Will

Fassett ARC Program Director

P.O. Box 340
Mariposa, CA 95338
(209) 347-7173
Recommendation for Prisila Gonzalez

Prisila Gonzalez was a participant on our 40-day ARC leadership and literacy summer course in Yosemite
National Park in 2016. I supervised the Yosemite site and I also served as a mentor for Prisila this
academic year, speaking to her at least once per month. The Adventure Risk Challenge course
integrates academics and outdoor adventure, including over two weeks of backpacking in the Park. The
course pushes students outside their comfort zone and exposes them to new activities (rockclimbing,
rafting, and a ropes course) and new experiences (teaching students from the Boys & Girls Club,
performing personal poetry in front of a large audience, and more). During the forty days, I was
extraordinarily impressed with Prisilas hard work and determination.

Prisila is a thoughtful young woman with an adventurous spirit. She came on the 40-day summer course,
despite her parents reservations. Whereas many students parents actively are convincing their son or
daughter to explore summer experiences, Prisila had to convince her mother and father that a summer
in Yosemite (without calling home or using the internet) would be beneficial for her. This shows her
determination to take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to her. She was chosen to
participate in the course and awarded a full scholarship, in part, because of the passion that she
demonstrated to us for learning and experiencing new adventures. Prisila has a desire to travel the
world and I have no doubt that she will continue to explore new places and make new friends wherever
she goes.

Prisila is also a strong student who is focused on her future. She wrote answers to her University of
California essay responses several months before they were due. In my experience mentoring students
and assisting them with college applications, students usually wait until the deadline to craft their
answers. Prisila is the rare student who is very self-directed. I think this self-discipline and focus will
serve her well in college. She will have the study skills and organization to succeed and she will have the
motivation and desire that is necessary to overcome obstacles.

Prisila has been chosen as an Ambassador for our program this spring. She will be giving presentations
and representing ARC at Buhach Colony High School and in the community. I have no doubt that she will
be a fantastic representative of our program and she would be a very deserving recipient of your
scholarship. If you have any further questions, please dont hesitate to contact me.

Will Fassett