closely at people today in America, daily sacrifices are seen. An instance of this is a mother devoting her night of restful sleep to comfort her upset child. A mother and father working staggering shifts so their children don’t have to be in daycare. Additionally, I sacrificed my 18th birthday party to celebrate my grandfather’s 80th birthday party. The sacrifices of today could be considered small, but they are every bit as important as the one they are sacrificing for.

Throughout the world and throughout history, many objects have been sacrificed. Animals, food, time, and lives have all been sacrificed. In early civilizations, the blood of a human or animal was sacrificed to honor, or to please their deity. Many individuals have sacrificed food for health reasons as well. Perhaps, the most common sacrifice of today is time. For instance, an individual spends their entire Saturday helping an elderly neighbor clean their yard or spending an evening visiting those individuals who are ill in the hospital; these individuals are sacrificing their time for others. Furthermore, the biblical story of Abraham and his sacrifice of his son was a powerful story of sacrificial love. Abraham was going to obey the command from God and sacrifice his young son Isaac. He loved his son dearly, but he also loved and wanted to obey God. This story of sacrificial love is probably one of the hardest acts of true sacrifice. However, sacrificial love doesn’t always entail death; it can include pain and suffering.

Pain and suffering is exactly what Dick Hoyt, the father of a twenty year old disabled young man, Rick Hoyt experienced when he competed in the Iron Man triathlon. For it was not only physical pain and suffering it was an emotional sacrifice as well. He knew that his son who had asked him to compete in this race with him could not do it himself. For that reason, the father spent many hours training for this event with his son by his side even with an underlying heart disease. He swam 4 km while pulling his son in a raft, he endured 180 km of bicycling with his son strapped to the front of his bike, and he ran 42 km pushing his son. The Hoyt duo finished the race as a team several hours behind the other competitors, but their everlasting strength and love, and the father’s sacrifice allowed them to finish the most grueling race on the planet.

The ultimate question, why do people sacrifice? The father sacrificed his health and time, because of his love for his disabled son. That is a sacrifice of love. Likewise, the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was the ultimate sacrifice of love. Jesus sacrificed his life for the love he had for every person in this world. He gave up his strength, body, and life to obey his father. This therefore, was not only an act of sacrificial love; it was an act of sacrificial obedience. True sacrifice is merely about why they are sacrificing, and it is irrelevant where the sacrifice takes place. With that being said, sacrifice takes place in family homes all over the world. Moreover, sacrifice can be seen on the faces of soldiers in foreign lands. Sometimes the soldiers experience the ultimate sacrifice in these far away places by giving up their own life. Sacrifice takes place anywhere someone is willing to give up something for someone else. The father put his life on hold to train and compete in the Iron Man race for his undeniable love of his son, because he knew his son would never be able to do this race without him.

Understanding the five W’s of sacrifice allows acknowledgment of the depth and significance of the action. Who sacrifices? What is sacrificed? When does someone sacrifice something? Where do these acts of sacrifice take place? Why does someone sacrifice for someone else? Sacrifice in action is truly a selfless act of compassion and love. Sacrifice is love put into action. I sacrifice, because I possess a definite love for that person and it gives me contentment in my life. “He who would accomplish little must sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much; he who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.”~James Allen (Proverbia.net).


Bibliography
1. "Abraham's Sacrifice of His Son Isaac Bible Story." JesusAnswers.com Christian Web Site. 2006. Web. 01 Mar. 2011 .
2. "Aztec Sacrifice." Aztec History. Web. 01 Mar. 2011. http://www.aztec- history.com/aztec-sacrifice.html.
3. Allen, James. "Self-sacrifice Quotes - Quotations and Famous Quotes on Self-sacrifice." Famous Quotes, Quotations and Proverbs in Proverbia.net. 2009. Web. 23 Mar. 2011. .
4. "Sacrifice Define Sacrifice at Dictionary.com." Dictionary.com Free Online Dictionary for English Definitions. Random House, Inc. Web. 01 Mar. 2011. .
5. "Sacrifice." Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition. HarperCollins Publishers. 03 Mar. 2011. .
6. My Redeemer Lives - Team Hoyt - Today's Christian Videos - GodTube. Perf. Dick and Rick Hoyt. Watch Christian Videos - Video Sharing Site - GodTube. 17 Mar. 2008. Web. 01 Mar. 2011. .
7. "Quotes." Find the Famous Quotes You Need, ThinkExist.com Quotations. Web. 03 Mar. 2011. .

