Ability to deal with stress, learn from past mistakes, and drive for success Letter of Reference from Linda Mackay - Counsellor for the University of Waterloo

1. UNIVERSITY OF
WATERLOO
. COUNSELLING SERVICES
Needles Hall, Room 2080 | 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1
519-888-4562 ext.32655 | fax 519-888-4366 I counserv@uwaterloo.ca I counsellingservices.uwaterloo.ca
Linda Mackay, MSW RSW
University of Waterloo
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January 29,2012
To Whom lt May Concern,
I have offered to write this character statement for Tony Tang, a student who has been a
counselling client. I do not present this as a reference as such, as this is not a task that is
consistent with the role of a personal counsellor, however I am happy to comment on my
experience of Tony, of his capacity for learning and growth and the committed work he has
done as a student and a young man in his own personal and academic development.
As with many clients, I witness, accompany and guide them in their development and see
them mature over the four or five years of their academic career. Since meeting Tony, I have
been aware of the efforts he has made to advocate for himself and construct a productive
and ambitious undergrad experience. lt has been evident to me from our first meeting that he
has a strong vision for himself and is consistent with his efforts in working towards it. He has
learned to learn and I believe this is no small matter and is, in my opinion, becoming more of
a rarity amongst university students, many of whom focus solely on attainment rather than
process and incremental skill development. Within the context of this "groMh mindset", a
term coined by psychologist Carol Dweck of Stanford University (see her book "Mindsets,
the New Psychology of Success"), Tony has grappled with common struggles consistent with
his developmental stage and university challenges, however he has been uniquely open and
eager to learn, to seek out resources, to hone skills, to increase his resilience and be
persistent in his efforts.
Tony has shared many of his hopes and my impression is that he will not just wish his life
away, but he will be willing to work hard to bring these hopes into reality. He will continue to
learn and be challenged with the many interpersonal connections over a lifetime as we all
are, with friends, colleagues, family and partners. However, I believe too he will be open to
learning and growing within this personal sphere, increasing empathy and understanding of
other's behaviours and needs. Achievement without compassion and understanding of self
and others can lead to loneliness and isolation and Tony has made great strides in making
meaningful and important relationships with peers, staff and faculty here at the university of
Waterloo.
I believe that Tony will be an asset to any academic program or work environmbnt he finds
himself in over his lifetime. lt has been a privilege to share a small part of his time here
wish him the very best as he moves to the next stage of his life.
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Sincerely,
Llnda Mackay, MSW, R
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