<p>I don’t know if I should use this reccomendation, and would also like to know what specifically schools like Harvard (to which I am applying) are looking for in a recommendation. Here is what my teacher sent me:</p>
<p>I have known Jane for almost 4 years in my role as the staff advisor for the schools DECA Club. DECA is an organization of high-school students who are interested in improving their chances of success in the world. They have meetings after school challenging themselves to deal with assorted case studies and business problems, and they participate in competitions with other students at the local, regional, provincial, and if successful there, the international level. This happened in the spring of 2013, when she finished 4th overall in the provincial competition in a major 30 page case presentation to develop a business plan, and won the right to be one of 500 Ontario students going to Anaheim to compete against students from all over the United States. Again, she distinguished herself by placing in the top ten of the 250-odd people in her category.</p>
<p>Jane was a very quiet student when I first met her, but her experiences last year have given her a great deal of confidence, along with an increased level of optimism and ambition. She is a well-grounded girl of good moral character and works well with other people. She has always been extremely respectful to others. In this her final year of high school, she is noticeably branching out to get involved in other activities while still maintaining her academic levels. I have personally noticed how easily she gets along and blends in with others on overnight (and longer) trips with other students.</p>
<p>I find her to be a thoughtful and approachable young lady whom I have no trouble recommending for post-secondary opportunities at your institution.</p>