How can I help you today, Alice?
Well, I came to talk to you because I want to apply for a scholarship.
Oh, good. You're an excellent student. I'd be very willing to help you with that.
Thanks. I really appreciate it. In fact, I do need a letter of recommendation for this scholarship.
What kind of scholarship is it?
It's an undergraduate scholarship offered by the American Minority Students Scholarship Association. I'm eligible for it because I'm Asian American.
Fine. I know about that scholarship. You have to be a student in your junior year, and you have to have a grade point average of 3. 7 or higher.
I'm a junior now, and my GPA is 3. 92.
Excellent. So you'll have a good chance of getting it.
Well, I hope so. The competition is probably pretty heavy. And they want a writing sample too.
Do you have an essay you want to send them?
No, they want a special essay. I must write an essay on a particular question they pose.
What is the question?
They give applicants a topic. The topic is, The Place of Ethnic Minorities in a Democratic Society. My essay must be three pages typed and double-spaced.
That's a pretty short essay.
Yes, but I need to write it by next week.
Good luck. I'm sure you will do a good job.
I came here today to talk to you because. . . Well, I need to ask two favors.
Sure. What are they?
First, I need a letter of recommendation.
I'd be happy to write one for you.
And second. . . . Well, I'm not sure if it's normal.
What is it? Do you want me to read your essay?
Yes, if you could. I mean, if you could read it to make sure there are no mistakes. Or maybe you'd have some suggestions.
Of course I could read it. That's no problem. But you need to get it to me soon.
I will. I want to write the first draft tonight. So I could bring it tomorrow morning.
Alright. If you can bring it to me tomorrow morning, I can talk with you after class on Friday. So I'll have some feedback for you before the weekend.
That would really help me a lot. I'm very grateful.