In 2008, my former fellow Academic Decathlete, schoolmate and friend, Surabhi Bhatt, asked me to write her a letter of recommendation for her Common App college application. She eventually went to school at the University of Virginia.
I hereby recommend my former Academic Decathlon teammate, Surabhi Bhatt, for admission into your fine institution. The following is an anecdote highlighting qualities Ms. Bhatt has that make her a great candidate for admission.
Everyone else had the day off, but as hardworking Academic Decathletes preparing for competition, we decided to use the school as a private study hall for the day.
Armed with several Civil War era study packets, Surabhi Bhatt and I sat in the empty third-floor hallway, snacking on chips as we reviewed. I couldn’t have asked for a better study companion. Surabhi never hesitated to ask questions or request explanations. “Can you go over Stephen Crane again?” she asked. I took out my notes and gave her the “low-down” on Crane.
I didn’t mind answering her questions because I always knew she’d return the favor. “Do you remember what each panel of the Bible Quilt means?” I asked. Surabhi was prepared to give an answer and took out her notes for reference. She was truly one of our best Decathletes—always eager, determined, dedicated and in love with learning for the sake of learning. In fact, she impressed me so much that I later chose her to succeed me as team captain.
I hoped we’d be ready by the big day. “Surabhi, are you nervous about competition?”
“Of course I’m nervous! But we’ll be fine. We always do well!” Surabhi always found ways to reassure me, even when I was at my wits’ end.
I was older than Surabhi and usually played the “big sister” in my social circle. I listened to people, comforted them and gave them advice. It was difficult, however, when I had problems and I needed someone to turn to—who would be my big sister?
While Surabhi did subscribe to my verbal advice columns, she was also the one who came through for me whenever I needed help. When I panicked over completing a project or college applications, Surabhi would comfort me, reminding me of all the obstacles I had previously conquered. As one of my closest friends, she was always there for me, both academically and personally.
As we were talking, Ian Tyler, my crush-of-the-moment, walked by. I was too nervous to say anything, but Surabhi stepped in boldly to save the moment. “Hey, Ian. We’re supposed to be off. What are you doing here?” she asked.
Ian didn’t take his eyes off me even as he spoke to her. “Hey, Surabhi. I’m here for JROTC. I’m just, uhm…looking for a dictionary.” He then clammed up and walked away.
“Did you hear that? He’s totally into you!” said Surabhi. I was a bit confused. She explained. “He said he was looking for a dictionary, but all the doors are locked. He knows he’s not going to find one anywhere. He just came by to see you!”
Once again, I was amazed by Surabhi’s insightfulness and ability to analyze. “If Ian really does like me, then what he did on Tuesday makes perfect sense!”
Curious as ever, Surabhi said, “What did he do?”
I told Surabhi every detail, knowing I could trust her with all my secrets, and she encouraged me when I began doubting the future of my hormone-fueled romance. She was quick to remind me, however, that we had a lot more reviewing to do.
Without Surabhi’s enthusiasm, loyalty, curiosity and support, my high school experience wouldn’t have been as fun or as bright. Any college would be incredibly lucky to have Surabhi as a part of their student body.
