In the Time of Butterflies

To Whom It May Concern:

I am honored to recommend Minerva Mirabal for admission to the University of Dominican Republic Political Science program. As her neighbor for 15 years I have watched her develop both academically and personally into a mature individual ready in every way to attend your distinguished University.

Minerva is a very intelligent, determined, independent, brave, dedicated, and compassionate woman. Her grades at the Immaculada Catholic School and the Dominican Republic School of Law were consistently above average in all of her courses, and she has actively participated in a diverse assortment of extracurricular activities, especially ones that will be helpful in attaining a political science degree.

Minerva has also spent considerable time outside the school involved in the community. She organized a revolutionary interest group that helped educate the public on President Trujillo's evil reign of power. Many citizens did not realize the fierce brutality and political terror caused by the Trujillo regime.

Unlike many students who are not sure which field to pursue, Minerva has made it clear to everyone that her goal is to serve as a political representative for the Dominican Republic. As a result, she has worked tirelessly in mentoring others to support justice and a stable government.

In closing, let me take a moment to recount Minerva's strengths which speak volumes about the superior nature of this woman. The following personality traits make Minerva an excellent candidate to att'end your highly respected University:

1. Dedicataion: Minerva at a young age attended the Immaculada Catholic School for girls. She learned from a fellow student, Sinita, that Trujillo was an evil man who killed anyone who threatened his power. Minerva decided to dedicate her life to overthrowing President Trujillo's dictatorship.

2. Determination: Minerva knows how important education is for improving the life of individuals and society. She wanted to become a lawyer and found a devious way to attend law school. Minerva knew the best way to challenge the government was to become a lawyer before becoming a revolutionary.

3. Bravery: Minerva was brave since her childhood. She asked her parents at a young age if she could go away to Catholic school with her sister and leave home. She later risked her life to help free her country from Trujillo's dictatorship.

4.Respect: Minerva knew that men should be respectful to women. When President Trujillo made inappropriate physical advances to her, she slapped him, although she knew it would lead to painful repressions.

5.Creativity: Minerva created a plan to overthrow the government. She knew the citizens of the D.R. needed to be educated on the Trujillo regime and their wrong doings before they would believe in a revolution. She wrote, copied and distributed posters showing Trujillo's