Expository Writing Portfolio

https://sites.google.com/site/expositorywritingportfolio/

Future Plans

Each individual's future is going to be different. Some may go to college, others might become a mechanic. Some individuals may even join the peace core or travel the world, but so few really know what they are going to do. I definitely know that within the next five years, I will be studying a career in the medical field. There is such a huge spectrum of careers in the medical field, such as a nutritionist, an occupational therapist, all way to a medical doctor. As of right now, I am sure that I want to help others transition back to a better and healthier life.

To accomplish this, however I need to challenge myself in career related classes or programs. Those include Human Anatomy and Physiology, AP Biology, and perhaps in college, Kinesiology. However, preparing myself for the future goes beyond the knowledge, it also concerns the mental aspect. Having a determined mind will give that extra push to get that ten-page essay done, study just twenty more minutes, or simply roll out of bed to get to an early class on time with just two hours of sleep. That doesn't sound simple, that sounds like torture, but to get to the finishing line which in this case is graduation, having a mind that is positive and determined will help me get there.

I want to become a Physical Therapist or an OBG Nurse which is a nurse that helps with the mothers and babies. Studying for one of those careers is going to be difficult and sometimes feel impossible, but it will give me that feeling of success and satisfaction that this world does not know how to achieve. These plans for college and beyond college start now and to push towards that, I need to gain the knowledge and mentally prepare for my time to shine. That time to shine is coming and coming fast, whether I’m ready or not.

Letter to Recommender #3

424 LaCosta Lane
Johnstown, CO 80534
(970)-587-2275
08 February 2011


Mrs. Jennifer Boresen
Expository Writing Instructor
Roosevelt High School
Johnstown, CO 80534


Dear Mrs. Boresen,

As mentioned earlier, I am planning to apply to Doane College, University of Nebraska Kearney, and the University of Northern Colorado. I would appreciate it to a great extent if you would write me a letter of recommendation and email your letter to me at jhughes424@gmail.com. Due to the fact that I was in Speech with you and now Expository Writing, you know the quality of my academic work, as well as my qualities as a person, and my potential in the near future.

As my instructor for writing, you are familiar with my writing techniques, my work ethic, and my desire to understand. I definitely feel that you sense whether I have the qualities needed to succeed in my college education or not. I am asking for a letter of recommendation from you because I am applying for a scholarship that will give me a significant amount of money so I can succeed in my future education in the medical field. I have volunteered for the past three years at the 9News heath fair in Milliken and put Haiti care kits together to help those devastated by the earthquake in early 2010. I have also had the experience of shadowing a Physical Therapist. Additionally, I have been working on an epilepsy awareness project for my seven year old cousin Kirstin. By doing these projects, I have been preparing myself for a career in medicine.

Please email your letter to me at jhughes424@gmail.com by February 25. Thank you for your help, and I appreciate you taking the time to write this letter for me. Let me know if you need additional information. (Phone (970)-396-5773 or my email).

Yours sincerely,


Jena Hughes

Enclosures: Resume and Recommendation Guidelines

Letter to Recommender #2

424 LaCosta Lane
Johnstown, CO 80534
(970)-587-2275
08 February 2011


Mrs. Breken Santeramo
Youth Pastor
United Methodist Church
Johnstown, CO 80534


Dear Mrs. Santeramo,

As we have discussed before, I am planning to apply to Doane College, University of Nebraska Kearney, and the University of Northern Colorado. I would appreciate it to a great extent if you would write me a letter of recommendation and email your letter to me at jhughes424@gmail.com. I have been involved with youth group for three years or so. Not to mention, I have known you for nearly ten years now. You know the quality of my community work, as well as my qualities as a person and my potential in the near future.

As my mentor and a friend, you know my goals, my involvement in the community, and my desire to be the best person I can be. I definitely feel that you sense whether I have the qualities needed to succeed in my college education or not. I am asking for a letter of recommendation from you because I am applying for a scholarship that will give me a significant amount of money so I can succeed in my future education in the medical field. I have volunteered for the past three years at the 9News heath fair in Milliken and put Haiti care kits together to help those devastated by the earthquake in early 2010. I have also had the experience of shadowing a Physical Therapist. Additionally, I have been working on an epilepsy awareness project for my seven year old cousin Kirstin. By doing these projects, I have been preparing myself for a career in medicine.

Please email your letter to me at jhughes424@gmail.com by February 25. Thank you for your help, and I appreciate you taking the time to write this letter for me. Let me know if you need additional information. (Phone (970)-396-5773 or my email).

