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Irene Wang
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93117

Dear Irene:

Double majoring in physics and chemistry is not easy, and making your dream into
reality is even harder. The main goal of this letter is to provide you with a guideline for
how to success in academic areas during college and beyond in life. There are three
essential qualities a good scholar should possess, they are simple yet hard to achieve, so
it is important to set a goal and point out a path here that could lead to success later.

The first goal is about reading. Reading is key for a better understanding of the world
around. Jahren says in her book the Lab Girl that reading is a type of working that a
reader needs to put some effort into it, and will realize each part of the reading has its
own meaning and worth, which the process of reading and absorbing information will
bring a better understanding of a subject to the reader (16). The objective of this goal is
to read more book in various academic areas, not limited to majors related type. To be
more specific, this goal is to read more books in humanity, for example, in art, history,
and literature. To make this objective into reality, classes related to humanity and science
should be taken. For instance, UCSB offers courses related to Shakespeare, which will
enhance the understanding of the origin of English and social rules from another period.
Moreover, while taking major related classes, you should go find additional reading
about what you are most interested about the class topics. For example, reading research
articles in science about chemistry, physics, and biology will help with comprehension
and thinking for your majors. This is important for finding specific area of interest and
developing deeper understanding for future studies.

The second goal is about writing. Sufficient writing skill is essential for academic success.
The objective of this goal is to make you into experienced writer at describing,
summarizing, and interpreting literature and record. However, no one starts perfect. In
the book, Bird by Bird, the author Lamott believes “Almost all good writing begins with
terrible first efforts.” (25) Writing is a process of working towards the ideal final
product. It is not important where to begin compare to how to improve later. So, to learn
the technique of how to write and achieve the goal of being an effective writer, related
classes should be taken to establish in-depth guideline. For instance, UCSB offers a
writing class specific to professional in the science field. There is a class WRIT HP4 called
writing for health professionals. This is consistent with one of your future goals so should
be incorporated into your class schedule. Furthermore, you should pay particular
attention to how to write a good lab report in chemistry and physics laboratory. This is a
critical skill of being a scientist in any field. Lastly, you should also take classes that are
outside the major and gain understanding in a broader spectrum of the world.
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The third goal is improvement in communication skill. Communication is a crucial skill

when working in groups, which is most of the case in academic disciplines, and is an
indicator if the group project will be successful or not. Jahren emphasizes the importance
of communication in workplace in Lab girl. When she was working in the hospital
shooting intravenous bags, it was important for her to communicate with supervisors and
coworkers to make sure she was making the right solution, the right amount, to the right
patient. Which is something can impact life of others. (39) Communication is happening
all the time in everyone’s life, so it is important to learn the how to communicate clearly
and effectively. The objective of such goal is to be effective at communicating with peers
and coworkers. The essential strategy for achieving the goal is practice: engage in public
working experience that requires communication, and involve in research that
emphasizes heavily on communication. Specific plans for you are, first involve in
chemistry, physics and clinical research to learn how to effectively communicating with
team members and professors in scientific jargon. Secondly, involve with AMR and
working for the ambulance learn to develop partnership and how to work with another
person in close contact and critical situation. Last experience is volunteer in a retirement
home, learn how to communication with an unfamiliar age group with. You should take
the suggested activities into your consideration for your college schedule.

The guideline for reading, writing, and communication should provide a supportive
outline for your future goals. However, good qualities in these three ares should be
lifelong goals that you keep improving and moving forward to the next level. There is no
perfect stage where you can ultimately achieve. So follow this guideline and start
approaching the right way that will lead to success, and make your dream into reality.

Sincerely yours,

Irene Wang
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
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Works Cited
Lamott, Anne. Bird by Bird : Some Instructions on Writing and Life. 1st ed. New York:Pantheon,
1994.
Jahren, Hope. Lab Girl. First ed. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2016.