Dear USC Film School Admissions Committee,

It is my pleasure to recommend Mei Ling Chen for admission to your film program. As her high school English teacher and mentor for the past three years, I have had the privilege of watching Ms. Chen grow into an exceptionally talented and passionate young filmmaker.

From the moment Mei Ling stepped into my classroom, her creativity, insight, and dedication to the craft of storytelling were apparent. Her writing assignments consistently demonstrated a crisp and clear point of view, a unique voice, and a keen eye for detail. These qualities shine through brilliantly in her films, which tackle complex themes with sensitivity, nuance, and a maturity beyond her years.

Outside of the classroom, Mei Ling has pursued every opportunity to hone her skills and gain hands-on experience in filmmaking. During my time as her teacher, I watched Mei Ling:

• Serve as director and editor for our school's video production club, leading a team of 15 students in creating short films and documentaries
• Write, direct, and produce a short film that won first place in a regional student film competition
• Complete a summer internship at a local independent film studio, where she assisted in script development, pre-production planning, and on-set tasks

Her tireless work ethic, collaborative spirit, and ability to inspire others make her an invaluable asset to any creative team.

What truly sets Mei Ling apart, however, is her boundless dedication to the craft of filmmaking. She is one of my only students who routinely seeks out feedback on her work and seems to relish it. She is constantly pushing herself to grow as an artist and storyteller, often doing readings and finding films that fell far outside of the required reading in my class.

She also has an intuitive sense that for a film to teach or education, it must first entertain.

I have no doubt that Mei Ling would thrive in the rigorous, creatively stimulating environment of USC's film program. She possesses the talent, drive, and vision to make a meaningful contribution to the world of cinema, and I wholeheartedly believe that your program would provide her with the tools and opportunities she needs to realize her immense potential.

Thank you for considering Mei Ling Chen for admission. I am confident that she will raise the bar for next year's incoming class of filmmakers.

Sincerely,

Zara Abidi
English Teacher
Oakwood High School