Recommendation for Lloyd Peterson
In spring 1999, when I heard the then-junior class would be receiving a new college guidance counselor in the middle of our already uncertain college application process, I was ready to find every flaw in "the new guy." I felt like the school was putting our hard work on the line and risking our college acceptance by changing pathfinders in the middle of our already disorienting journey, leaving us lost in the woods.
That was all before I met Lloyd Peterson. The first day I met him was when I took an "extra long lunch" from my summer research position and hauled my suspicious, scornful attitude into his underfumished office. I had worked hard for this college thing, and I didn't know what to expect. Lucky for me that Mr. Peterson was better than anything I could have expected.
Professionally, he is at the top of his field. He often describes how it is an entirely different experience to be "on this side of the desk." For someone who has never been on the volatile, emotional, high school side of college admissions, he handles himself surprisingly well with poise, confidence, and most importantly, a kind heart and an open ear. He speaks frankly and from experience, but never harshly, and is perhaps even more skilled at the art of listening than at the art of giving advice. When I didn't know what to write for my optional essay, he gave me the questions to answer. When I was scared to write about racial quotas in my college application, he gave the courage and confidence to do so. When I cried, he gave me a tissue.
Personally, he is one of the most open and honest people I know. I've talked to him about everything that is important to me, and he has listened with interest and attention. Though I may have appeared detached or aloof in the beginning, I quickly learned that Mr. Peterson was someone I could trust to help me navigate my future. If I had been deferred or rejected from Princeton, I could have come in and cried on his shoulder and I believe he would have been as disappointed, if not more so, than I was. He takes a personal stake in his kids, and feeling that sense of caring emulate from him made this tumultuous time in all of our lives not only more bearable, but even enjoyable. In addition to being a rare and precious element of the Rutgers Prep community, he has added a rare and precious chapter to my life over this past year. As a professional, as a person, as a counselor, and as a friend,
Lloyd Peterson has helped shape who I am and where I'm going. The only way I feel I can suitably express my gratitude to him is to write him this recommendation. The only way I feel I can give back to Rutgers Prep what they have given to me in Lloyd Peterson is to hope that he may have the same impact on the other bewildered, apprehensive people who walk into his offce children and leave young adults. He is himself, a true scholar, and a truly honorable individual, and I thank him for everything he has done for me.
Sincerely yours, Kristin L. Checchio
graduate and appreciative friend May 25, 2000