Yours sincerely,


Jena Hughes

Enclosures: Resume and Recommendation Guidelines

Letter to Recommender #1

424 LaCosta Lane
Johnstown, CO 80534
(970)-587-2275
08 February 2011


Mrs. Christine Vickers
Math Instructor
Roosevelt High School
Johnstown, CO 80534


Dear Mrs. Vickers,

I am planning to apply to Doane College, University of Nebraska Kearney, and the University of Northern Colorado. I would appreciate it to a great extent if you would write me a letter of recommendation and email your letter to me at jhughes424@gmail.com. Due to the fact that I have taken Algebra II with you my sophomore year and also have worked with you in the National Honor Society, you know the quality of my academic and community work, as well as my qualities as a person and my potential in the near future.

As my teacher in mathematics, you know my grades, my work ethic, and my desire to fully understand the topic. I definitely feel that you sense whether I have the qualities needed to succeed in my college education or not. I am asking for a letter of recommendation from you because I am applying for a scholarship that will give me a significant amount of money so I can succeed in my future education in the medical field. I have volunteered for the past three years at the 9News heath fair in Milliken and I also have had the experience of shadowing a Physical Therapist. Additionally, I have been working on an epilepsy awareness project for my seven year old cousin Kirstin. By doing these projects I have been preparing myself for a career in medicine.

Please email your letter to me at jhughes424@gmail.com by February 25. Thank you for your help, and I appreciate you taking the time to write this letter for me. Let me know if you need additional information. (Phone (970)-396-5773 or my email).

Yours sincerely,


Jena Hughes

Enclosures: Resume and Recommendation Guidelines

The "You" Question-Colorado Christian University

A black and white perception of the world is set in stone and factual; however, life is not set in stone and neither is faith. Faith is grey, therefore making it difficult for me to grasp and understand, I can't see it or touch it, and with faith I am determined to be the person that God has created me to be. Determination is my best quality: I am Jena: I am wise with an old soul yearning for fairness in my life. I have endured great hardship and loss, yet it has made me stronger and wiser. I have risen above my father’s death, and it has made me determined not to be moved by peer pressure, but by the pressure of living life to its fullest. As simple as that may sound, living my life to its fullest has opened my eyes to who I really am. I am passionate, determined, and a perfectionist.

Passion is the feeling of ultimate significance or a desired object or entity. Passion is the thought of wanting something more than ever imagined possible. With passion yearning in my heart and soul, determination is the action taken to fulfill that passion. Determination is what helps me through those difficult tasks and obstacles and with passion in my heart and a determined mind, those difficult obstacles can be fought through. When I was in tenth grade, I got the honor of playing starting, middle position on the Varsity Volleyball team at my high school; however, when practice began, I felt something was wrong. I couldn't perform the way I knew I could, and I was getting frustrated, along with my coaches, because we all knew I could perform better. Unfortunately, after the season was over, my right ankle became worse, and a few months later I discovered my ligaments were stretched. I was playing on an ankle that was not protected and was at risk of breaking my ankle and tearing my tendon. In fact, I had ligament reconstruction surgery during my junior year, and I was determined to get back on the court the fall season of my senior year. The ankle injury made me determined to find the love for volleyball again, as well as determined to earn my position back. My best quality obviously is determination, but my worst quality is my perfectionist nature.

Perfection is what goes through my mind every time I attempt a task, including every academic assignment, volleyball game, and relations with others. I rely on myself because it is easy. Relying on others and having trust in others is somewhat difficult. I had trust that my dad would sober up and be a father to my sister and me, but his addiction killed him. I wanted to be in control of what happened to him, but that came to a halt when he died. Perfection allows me to be in control, and if I'm in control I have the feeling that I won't get hurt. I have since learned that not only can I not control other people, but I can't even control, or perfect every aspect of my life. Perfection is my worst quality, and it is also the quality I hope to see wither away. I wish to only stop and smell the flower and not to analyze the possible imperfection of the flower. Letting God be in control and not me would enhance my life greatly which brings me to the quality I wish to see flourish in my life, and that is faith. If I stop trying to control and perfect everything and allow faith to flourish and believe that God will take care of me, perfection will automatically wither.

Faith is a difficult concept for me to grasp. Faith is grey and it is believing in what you cannot see. For example, believing and having faith in something as simple as my newly reconstructed ankle, believing that it not only will hold me the rest of my life, but that it will endure varsity volleyball and perhaps even college ball. It is no coincidence that I am writing this paper and that its main focus is faith. Faith is obviously something that I need to work on and what God wants me to develop. If I yield to what God has in store for me, my future, and my life, I am letting him take over. I can then see the world in its many vibrant colors and once that happens, I will have truly embraced faith.