March 15, 2019

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Cristina Cardenas for this scholarship. I have known
Cristina for almost four years as her former Upward Bound Outreach Advisor. Cristina joined
the Upward Bound Program because she knew she wanted to go to college, but did not know
how to get there. This program gives the guidance she needs as a first-generation college bound
student to navigate the complex system that college and financial aid can be. Additionally,
Cristina has taken advantage of the extra opportunities for academic growth that the program
offers, attending additional math, science, and English classes during the school year and the
summer. She has pushed herself to take the more rigorous classes, such as AP and Honors
courses. Cristina is talented academically, so she has unlimited potential when it comes to her
success in college. She has excelled in these courses, so there is no doubt that she is capable and
motivated to take and pass college-level courses.

Cristina has many remarkable qualities and has overcome much in her life. I learned about
Cristina’s home life when her older brother joined the Upward Bound Program four years before
her. I continued to witness her family's dire situation when her older sister participated in
Upward Bound during her high school years, which has continued as Cristina attended high
school. Cristina lives with several people in a very small space. They rely on her father’s meager
earnings to make ends meet.

Cristina is the definition of perseverance. She knows her way out of the situation is through
College of education. She joined Upward Bound and Student Rising Above to give herself every chance
Education she could to get out. Cristina is able to prioritize her academics. When she struggles, she asks
for help. Even now, despite my leaving Upward Bound to pursue my own academic endeavors,
Education Policy
Cristina still texts me for math and English help, as she did when I worked with her. I know the
PhD Program
most successful students in college are those who know how and when to use their resources.
Michigan State University
207 Erickson Hall
620 Farm Lane I can think of no one more worthy and deserving of receiving this scholarship. It is without
East Lansing, MI 48824
reservation that I strongly and enthusiastically recommend Cristina Cardenas.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at chamb371@msu.edu.

Sincerely,

Andrea Chambers
Education Policy Doctoral Student
College of Education
Michigan State University