Volunteer reference??

[663697]

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I've been volunteering at a soup kitchen for almost a year and I would ideally like to have a reference from this establishment because it's been one of my most meaningful experiences.

The problem is that on a weekly basis, I'm usually volunteering with other students and a hired cook. The last time I have seen my volunteer coordinator is probably ~6 months ago, as he is in own office which is detached from the soup kitchen. I realize that this would present an issue if I asked for a reference letter because I've had very little contact with him.

What should I do in this case?

 

[Dox4lyfe]

I've been volunteering at a soup kitchen for almost a year and I would ideally like to have a reference from this establishment because it's been one of my most meaningful experiences.

The problem is that on a weekly basis, I'm usually volunteering with other students and a hired cook. The last time I have seen my volunteer coordinator is probably ~6 months ago, as he is in own office which is detached from the soup kitchen. I realize that this would present an issue if I asked for a reference letter because I've had very little contact with him.

What should I do in this case?

If you're getting a LOR, get it from someone who can speak highly about your commitment and character. Someone who's seen and appreciated the hard work you're putting in. Not from the coordinator you never communicate with. If there's no one else, I'd get a different letter to avoid collecting a super dry letter.

 

[infectiousdisease101]

Don't worry about the letter. According to several adcoms here, most letters are generic, meaning positive but lacking real substance. Unless you have a committee letter, it's not a big deal unless the letter was very negative.

If your school has a premed advisor and you use/talk to them regularly ask them for a letter. I just recently found out a committee letter is not the same as an advisor letter, at least for my school. That came as a total shock to me.

 

[Catalystik]

I've been volunteering at a soup kitchen for almost a year and I would ideally like to have a reference from this establishment because it's been one of my most meaningful experiences.

The problem is that on a weekly basis, I'm usually volunteering with other students and a hired cook. The last time I have seen my volunteer coordinator is probably ~6 months ago, as he is in own office which is detached from the soup kitchen. I realize that this would present an issue if I asked for a reference letter because I've had very little contact with him.

What should I do in this case?

Who delegates tasks on-site? Or, can the hired cook speak to your excellent qualities? Could that person write a letter and have the coordinator co-sign it?