February 28, 2017

Dear Admissions Committee:

As an African American Woman, I worry about the experiences my nieces and nephews will have in
the public school system. I am worried about the biases they will face and the opportunities they
may miss because the teachers around them are white women who havent explored their privilege
and biases. While serving as a Resident Assistant on my staff, I told Helena Jankowski that I would
allow her to teach the children I love because I know she gets it. Therefore, it is an honor and
privilege to recommend Helena Jankowski for the Masters program in Special Education, with an
Endorsement in Autism Spectrum Disorder at Michigan State University. I fully support her decision
to pursue a graduate degree and continue her development as an educator.

I had the pleasure of supervising Helena, for three years as the Community Director of West Circle
at Michigan State University where she has served as a Resident Assistant. During those three years,
I watched Helena mature and grow into a phenomenal person. However, what really makes her a
great candidate for this program is her commitment to student learning and development. Even
within her role as a Resident Assistant, Helena used it as an opportunity to fine tune her skills as an
educator, by planning programs, addressing crisis and working with her residents to provide them
with resources and guidance to assist with their college experience.

As my nieces and nephews get closer to school age, Helena is the type of teacher I would want them
to have. She is the type of educator that we need more of. Although, her gender and race are the
same as the majority of K-12 teachers, her passion for Social Justice and creating Brave learning
environments for all students, is what we need in all educators. I have watched her explore her
white privilege and biases, challenge her beliefs and push her peers. She is prepared to do the work
that is needed to prepare the next generation and make society a better place.

There are few things as important and powerful as an educator, in Helena you have an educator
that will always work to bring the best to and out of students, while continuing to educate and
better herself. This program will provide her with more tools to do the work she loves.

It is my belief that Helena Jankowski will not only be successful in your program, but will also
challenge her cohort members to do the same. Helena will be an asset to your program and to the
K-12 system. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at smitht80@rhs.msu.edu or
517-353-7769.

Sincerely,

Tamika Smith
Community Director- Homles Hall
Residence Education and Housing Services
Division of Residential and Hospitality Services
Michigan State University
E178 Holmes Hall
919 E. Shaw Ln.
East Lansing, MI 48825